Recreation Operations & Growth Manager
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Recreation Operations & Growth Manager
Salary: £75,000 – £80,000 + Excellent Benefits
Location: North West England
We are seeking a Recreation Operations & Growth Manager to lead the transformation of a large, nationally significant recreation and landholding estate. This is a rare opportunity to shape a high‑profile visitor environment, drive commercial growth, and deliver meaningful environmental & community value.
The Opportunity
As the strategic lead for Recreation Operations & Growth Manager, you will set the long‑term vision for a diverse outdoor estate, creating a high‑performing, customer‑focused and commercially sustainable recreation offer. Your leadership will directly influence how millions of visitors experience the natural environment.
You will develop the business model, lead a central team, grow revenue & ensure that visitor operations align with environmental protection, heritage, regulatory obligations & brand values.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Own & deliver the long‑term strategy for the function
- Position as a credible, commercially ambitious & investable business area
- Lead the transition from cost centre to sustainable, income‑generating business unit
- Ensure all activities safeguard and enhance nature, heritage, water safety, and community benefit
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead & develop a multi‑disciplinary team across commercial, sourcing, marketing & visitor experience
- Build a high‑performance, data‑driven, customer‑centric culture
- Provide coaching & direction to meet growth targets
- Operate effectively within a regulated environment
Commercial Growth & Delivery
- Set & manage income, commercial & performance targets
- Oversee commercial pipelines including new concessions, events, parking, water activities & visitor services
- Lead business cases, cost models, investment proposals & budget planning
- Ensure strong pricing strategies & revenue optimisation across all contracts
- Oversee tendering & delivery of landscape & access projects, with understanding of planning processes
Partnership & Stakeholder Management
- Manage relationships with operators, concessions, land agents, NGOs, local authorities & other strategic partners
- Build positive working relationships with regulators
- Ensure strong partner performance and consistent customer experience
Governance & Reporting
- Establish a clear governance framework for safety, finance, operations and land use
- Provide regular performance reporting to senior leadership
- Ensure alignment with broader corporate objectives
Skills & Experience Required
- Strong leadership experience in environmental, leisure, outdoor recreation, visitor attractions or estate management
- Proven track record in commercial growth and developing revenue-generating visitor propositions
- Experience managing multi-functional teams and complex external partnerships
- Strong financial acumen, with experience interpreting P&L and ROI cases
- Ability to balance commercial ambition with environmental, heritage and regulatory requirements
Benefits
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Employer pension contribution
- Up to 20% performance-related bonus
- £5,000 car allowance