Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Deputy Operations Manager to join our team at The Living Rainforest.

The Trust for Sustainable Living is a registered charity based near Newbury, Berkshire. At our visitor centre, The Living Rainforest, visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of a lush tropical rainforest environment.

The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting the Operations Manager to ensure the smooth operation of our visitor centre, including the front of house areas.

The Deputy Operations Manager will be instrumental in creating a positive experience for our visitors, whilst maintaining high standards of health and safety around the centre, and foster a positive work environment for the team.

Primary Responsibilities:

To support the Operations Manager with the smooth running of the day-to-day operations of the visitor centre, The Living Rainforest. To act as a Duty Manager at the centre including opening, closing and overseeing the full activities within the centre. Be the first point of contact for Health and Safety including First Aid at the centre To assist with the supervision of all departments within the centre including maintenance, front of house, education, zoological and horticulture Support the Operations Manager and relevant teams, with planning and constructing of new displays and exhibits within the visitor centre.

Health and Safety/Maintenance:

With the support of the Operations Manager, manage Health and Safety within the centre, in line with legislation and best practice. Including ensuring compliance with the health and safety policies and procedures within the centre. To be first point of contact for all health and safety queries and oversee the health and safety training of all staff. Oversee the maintenance department and ensure the upkeep of all equipment and facilities at the centre. Be hands on to plan and support with appropriate maintenance projects. Assist in the review and preparation of risk assessments and safe working practices, ensuring a secure and safe environment for staff and visitors.

Front of House areas:

Support the Operations Manager with the management of the Front of House areas including the front entrance, shop and cafe areas, including managing rotas and coordinating with part time and weekend staff Support with developing a profitable and effective sales operation which contributes to the overall visitor experience To oversee the ongoing training of existing Front of House staff members, improve and upgrade on current training procedures, and to update the training as appropriate on a continuous basis To assist in the recruitment of new staff and develop programmes to maximise the retention of existing staff To demonstrate excellent customer service and promote good practice within all areas of the visitor centre To be responsible for end of day cashing up and all associated administration, ensuring that all till operations are carried out in accordance with our policies and procedures

IT/Systems:

Work with the IT Manager to ensure all equipment is running correctly. Have familiarity with the EPOS systems and work with the IT Manager and Operations Manager to ensure fully functioning.

Experience

Proven experience in a supervisory role within the hospitality or retail industry is essential. Experience working within a visitor centre/zoo would be highly desirable. Strong knowledge of health and safety guidelines, including food safety regulations and best practices is required. Experience in food production and preparation techniques is desirable. Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team effectively. This is a very hands-on management role with the ability to lead by example. Must be willing to undertake an advanced DBS check and be First Aid trained

About this role:

This is a full-time role and involves working weekends and Bank Holidays on a rota basis The standard hours are 9.00am to 5.30pm with some flexibility required We can offer you a diverse role within a unique working environment, with the opportunity to get involved with different aspects of a visitor centre. A driving license is required for this role due to the remote location of our centre and off site offices.
If you are looking for an opportunity to grow your career in a vibrant, unique setting while contributing to an enthusiastic team, we encourage you to apply for this exciting Deputy Operations Manager position.

To apply, please send your CV together with a covering letter, explaining why you would be the best candidate for the role.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Due to the popularity of some vacancies, if we haven't contacted you back within 28 days, please assume that your application was unsuccessful.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

The Living Rainforest is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and Adults at Risk. Therefore the successful applicant will need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this role.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking On-site parking Store discount
Schedule:

8 hour shift Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Work Location: In person