Centre Manager - Southampton

Full-time position, Permanent employment.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Centre Manager to join our Calshot Activities Centre team at Hampshire County Council.
Are you looking for a challenging and diverse leadership role, working as part of a friendly and supportive team, with an opportunity to make a real difference? Calshot Activities Centre is one of the UK's largest and most diverse residential outdoor activity centres, located on the scenic South Coast at the entrance to Southampton Water.

The Role:

As Calshot Centre Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the centre, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and inclusive outdoor learning and recreational experiences. You will lead a dedicated team, drive continuous improvement, and maintain the centre's approach to quality and safety.

What you'll do:

• Lead, develop, and manage Calshot Activities Centre, ensuring outstanding, safe, and accessible outdoor experiences for a diverse range of users.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership, including staff management, business planning, partnership development, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the implementation of the Calshot Asset Strategy and contribute to long-term planning, sustainability, growth, and innovation.
• Oversee health and safety, safeguarding, and risk management, ensuring robust processes and compliance.
• Operate as Operational Budget Holder, responsible for budget planning and monitoring.
• Ensure a high-quality experience for all users through excellent customer service and well-maintained facilities.
• Develop income streams and business opportunities and monitor key performance indicators.
• Deputise for the Head of Service, contributing to the strategic direction and performance monitoring of Hampshire Outdoor Centres.
• Represent the service at a national level and act as a technical expert and advisor where qualified.

What we're looking for:

• Senior management experience in outdoor education or centre leadership.
• Qualifications in at least four outdoor activities (including a higher-level coaching qualification).
• A Level grade A-C in English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Strong leadership, people management, and communication skills.
• Experience in business planning, budget management, and partnership working.
• Commitment to safety, safeguarding, and environmental sustainability.
• Ability to innovate, manage change, and deliver excellent customer service.

We are recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK with a focus on providing quality services and support to the people of Hampshire. We offer an excellent benefits package, including:

• Competitive annual leave entitlement
• Employee Support and Wellbeing
• A range of flexible working options

This role will require an enhanced DBS check.