Centre Manager - Residential Outdoor Education Centre

Do you have the leadership skills to run a busy residential centre and inspire a team to deliver outstanding outdoor learning experiences?

We re looking for you to join our Environmental Education Charity as our new Centre Manager.

• Permanent full time contract
• Starting salary is circa £39,390 per annum
• Excellent benefits including 28 days annual leave + bank holidays, life assurance and a health cash plan (see the full list below)
• Work in a stunning location, with nature on your doorstep every day
• We have a 2-bedroom bungalow on site, providing the opportunity to relocate to beautiful Somerset (subject to availability).

Love where you work!

Established in 1943, our network of Learning Locations provides day and residential outdoor education courses for all ages. We aim to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature.

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, ensuring all activities align 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 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 supporting them to perform at their best 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 Nettlecombe Court is a unique and inspiring place to work. Set in a peaceful valley on the edge of Exmoor National Park, the house is a striking Tudor and Georgian mansion surrounded by ancient woodland, heritage parkland, and a nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Working here means being immersed in nature every day, with easy access to the Somerset coast, Exmoor, and the Quantocks National Landscape. The setting is not only beautiful but also rich in history and biodiversity, offering a truly rewarding environment to be part of.

Who we re looking for

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.

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

In addition, you will have:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide 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.
• A passion for outdoor learning and a commitment to its value

Sound like the role for you? Join us and help shape outstanding learning experiences in nature.

Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• Financial - We offer competitive salaries, sick pay, pension schemes, life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary, 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.

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 9.00am on Monday 20th October 2025.

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 Nettlecombe Court on Wednesday 5th November 2025.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks