Operations Manager - Adventure Sports

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with incentives

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Adventure activity discounts

Hybrid role with remote admin support

Job summary

Placements24 in Mbombela (Nelspruit) seeks a proactive Operations Manager to lead daily adventure sport activities, ensure safety, and drive efficiency. You will manage staff, coordinate equipment, and oversee logistics across multiple activities, balancing on-site leadership with remote administration.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years’ experience in operations within leisure or adventure sectors, including safety and budgeting responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Operations Management, Tourism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management, preferably in adventure tourism or Leisure & Sports.
• Proven experience in staff management, safety management, and logistical coordination.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of adventure sports activities, ensuring smooth execution.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Oversee staff recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained, inspected, and repaired according to safety standards.
• Manage inventory of supplies and equipment, ensuring adequate stock levels.
• Coordinate logistics for customer bookings, transportation, and activity scheduling.
• Uphold and enforce rigorous safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Handle customer inquiries, feedback, and resolve any operational issues promptly.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to support promotional activities and package offerings.
• Monitor operational costs and contribute to budget management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and environmental standards.

Skills

Staff management

Safety management

Budgeting

Operations leadership

Customer service

Problem-solving

Communication

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Operations Management, Tourism, or a related field

Tools

Scheduling software

IT systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier provider of adventure sports experiences, is seeking a dynamic and organized Operations Manager to oversee their operations in Nelspruit . This hybrid role requires a hands-on leader who can manage daily activities, ensure the highest standards of safety and customer service, and contribute to the strategic growth of the business. You will be responsible for managing staff, coordinating equipment maintenance, overseeing logistics for various adventure activities, and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, a passion for the outdoors, and a deep understanding of operational efficiency within the Leisure & Sports sector. This role offers a blend of on-site management and remote administrative flexibility, providing a balanced approach to overseeing our exciting adventure offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of adventure sports activities, ensuring smooth execution.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Oversee staff recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained, inspected, and repaired according to safety standards.
• Manage inventory of supplies and equipment, ensuring adequate stock levels.
• Coordinate logistics for customer bookings, transportation, and activity scheduling.
• Uphold and enforce rigorous safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Handle customer inquiries, feedback, and resolve any operational issues promptly.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to support promotional activities and package offerings.
• Monitor operational costs and contribute to budget management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and environmental standards.

Requirements

• Requirements Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Operations Management, Tourism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management, preferably within the adventure tourism or Leisure & Sports industry.
• Proven experience in staff management, safety management, and logistical coordination.
• Strong understanding of outdoor adventure activities and associated risks.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control operational expenses.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-centric approach.
• First Aid and CPR certifications are essential; advanced outdoor emergency certifications are a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site presence with remote administrative tasks.
• Proficiency in scheduling software and basic IT systems.
• Passion for outdoor activities and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, along with performance-based incentives and potential bonuses.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced safety training and management courses, are provided.
• Employees benefit from discounts on adventure activities and equipment.
• This hybrid role offers a unique balance between hands-on operational management in the stunning Nelspruit region and the flexibility of remote work.
• Join a passionate team dedicated to providing unforgettable adventure experiences within the exciting Leisure & Sports sector.