Job Description

Are you ready to take your career to new heights?

We're looking for an energetic, customer-focused General Manager to help lead the charge at Gripped, West London's ultimate outdoor adrenaline attraction. If you love the outdoors, thrive in fast-paced environments, and have a passion for delivering unforgettable experiences, this is the role for you.

About Us - Escapade Group

At Escapade Group, we're all about adventure. We run some of the UK's most exciting indoor and outdoor leisure attractions across six locations and four unique brands, including:



Hobbledown Adventure Farm Parks & Zoos (Epsom & Hounslow) Gripped - London's epic high ropes and aerial adventure park Kidspace indoor play centres (Croydon & Romford) Watermouth Castle ( North Devon)




Every year, over 1 million guests walk through our doors -- from thrill-seekers to birthday party heroes -- and we're just getting started.

About the Role

As the General Manager, you'll be a hands-on leader at the heart of the action, ensuring the park runs smoothly, safely, and delivers an outstanding guest experience from open to close.



Your day-to-day will include:



Leading operational setups and daily open/close procedures Supporting and motivating a dynamic team to deliver 5-star service Managing on-the-ground health and safety to keep staff and guests secure Handling real-time guest feedback and turning issues into wins




Contributing ideas to improve the park experience and daily operations

Main Duties & Responsibilities

People Management

Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing, customer-focused team. Conduct inductions, probation reviews, appraisals, and team meetings. Manage staff performance, including training, development, and disciplinary procedures. Create rotas and maintain records for attendance, absence, holidays, and hours worked. Foster a positive and motivated team culture through engagement and recognition. Conduct exit interviews and gather feedback to support continuous improvement.

Operations

Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of all Gripped activities. Ensure an exceptional visitor experience by maintaining high standards across all touchpoints. Maintain equipment, safety records, and operational logs to ensure everything is fully compliant and functional. Collaborate closely with Hobbledown West London leadership to align on shared goals and support cross-site initiatives. Proactively seek solutions to problems or issues that may arise.

Health & Safety

Maintain a strong, proactive safety culture for both team members and guests. Ensure full compliance with all health & safety legislation, internal policies, and procedures. Keep risk assessments, rescue procedures, and training records current. Deliver regular safety briefings, scenario practices, and rescues in line with company standards. Undertake regular observations, audits and spot checks to ensure that the team are following H&S Safe Systems of Work. Ensure site, equipment, PPE, and infrastructure are regularly checked, serviced, and documented. Monitor and enforce safety procedures, including participant disclaimers and pre-activity briefings.

Finance & Commercial

Support annual budgeting and manage day-to-day financial operations. Monitor revenue and cost lines, identifying opportunities to increase profitability and operational efficiency. Manage staffing budgets, purchasing, and cash handling in line with company procedures. Ensure timely reporting, expense tracking, and compliance with financial protocols. Take ownership of commercial performance, driving growth and optimising operational costs.

General Site Management

Ensure the site operates smoothly, safely, and in line with brand and operational standards. Keep all administrative areas (e.g., cabin/office) organised and compliant. Handle banking, reporting, and correspondence promptly and accurately. Liaise regularly with Directors and support teams for guidance, support, and ongoing development. Actively contribute ideas and improvements to enhance site performance and guest satisfaction. Work with the contact centre to resolve any guest complaints in a timely and suitable manner.

What We're Looking For

We want someone who is:



Up for a challenge with a strong desire to make a difference An experienced natural leader with experience in customer-facing environments Calm under pressure, with strong problem-solving skills Comfortable working at Height - ERCA Qualifications would be desirable Passionate about delivering exceptional guest service Safety-conscious and confident managing risk Proactive, reliable, and a team player




Previous experience in attractions, hospitality, or leisure industries is a plus -- but what matters most is your 'can do' attitude, energy, and leadership skills.