Head of Operations (Partner Level) - Dorset
Land & Wave
Location: Dorset, UK
Salary: £36K – £42k DOE + pension
Closes: 16/8/25
Head of Operations (Partner Level) at Land & Wave
Holiday Entitlement: 28 Days
Pension: Company Pension Contribution
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: September 2025
About Land & Wave
Land & Wave is an award-winning outdoor adventure company based in Dorset. We deliver unforgettable adventure experiences for schools, families, and individuals through our diverse programme of land and sea-based activities. Our renowned Outdoor Instructor Academy trains the next generation of outdoor professionals.
As a values-led business, we’re proud of our strong company culture, commitment to accessible adventure, and deep roots in the local community. The Head of Operations role is integral to the smooth running of Land & Wave.
Role Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Operations to join the senior leadership team at Partner Level. This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role in a growing business, helping to shape its future direction while ensuring operational excellence.
The Head of Operations will oversee all company operations, lead our Operations crew, and ensure a culture of high performance, staff wellbeing, and strategic growth.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Operations
- Operational Leadership:
Oversee and coordinate day-to-day operational activity of Land & Wave, ensuring efficiency, safety, and quality. - Team Management:
Lead and support a team of Operations Managers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and development. Keeping the team on track with future staffing and logistics planning, ensure the team hits key markers throughout the year. - Strategic Workforce Planning:
Forecast recruitment needs, identify skills gaps, and work with the Directors to build a capable and future-ready workforce. - Appraisal & Staff Development:
Champion a structured, meaningful appraisal process that supports professional growth, wellbeing, and staff retention. - Process Improvement:
Review and improve operational systems and procedures, driving innovation and productivity while maintaining high standards. - Risk & Compliance:
Ensure all operations adhere to health & safety regulations, safeguarding policies, and industry best practices. - Partner-Level Leadership:
Lead by example as a company role model. Contribute to the wider strategic direction of the company, bringing insight and initiative to board-level discussions and decisions.
Person Specification
ESSENTIAL:
- Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally in the outdoor, education, or service sector.
- Exceptional team leadership skills with a track record of building strong, high-performing teams.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to plan ahead and anticipate operational needs.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
- Commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development.
DESIRABLE:
- Familiarity with the outdoor education industry
- Higher-level Outdoor Instructor Qualifications such as RCDI / Paddle UK PSRT, PSL & PSI Provider, RLSS TA / Mountain Training Course Provider: LOLA
- Knowledge of compliance frameworks within the Outdoor Industry
What We Offer
- A Head of Operations leadership role in a values-driven, people-first company.
- Enhanced pension contribution
- Health Insurance
- Supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- Stunning location and access to the great outdoors.
- A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives through meaningful outdoor experiences.
- 28 Days Holiday
Working In Swanage, Dorset
Land & Wave HQ is based in Swanage – a traditional seaside town on the South coast, which is bustling in the summer and beautifully quiet in the winter. It provides a fantastic lifestyle for people who love the ocean, rolling country hills and adventure. There are plenty of post-work activities to enjoy include gig rowing, trail running, sport climbing or simply enjoying the views from the local beachfront sauna.
The busy town of Poole is a 40 minute drive
TO APPLY:
Send your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and vision for the role to [email protected]
Closing date: 16 August 2025
We highly recommend you research Land & Wave before applying. Check out our facebook and instagram pages for a fantastic overview of the business and what we get up to. We have over 960 fantastic TripAdvisor reviews – testament to our fantastic staff team.