Job Description

Salary:

35,000.00 per annum plus 1,500 Duty Manager allowance

Job Summary

The Operations Manager holds overall responsibility for the operational management of HMS Unicorn and the shore-based office in Dundee City Centre. This includes management of visitor services, facilities maintenance, health and safety compliance, and supervision of the Duty Manager system. The role will be central to implementing operational procedures to support the organisation's growth through Project Safe Haven.

As the guardian of the physical vessel, the Operations Manager will work closely with the Project Safe Haven team to ensure the development of facilities in the new location, while maintaining the integrity and visitor experience of the existing ship. They will collaborate closely with the Heritage & Learning Manager to deliver excellent visitor experiences.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Management

Manage all day-to-day operations of HMS Unicorn and the shore-based office, ensuring the smooth running of the organisation Serve as the guardian of the physical vessel, ensuring its proper maintenance and preservation Maintain and develop the operations manual, procedures, and policies in collaboration with the senior management team Monitor and report on operational Key Performance Indicator and budgets to the Chief Executive Officer Contribute to conversations on how Project Safe Haven works will affect HMS Unicorn and the visitor experience Work with the PSH team to ensure the development of facilities in the new location Support the integration of operational aspects for Project Safe Haven
Staff Management

Line manage Visitor Experience Assistants and the Ship's Keeper (While Visitor Experience staff will report to the Operations Manager for administrative purposes, some aspects of their work such as guided tours, knowledge of the ship, and content delivery will be the responsibility of the Heritage & Learning Manager) Manage staff scheduling, rotas, and absence management for operational staff Oversee the Duty Manager system, including creating and managing the rota, ensuring proper training for all Duty Managers, and participating in the Duty Manager rota Oversee training and development of operational staff
Health, Safety and Security

Manage health and safety compliance and risk assessments, ensuring a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors With the CEO and colleagues, contribute to the development and maintenance of emergency plans for the rescue and recovery of museum collections in the event of an incident such as fire, flood, and infestation With the senior management team, oversee security systems and procedures to protect the ship and collections Liaise with Dundee Licensing Board to ensure licensing is in place for all public and private events Oversee regular maintenance of safety equipment including lifejackets and maritime safety equipment to recognised standards Ensure routine safety checks are conducted and properly documented according to maritime and museum requirements
Maintenance and Facilities

Supervise maintenance programmes and contractor relationships, developing maintenance schedules with the Ship's Keeper
Financial Management

Manage operational budgets effectively, ensuring cost-effective operations while maintaining quality standards Oversee cash handling and financial reconciliation procedures Oversee retail operations, stock management, and visitor services (in consultation with the senior management team) to enhance revenue generation

PERSON SPECIFICATION

This section details the attributes, skills, knowledge, qualifications and competencies which are required in order to undertake the full remit of this post.

Essential Criteria

Experience in operations management or related area Experience of leading and managing staff teams Experience of facilities management Experience of customer service management Experience of health and safety compliance Understanding of risk assessment and management Excellent leadership and people management skills Strong organisational and time management skills Problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills IT literate with proficiency in MS Office applications Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines Self-motivated and proactive approach Resilient and adaptable to change Committed to delivering excellent visitor experiences Ability to remain calm under pressure Creative approach to problem-solving
Desirable Criteria

3 years' experience in operations management or related area Financial literacy and budget management Experience of working in the heritage, culture or tourism sector Understanding of historic ship conservation challenges Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a heritage context Experience of project management Experience working with volunteers Knowledge of retail operations Experience developing operational procedures Understanding of maritime heritage Experience of working with historic structures Passion for heritage and its preservation IOSH or NEBOSH qualification First Aid qualification Membership of relevant professional body
Full job description available at https://www.hmsunicorn.org.uk/news-and-events-post/operations-manager/

This role represents an exciting opportunity to join our team at a pivotal moment in HMS Unicorn's 200-year history. We encourage applicants to apply by submitting:

A CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role
Please submit informal enquiries and applications to: recruitment@hmsunicorn.org.uk

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 35,000.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dundee, DD1 3BP

Application deadline: 14/05/2025