This is a brand-new role, working for an independent charity in beautiful South Devon, that has exciting and ambitious plans for 2021 and beyond. The General Manager role will be instrumental in charity’s plans to develop a new, first-class, all year round, tourist attraction, to life. The regeneration of the existing visitors area and café is a project in it’s final stages, due to open in the summer of 2021. The early months of the General Manager’s employment will be about hiring the team (65 in total) and contributing, alongside the project team, to the final planning, introduction of systems and set up.
The attraction will consist of a large café and farm shop, indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as a rare-breeds farm. It’s aimed at local visitors and tourists of all ages – somewhere to learn and play or somewhere to go for a great lunch! Therefore, we’re ideally looking for someone with a senior retail and/or visitor attraction and a background in catering is highly desirable too.
This visitor attraction will ultimately be the reliable source of revenue the charity needs to fund their other environmental projects. Therefore, we’re looking for someone who has an entrepreneurial side, who’s commercially aware and is going to be able to spot opportunities to grow the business – something you’ll be able to show from your recent experience.
Another key aspect of this role will be to build a first-class team around you – it’s envisaged that there will be a team of around 65 needed. It’s really important to the charity that the General Manager establishes a positive culture within the organisation from the outset – so you’ll need to be someone who’s open, shares information, can inspire people and can bring the purpose of the charity to life, so the team’s engaged and understand how they’re playing a part in the charity’s success and the important work they do.
Person-wise you’ll be a natural leader, who’s ambitious, is used to hitting and exceeding goals and targets, who can spot potential issues well before they impact on plans. You’ll need to be a people person as you’ll not only be leading the team but you’ll be forging and managing relationships with other organisations to get this new visitor attraction ‘on the map’ for locals and those visiting the area from further afield.
You’ll be reporting in to the CEO and will be fully supported by the trustees and wider team, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience that you’ll be able to draw on.
If you’re someone who likes to make a difference, who’s going to be excited by this organisation’s growth plans and the contribution you’re going to be able to make, do get in touch.