Runways End Centre Manager

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Aldershot; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is looking for a Centre Manager to lead Runways End Outdoor Centre. Candidates should have extensive experience in outdoor centres, strong leadership skills, and be committed to sustainability and community engagement. Responsibilities include overseeing operations, developing programmes, maintaining facilities, and leading a dedicated team. The role offers a competitive salary and attractive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive annual leave entitlement

Employee Support and Wellbeing

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in outdoor centres, including in management.
• Commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Experience in risk management and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of business plans for growth and sustainability.
• Design and deliver diverse outdoor learning programmes.
• Maintain and improve the quality of the centre's operations.
• Recruit and lead a high-performing staff team.
• Oversee health and safety, and risk management.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Communication

Risk management

Education

NGB awards in outdoor activities

Higher-level coaching qualification

Job description

Job Details :

Job Reference : HCC622885

Salary Range : £48,948 - £54,423 per annum

Work Location : Runways End Outdoor Centre, Aldershot

Hours per week : 37

Contract Type : Permanent

Closing Date : 17 December 2025

Interview Date : 5 January 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Centre Manager to lead Runways End Outdoor Centre in Aldershot.

Are you looking for a challenging and diverse leadership role, working as part of a friendly and supportive team, with an opportunity to make a real difference to outdoor education, sustainability, and community engagement in Hampshire?

The Role

As Centre Manager, you will lead Runways End Outdoor Centre our carbon-neutral site for outdoor education, recreation, and community engagement. You will champion inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing, embedding environmental best practice across all aspects of the centre’s operations. You will build partnerships with local communities, schools, and organisations, and drive digital innovation to ensure the centre remains at the cutting edge of outdoor learning and user experience.

As the responsible manager you will oversee facility development, manage change, and ensure the centre delivers safe, financially viable, high-quality, and accessible outdoor learning and recreation for a diverse range of audiences. You will also contribute to the strategic management and development of Hampshire Outdoor Centres.

For more information about Hampshire Outdoor Centres, please visit.

What you’ll do

• Lead the development and implementation of business plans to drive growth, innovation, and financial sustainability.
• Design, deliver, and evaluate a diverse range of outdoor learning and recreational programmes, including digital and blended learning.
• Continuously improve the quality of the centre’s operations through robust planning, implementation, and regular review.
• Maintain and develop income streams through effective marketing, promotion, and customer engagement.
• Act as Operational Budget Holder, planning, monitoring, and reporting on budgets.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing staff team, championing inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing.
• Lead on health and safety, safeguarding, and risk management, ensuring robust processes and compliance.
• As the responsible manager oversee the management, maintenance, and development of centre buildings, equipment, and grounds.
• Represent the centre at local, regional, and national forums to maximise positive impact.

What we’re looking for

• NGB awards in at least three relevant outdoor activities and a higher-level coaching qualification.
• Substantial experience in outdoor centres, including in management.
• Strong leadership, teaching, and operational management skills.
• Experience in risk management, quality assurance, compliance, and partnership working.
• Excellent communication, IT, and organisational abilities.
• Commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Why join us?

We are recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK with a focus on providing quality services and support to the people of Hampshire. We are immensely proud that our teams are so committed to delivering the high standards that our strong reputation is built on. There are many reasons why we are an excellent choice for your next career move. Hampshire is an inspiring place to . In addition to your salary, we offer an excellent , including :

• Competitive annual leave entitlement.
• Employee Support and Wellbeing.
• A range of flexible working options.

Additional Information

Runways End Centre Manager

Vetting Requirements

This role is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion

David Drew, Head of Service on

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.