Job Title: Operations Manager
Duration: Permanent
Hours: Full time
35 hours per week Monday – Friday
Salary Scale:£36,839 – £42,781
Appointments are made at the start of the salary scale, with annual pay progression through the scale based on satisfactory performance. The pay scale is reviewed annually in the light of cost of living and operational budgets.
Pension: 6% employer pension contribution
Holiday: 26 days plus bank holidays
Reports to: Deputy Director
Line Manages: Operations Supervisors, Gallery Technician, Front of House staff and Cleaners
The appointment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check
The Operations Manager is a key role within the team, ensuring the effective and efficient management of the SLG’s three sites: the Main Gallery, the Fire Station and Art Block. This includes managing the maintenance and upkeep of the SLG’s Grade II listed buildings and artist-designed gardens, as well as leading the Front of House team to ensure that the SLG provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors and a high quality of visitor experience.
The Operations Manager works closely with the Deputy Director and manages a team comprising two Operations Supervisors, the Gallery Technician and contracted and casual Front of House staff and Cleaners. The role takes the lead on the implementation and monitoring of the SLG’s environment and sustainability policy and contributes to organisation-wide work towards the SLG’s equity, diversity and inclusion objectives.
The post holder will be required to be an appointed first aider and a fire marshal, as well as a primary keyholder. They may, therefore, be called upon for out of hours emergencies. Appropriate training will be given.
In our endeavour to diversify our workforce and create a more inclusive environment, we particularly encourage and welcome applications from people from backgrounds which are underrepresented in museums and galleries, including people from low-income backgrounds, people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds and disabled people.
Registered Charity 
51 - 100
Thank you!
Inspire the next generation through outdoor adventure
Blackwell Adventure is one of the UK’s leading outdoor education charities. Located across two sites in rural Worcestershire and welcoming over 30,000 visitors annually, we deliver high-quality outdoor learning experiences to schools, Scouts, Guides, youth organisations, and corporate clients.
As our current CEO prepares to retire, we are seeking an exceptional leader to take the helm and shape the next chapter of our charity’s story. This is an outstanding opportunity for a dynamic and visionary professional with a deep commitment to outdoor learning and youth development.
About the Role
As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the charity, reporting to the Board of Trustees. You will lead a committed team of staff and volunteers to ensure the continued delivery of safe, inclusive, and transformative experiences for young people, while ensuring Blackwell Adventure remains financially sustainable and future-focused.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Strategic planning and organisational governance
- Operational and programme delivery across Blackwell Court and Pikes Pool
- Fundraising and income diversification, including grant acquisition and commercial development
- Financial planning, risk management, and regulatory compliance
- External representation and partnership development
- Team leadership and values-driven cultural stewardship
- This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who is equally comfortable setting vision, making strategic decisions, managing complex operations, and building strong, positive relationships with partners and funders.
About You
- We are looking for an experienced, inspirational leader with:
- A proven track record of strategic and operational leadership at senior level
- A strong background in outdoor education or a closely related field
- Demonstrable success in financial management and income generation
- Excellent people management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
- A deep understanding of the educational, developmental, and safeguarding needs of young people
- A collaborative, values-led approach, and commitment to continuous improvement
Higher-level outdoor qualifications and familiarity with the voluntary or charitable sector will be advantageous.
Why Join Blackwell Adventure?
· A respected, successful, and values-driven charity
· A supportive and engaged Board of Trustees
· A passionate and talented staff and volunteer team
· Two beautiful 50-acre sites with extensive facilities
· A competitive salary and benefits package
· Relocation support available
· Optional on-site accommodation available for rent (Detached 2-bedroom Gatehouse Lodge).
Deadline for applications: 5:00 p.m., Monday 18th August 2025
Key Dates
- Application deadline: Monday 18th August 2025, 5:00 p.m.
- Shortlist notification: Friday 22nd August 2025
- Interviews + Facility tours (2.5 hrs, in-person at Blackwell Court): Up to the 4th of September 2025
- Proposed start date: Monday 5th January 2026
Blackwell Adventure is an equal opportunity employer.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and actively encourage candidates with lived experience of the power of outdoor learning.
All offers are subject to satisfactory references, enhanced DBS clearance, and background checks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.