Job Description

About Willowgate

Nestled on the banks of the River Tay in Perth,

Willowgate Adventure Centre

is a vibrant hub for outdoor activity and learning. We offer paddle sports, archery, bushcraft, land-based adventures, and educational programmes, working with schools, community groups, families, and corporate clients.

Our mission is simple: to create experiences that inspire confidence, connection, and personal growth. As we enter a new phase of development, we are seeking a leader who shares our passion for adventure, excellence, and innovation.

The centre is part of the Tay and Earn Charitable Trust that promotes development and use by the community of the Tay and surrounding areas whilst protecting and nurturing the environment.

The Role

Reporting to the CEO and Chairman of the Trust, you will provide

management and leadership

across all activity delivery and centre operations, including day-to-day management of the centre and team, and ensuring the highest safety and compliance standards are built and maintained.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Proven experience managing an outdoor activity centre, leisure facility, education/adventure provider, or similar. Strong operational management skills: staffing, scheduling, logistics, resource allocation. Experience in health & safety and risk management in an outdoor/adventure setting. Excellent customer service orientation; ability to build strong relationships with clients, guests, and partners. Strong leadership and people-management skills; ability to motivate and develop teams. Financial acumen: budgeting, cost control, income generation, performance monitoring. Attention to detail with the ability to build and develop process and structure in operational practices. Organised, proactive, flexible, able to work under pressure, including weekends/peak periods. Full UK driving licence and willingness to work outdoors in all weathers. First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain) and relevant industry certifications.

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications in outdoor/adventure leadership (e.g., activity-instructor certifications, adventure sports awards). Knowledge of Scottish outdoor/adventure regulations/licensing. Passion for the outdoors and delivering transformational experiences for guests.

How to Apply

Send your

CV and covering letter

outlining your relevant experience, leadership approach, and vision for Willowgate's future to:

simon@tayandearntrust.org

Additional Information

This post is subject to an enhanced PVG/DBS check.

Reporting To.

CEO and Chairman of the Trust.

Hours of Work

Full Time 40 hours / week on a rota basis which will include some weekends and evenings.

The seasonal nature of the industry and the pivotal and important role this is, flexibility in hours of work is required.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Oversee the day-to-day running of the centre: activities, site facilities, equipment, and staffing. Ensure all activity delivery meets quality, safety, regulatory, and customer service standards. Manage scheduling, resource allocation, equipment maintenance, and logistics. Work with the senior team to set and deliver business targets (revenue, cost control, utilisation). Support the Sales and Marketing Manager identify and drive new business opportunities, including schools, corporate clients, and leisure users, while maintaining strong client relationships.

Team Management

Recruit, train, supervise, and support instructors, activity, operations and support personnel. Lead by example and promote a positive culture, high staff morale, professional development, and performance management. Ensure staff maintain required licenses/certifications, first aid, safeguarding, and other qualifications.

Health & Safety / Risk Management

Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety, AALA, safeguarding licensing, and activity standards. Develop, implement, and review risk assessments, incident reporting, and emergency-response procedures. Monitor and maintain high standards of equipment, site inspections, and maintenance.

Customer Experience & Quality Assurance

Ensure every participant receives an outstanding experience, from enquiry and booking, through activity delivery, to feedback and departure. Monitor feedback and complaints, using insights to drive continuous improvement. Support sales and marketing for promotions, branding, customer communications, and onsite presentation.

Financial & Business Management

Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, financial control, and business planning. Identify new revenue streams and optimise facility utilisation. Manage procurement, inventory, and supplier relationships.

Site & Facility Development

Lead development of the site's infrastructure, equipment, and supporting services. Partner with senior management on long-term strategy, investment, and growth initiatives. Ensure the site reflects the Willowgate brand and mission.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 38,000.00-42,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

Perth PH2 7JU: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person