Runways End Centre Manager

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Centre Manager for the Runways End Outdoor Centre in Aldershot. This leadership role involves driving outdoor education, community engagement, and sustainability. The successful candidate will oversee facility development, manage a dynamic staff team, and implement innovative learning programs while ensuring high safety and quality standards. The position offers a challenging environment with significant opportunity to influence outdoor learning experiences. Competitive benefits package included.

Benefits

Competitive annual leave entitlement

Employee Support and Wellbeing

A range of flexible working options

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Continuously improve the quality of the centre's operations through robust planning.
• Maintain and develop income streams through effective marketing and customer engagement.
• Act as Operational Budget Holder, planning and reporting on budgets.
• Recruit and develop a high‑performing staff team, championing inclusion and wellbeing.
• Lead on health and safety, ensuring compliance.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of centre buildings and grounds.
• Represent the centre at forums to maximise positive impact.

Job description

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?

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 live and work. In addition to your salary, we offer an excellent benefits package, including:

Benefits

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