Please note, this role is located in the Lake District, not Cheshire.
About the Role
The Operations Manager is responsible for the management and success of day-to-day operations at their designated site. They are responsible for immediate operational decision-making across all areas of their site.
The Operations Manager is directly responsible for the Assistant Operations Manager and Site Supervisors. It is expected that they will directly support in the day-to-day management of all other casual operations staff. The Operations Manager will report directly to the Head of Operations.
Main Tasks
Staff
Management of the operational staff to ensure provision of excellent visitor experience.
Support staff to ensure yearly schedules and plans are effective and work is completely in a timely manner.
Manage the recruitment, induction and continued training of all new members of operational and casual staff.
Monitor performance and act as a first port of call for all operational staff; to assist and develop their skills.
Personnel/H.R. –Ensure that all seasonal staffing personnel issues are dealt with promptly and personnel records are kept up to date
Park Operations
To take operational responsibly for the operations of their park and indoor paly area on a day-to-day basis, this includes coordination of other teams such as maintenance, park performance, catering and marketing to deliver successful daily operations.
Monitor all public areas to ensure they are clean, safe, presentable and in full working order and coordinate with the Head of Facilities and Maintenance to manage a programme of works for the park.
Ensure all Health and Safety procedures relating to operations are followed
Ensure up to date compliance with relevant health & safety, and food hygiene practices.
Ensure adequate first aid cover within the park and indoor play area and review statistics to identify hotspots and issues, liaising with the COO to implement change if necessary.
To take responsibility for ensuring all RIDDORable incidents from Bewilderwood operated attractions involving visitors are reported.
Liaise directly with Brokers regarding incidents.
To be the first point of contact for all issues within the day to day running of the site, and to escalate these to the appropriate Head of Department or COO where appropriate.
To complete monthly safety inspections of indoor and outdoor structures with the support of the Head of Facilities and Maintenance.
Ticketing and EPOS
Manage and maintain the EPOS and Till systems associated with Retail and Ticket sales within the site.
To coordinate the booking of large groups, schools and private hire of the parks, ensuring clear communication and effective billing
Work closely with the Head of Marketing and Media to ensure that online ticket sales are effective and working at all times.
Work closely with the Head of Marketing and Media to ensure that a robust and commercially effective online welcome and farewell journey is in place for all visitors.
Visitors
To be the in-house expert for dealing with visitor queries, requests and complaints, providing advice and guidance to staff and being a point of escalation for more serious matters.
Retail
To lead of retail operations within the site, deciding on appropriate stock for the shop and taking charge of ordering within agreed limits.
Seasonal Events
To manage day-to-day operations during seasonal events such as BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas.
Financial management and reporting
Spend withing agreed budgets.
Produce monthly reports for the board against agreed KPIs.
Take an active role in the annual budget setting process for their park.
Other duties
Maintain BeWILDerwood values in everything you do - we’re all about families playing together in a happy safe place.
Manage and maintain strong relationships with staff, both seasonal and full time, in all areas of BeWILDerwood
Carry out any other duties that may be reasonably required
Read Tom’s books (with your kids if you have them) and get a feeling for the stories they tell and the creatures who live at BeWILDerwood
Policies
To carry out all duties in accordance with the policies of BeWILDerwood Cheshire
Uphold your legal duty to take care of your own Health and Safety and that of your colleagues
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In-person
Deadline: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Interviews: Monday 18th May 2026
Expected start date: Monday 1st June 2026