Centre Manager - Residential Outdoor Education Centre

Centre Manager – Residential Outdoor Education Centre

Field Studies Council Flatford Mill, East Bergholt, Suffolk
Circa £37,132 per annum + excellent benefits! *
37.5 hours per week / Permanent contract

Love where you work!

At the Field Studies Council we aim to create outdoor learning experiences and opportunities that inspire everyone to be curious, knowledgeable, passionate, and caring about the environment.

Established in 1943, our network of Learning Locations provides day and residential courses for all ages, from schools and communities throughout the UK.

We value each of our team members and understand that every role is vital to deliver our mission, so, we provide great benefits* to reward and support you while you work with us.

What you’ll be doing

As our Centre Manager you will have a key operational and leadership role within our charity. You’ll work closely with the Head of Education and Operations to ensure the effective running of your centre, making sure that all activities are in line with the Field Studies Council vision and strategy.

You will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations, management and performance of your busy residential learning location. This will involve budgeting and ensuring effective systems are in place to meet customers’ expectations. As well as working with our Sales and Business Development teams to actively retain and develop new business opportunities.

You will be able to successfully lead and manage your team, providing clear direction, motivation, support, and feedback. As well as play an active role in recruiting, inducting, and developing each team member ensuring that they are performing to their highest potential with a strong focus on delivering excellent customer service.

Please refer to the vacancy pack for further information on the full responsibilities of this position.

Where you’ll be based

Field Studies Council Flatford Mill is the first and original field study centre set up in the UK during the 1940’s. It is set amidst the quintessentially English countryside of the Dedham Vale in Suffolk and sits on the banks of the River Stour.

We can accommodate up to 88 guests across 24 bedrooms. Customers stay in our internationally important buildings such as Willy Lotts’ House, (built in the 1500’s and made famous by John Constable’s ‘Haywain’ painting), Valley Farm (a medieval great hall built in the 1450’s) and of course the Mill itself that was owned and renovated by the Constable family in the 1700’s.

We are situated at the end of a lane that has no through traffic which offers visitors of all ages a much sought-after sense of tranquillity. Our 7 hectares of grounds include riverside and lake margins, woodland and grassland, quiet areas with picnic benches all connected by circular walks.

Who we’re looking for

We need a customer focussed, people manager with experience of leading teams to achieve great things. You will have developed strong business management skills from your previous work experience and be confident to deliver the day-to-day operational functions of a busy learning environment.

Previous experience working in a similar centre environment within the leisure, hospitality or education sectors is advantageous.

In addition, you will have:

• Ability to communicate effectively to a diverse range of audiences.
• A proactive approach to personal development. You will be motivated to learn new skills and seek new challenges, as well as be able to inspire others to do the same.
• Demonstrable time management and prioritisation skills.
• Commitment to learning in the outdoor environment.

Does this sound like the new opportunity you have been looking for? Come and be part of the team!

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• Financial - We offer competitive salaries, sick pay, pension schemes, life assurance, 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a further 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service.
• Health and Wellbeing - Eligible employees are automatically provided with a Health Cash Plan which you can use to help pay for routine health appointments as well as give you the ability to seek second opinions from top doctors! We also provide our team members with access to a 24hr Counselling Helpline Service.
• Discounts – When you join the team you are also enrolled into our reward programme which gives you discounts on your favourite brands and opportunities to earn cash back on everyday purchases!
• Additional benefits - We endeavour to offer flexible working options where roles permit and are committed to providing our employees with appropriate quality learning and development opportunities.

We look forward to your application and welcoming you to the team!

If you have any queries regarding this vacancy, please call Helen Robertson on 020 8502 8500

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 12 midnight on 20 September 2023

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications.

Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council Flatford Mill on 26 September 2023

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by telephone and/or email.