Centre Manager

Greater Manchester Youth Federation

Appleby-in-Westmorland, Westmorland and Furness (On-site)

£34,795 - £38,059 per year

Full-time

Permanent

Save Saved

Job description

Ormside Mill Residential Centre Manager

Grade 7 Point 26 – 30, £34,795- £38,059. (Full Time 35 hours, Permanent)

Introduction

Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF) is a long-established charity running vibrant youth centres across Greater Manchester. We’re dedicated to raising aspirations and creating opportunities for young people, especially those facing disadvantage, through exciting activities, outreach, and outdoor adventures. Our approach champions youth voice, inclusion, and building confidence and resilience. We offer outdoor education, including residentials at our own Ormside Mill site in Cumbria and other sites nationwide. Ormside Mill Residential Centre (ORC) is a unique and charming residential environment where children and young people can experience outdoor learning, personal development, and safe adventure. We aspire for ORC to be a centre of excellence in residential youth work.

Purpose of Role:

The Centre Manager is responsible for the effective leadership and management of Ormside Mill Residential Centre (ORC), including all Health and Safety, estate management, operations and bookings. The postholder will ensure high-quality, inclusive, and safe delivery of youth work activities, aligned with our organisational values and mission.

GMYF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equality of opportunity. We will make reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities. All personal data will be processed in accordance with GDPR.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management

To support the CEO in the delivery of our mission, in line with our values and ambition.
Oversee daily operations of Ormside Mill Residential Centre, ensuring high service standards and smooth handover/takeover procedures.
Line manage staff associated with the centre, such as the grounds keeper, housekeeper and finance assistant.
Manage and administer all bookings and reservations for the Ormside Mill Residential Centre, maintaining an organised and efficient system.
Provide onsite ‘take over’ and ‘hand over’ arrangements for groups, including providing oversight of activities with freelance instructors etc.

Safety, Quality and Compliance

To ensure they have up to date Safeguarding knowledge and to promote GMYF safeguarding culture.
Responsible for safe, inclusive practice in all areas of ORC work, through supportive line management of key staff, user and contractor briefings and operations. Be responsible for compliance with health and safety regulations including Fire Safety, Legionella, Contractor Management, vehicle maintenance etc.
Manage and complete documentation for inspections or quality marks such as AHOEC, Evolve, AALA Licence etc. ensuing readiness for audit and compliance, including supporting the Chief Instructor with kit management and storage.
To be responsible for a detailed estates plan that sets out key compliance requirements and their successful management within a 12-month period and beyond.

Administration and Organisation

Represent the organisation in external networks and partnerships related to residential and youth work, including building positive relationship with local residents.
Collaborate with delivery teams to populate the forecast events and resource demand.
To identify, submit and secure external funding to support our endeavours, via grants or individual benefactors.
To promote environmental sustainability, appropriate waste management and care for the environment.
To be responsible for the production of regular and accurate reports such as the Annual Report, User Satisfaction reports, etc.
Responsible for the vetting, compliance and expectations for freelances staff, in line with GMYF values.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL

Qualifications & Technical Competence

Current First Aid qualification or commitment to obtain within 3 months
Relevant qualification in youth work, education, or a related field, with a focus on residential and youth centre management.
Experience of working within AALA or similar regulatory frameworks.
L3 Safeguarding qualification working with young people or commitment to obtain within 1 month

Experience

Proven experience in developing and ensuring the quality of programmes and activities within residential centres.
Excellent communication, IT, and interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate with staff, volunteers, and external partners.
Proven ability to work independently and lead an effective team.
Experience of risk management and developing safe systems of work in residential and youth settings.
Experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds, including those facing disadvantage or additional barriers.
Experience using data systems to manage bookings, track maintenance, and monitor programme outcomes.
Experience using data systems to manage bookings, track maintenance, and monitor programme outcomes.
Experience to manage the centre budget, reporting on time and accurately on all financial matters.

Skills and Attributes

Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
Ability to plan and deliver inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate programmes.
Confidence in decision-making, particularly in dynamic outdoor environments.
Ability to work collaboratively within a youth work and multi-disciplinary team.
Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and youth-centred practice.

DESIRABLE

Hold a NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent, demonstrating a solid foundation in health and safety principles and practices.
Completion of IOSH Managing Safely course or similar, equipping you with the essential skills to manage health and safety effectively within a residential centre and youth club environment.

Other Requirements

GMYF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An Enhanced DBS is required for this post. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

This is a UK-based post and applicants must be living in and have the right to work in the UK. If applicable, please detail your Visa status in your covering email.

Please let us know if you need us to make any reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process and we’ll be happy to support you.