National Operations Projects, Planning & Communication Manager

Haven Holidays; Hemel Hempstead; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading holiday company in Hemel Hempstead seeks a National Operations Projects, Planning & Communication Manager to oversee operational planning and communication. This hybrid role demands a collaborative leader skilled in strategy and change management, creating a clear operating rhythm for park operations. With a focus on effective teamwork and stakeholder engagement, responsibilities include managing operational plans, leading communications, and driving change initiatives. An annual bonus and numerous benefits are offered.

Benefits

Annual bonus

75% discount on holidays

Comprehensive wellbeing support

Access to corporate box at O2 Arena

Exclusive discounts with partners

Career pathways and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operational and strategic capacity planning.
• Exceptional communication skills, able to convey complex messages clearly.
• Strong leadership presence and relationship-building capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Own and govern Haven’s Operational Activity Plan, ensuring successful implementation.
• Lead park-facing operational communications for coordinated delivery.
• Drive impactful change programs aligned with strategic goals.

Skills

Project and Programme Management

Operational Planning

Strategic Communication

Analytical Skills

Team Leadership

Tools

Excel

Business Intelligence tools

MS Office

SharePoint

Job description

National Operations Projects, Planning & Communication Manager – Hertfordshire National Operations Projects, Planning & Communications Manager Hemel Hempstead, Hybrid (3 days/ week in office). Annual salary + bonus and benefits. At Haven, great holidays start with great operations. This role sits at the heart of how we plan, prioritise and deliver everything that happens across our parks. You’ll shape a clear, joined‑up operating rhythm for the business – bringing together strategy, change and day‑to‑day delivery – so our teams have the clarity, capacity and confidence to succeed. You’ll lead organisation‑wide planning, drive impactful change and efficiency programmes, and ensure our parks are supported by simple, consistent and well‑timed communications. It’s a highly influential opportunity for an inclusive, collaborative leader who enjoys turning complexity into clarity and making a visible difference for our teams and guests.

Responsibilities

• Owning and governing Haven’s Operational Activity Plan, setting a disciplined operating rhythm through robust planning frameworks, capacity models and a controlled, prioritised pipeline of activity that aligns operational priorities, seasonal demand and park capacity.
• Leading all park‑facing operational communications, ensuring clear, consistent and right‑first‑time delivery through well‑governed SOPs, a single accessible central library, and simple, effective communication standards and channels.
• Providing senior leadership for operational change and programmes, shaping and delivering cross‑functional initiatives aligned to the 5‑year strategy and EBITDA goals, with clear roadmaps, milestones, risks and dependencies.
• Representing the operational voice at the heart of the business, ensuring park realities, risks and opportunities inform programme design, decision‑making, board reporting and the mobilisation of change across parks.
• Building and leading a high‑performing team and stakeholder network, partnering closely with Operations Directors, Park GMs and Central teams, staying connected to parks, and using insight to continuously improve planning, communications and operational effectiveness. Expertise in project, programme and change management, with proven experience leading complex, cross‑functional initiatives at pace, from scoping and business case development through to delivery and reporting.
• Strong operational and strategic capability, including operational capacity and activity planning, experience in large multi‑site or hospitality environments, and the ability to shape plans that balance guest, team and commercial outcomes.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling messages, produce high‑quality board papers and communications, and inspire alignment and engagement at all levels.
• Advanced analytical, planning and organisational skills, using data, insight and structure (Excel, BI tools, MS Office and SharePoint) to drive clarity, prioritisation and effective decision‑making.
• Proven senior leadership and relationship‑building ability, bringing presence, credibility and gravitas, coaching and developing teams, constructively challenging where needed, and being recognised as a trusted 'go‑to' partner across the business.

We're part of an award‑winning Bourne Leisure family, which includes Haven & Warner Hotels. We have 9,000 fantastic team members and 39 beautiful seaside locations and our HQ based in Hemel Hempstead.

What it’s like to work with us

Working with us is ultimately defined by our exceptional people and teams. At Haven, we take pride in our Breath of Fresh Air culture, which focuses on valuing and supporting every team member. We prioritise openness and transparency in our interactions allowing our team members to be their authentic selves. We operate a hybrid working model, meaning 50% of your working week will be spent at the office, occasionally on Park, or at external events.

Recruitment process

The interview process will be up to 3 stages and may contain a presentation or skills test, depending on the role. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments to help you perform at your best during this process, please let us know. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments or flexibility that you may require, including whether a role can be part‑time or a job‑share.

Benefits

• Annual bonus – Up to 75% discount on both Haven and Warner Hotels holiday for you, family and friends.
• Comprehensive wellbeing support.
• Access to the Bourne Leisure corporate box at the O2 Arena, London.
• Exclusive discounts with corporate partners.
• Exciting career pathways, including Learning and Development opportunities such as Apprenticeships and Degrees.
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies and pay (eligibility criteria applied).