Management

Head of Operations

Location: On-site at Kirkliston, EH29 9ER
Sector: Family Visitor Attraction / Seasonal Festival Events

Hours: 40 hours per week with evening and weekend working during events.
Reporting to: Managing Director
Executive Level: Senior Leadership Team

Salary: £50k – £55k + performance bonus

::::: About Us :::::

Conifox Adventure Park is entering its most ambitious phase of growth.

With 250,000 annual visitors and a clear plan to exceed 400,000, we are scaling from a successful regional attraction into Scotland’s most compelling seasonal event destination.

To deliver that growth, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Operations to professionalise systems, elevate standards, and execute high-volume seasonal events at scale.

This is not a maintenance role.

This is a build-and-scale role.

You will sit on the Senior Leadership Team and play a critical part in shaping how Conifox grows over the next three years.

Conifox comprises of four operational departments:

Adventure Park : Outdoor and indoor play experiences
Events : High-volume seasonal festivals and immersive experiences
Hospitality : Multi-outlet food & beverage operations
Estates : Maintenance, compliance, finance and marketing
Our seasonal events portfolio includes major events Easter, Iconic Festival, FoxFest, Pumpkin Days, Fireworks Nights, Terror Scream Park and Christmas attracting tens of thousands of visitors per event.

We have invested heavily in infrastructure, systems and capability to support this expansion.

::::: The Role :::::

The Head of Operations will lead operational excellence across the entire site while project-managing the build and live delivery of major seasonal events.

You will oversee departmental managers across Adventure Park, Events, Hospitality, Estates Maintenance and Marketing, ensuring operational discipline, commercial performance and safe execution.

This is a visible, hands-on leadership role requiring strong site presence during live trading and event periods reducing the need for Managing Director intervention.

::::: Key Responsibilities :::::

Operational Leadership

Lead daily operational performance by setting, recording and monitoring operational standards across presentation, cleanliness, signage, safety and visitor facilities.
Embedding world-class guest experience standards by maintaining a visible presence across the site during live operations and events.
Working collaboratively with department managers to set and maintain standards, plan builds by setting achievable timescales and budgets.
Ensuring full Health & Safety compliance by putting into practice safety consultants’ advice.

Health, Safety and Compliance

Provide operational oversight and consistency of health and safety practices across the site.
Lead and support Department Managers in maintaining safe systems of work and compliance documentation.
Monitor safety standards through site presence, drills and incident reviews.
Coordinate fire drills, emergency planning and learning reviews alongside Department Managers.
Act as the designated responsible person on site in the absence of MD.
Ensure incidents and accidents are recorded, investigated and followed up with actions assigned appropriately
Challenge unsafe practices and escalate unresolved risks
Coordinate contractor safety, servicing and statutory compliance

Event Delivery

Project manage the delivery of major seasonal events by working with the MD and events manager to design and plan successful builds.
Ensure events and associate infrastructure are designed with optimal visitor flow and convenience in mind.
Maintain practical operational systems, checklists and procedures that support live delivery.
Ensure procedures are followed and evidenced consistently
Supporting Departmental Managers to formulate optimal staffing plans.
Support managers with P&L accountability.
Support cost-aware operational decisions without reducing standards.
Ensuring events launch on time and operate smoothly with effective team and external supplier management.

Capital Projects & Infrastructure

Translating creative concepts into organised and achievable project plans.
Managing contractors and associated timelines.
Delivering builds on schedule and within approved budgets.
Ensuring operational readiness before launch ensuring sufficient rehearsal time.

Leadership & Culture

Leading and inspiring department heads to deliver operational excellence that exceeds visitors’ expectations.
Fostering a culture of accountability and performance.
Support departmental teams with live issues and decision-making.
Acting as a calm force during peak trading periods.

::::: Who We’re Looking For :::::

We’re seeking a commercially sharp, highly organised senior operator with experience in:

Visitor attractions, live events, hospitality, theme parks or large-scale leisure environments.
Project management experience.
Leading multi-department operational teams.
Holding P&L responsibility.
You will be:

Organised and professional.
Calm and decisive under pressure.
Comfortable leading during peak trading intensity.
Energised by growth and operational transformation.

::::: What Success Looks Like :::::

Within 12 months you will have:

Clear planning systems in place for all major seasonal events.
Embed and track clear operational KPIs.
Delivered a major seasonal event flawlessly.
Completed a capital project on time and on budget.
Improved efficiency and margin.

::::: Package :::::

Competitive salary.
Performance-linked bonus.
28 days of annual leave.
Senior leadership influence.
Opportunity to shape a growing attraction brand.
Job Type: Full-time

::::: Benefits :::::

Company events
Company pension
Discounted or free food
Employee discount
On-site parking

Work Location: In person

Join us at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), a world leading centre for plant science, horticulture and conservation. Dawyck Botanic Garden – renowned for its magnificent arboretum, seasonal beauty and breathtaking woodland walks – welcomes around 40,000 visitors each year. We’re looking for an inspiring Curator to lead this exceptional Garden into its next chapter, shaping its future with creativity, expertise and purpose.

As Curator, you will provide innovative leadership for Dawyck, guiding the planning, care and development of its nationally significant Living Collection. You’ll champion exemplary horticulture, plant conservation and sustainable landscape management while working collaboratively across RBGE to support research, education and public engagement. From biosecurity and climate resilient planting to delivering exceptional visitor experiences, you’ll ensure the Garden continues to thrive in a changing world.

You’ll be an experienced horticultural leader with deep knowledge of temperate trees, shrubs and herbaceous species, alongside strong project management, communication and team development skills. Confident working with scientific collections, you’ll ensure high standards across operations, safety and plant records, while also representing RBGE proudly to partners, stakeholders and the wider community. Your leadership will empower staff, volunteers and students, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and curious culture.

Closing date: Midday (BST) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Interview date: 26 March 2026 at Dawyck Botanic Garden

For more information and to apply, please visit our website.

JOB PURPOSE
This job exists in order to ensure that the grounds and policies of the property are managed and maintained as a recognised landscape of outstanding historical importance, contributing to the property’s overall conservation and development, and its enjoyment by visitors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Ensuring the conservation and practical maintenance of the grounds, (excluding Gardens) etc., – whether through delegation to other staff/volunteers, or personal participation – in terms of ensuring best practice is followed in:
o Health & Safety ensure you follow all relevant and appropriate Risk Assessments and that as part of the grounds team, operate to activity procedures
o Complete all relevant Health, Safety and Welfare logs, relevant to the role , and ensure compliance with legislation where appropriate.
o Assist in delivery of all operations to ensure all grounds are managed to reduce risk to the visiting public, other staff, buildings etc.
o Have an awareness of specific environmental risks relevant to ground’s operations, e.g. Weils/Lyme’s Disease
• Ensure all work is delivered to the highest standard as agreed by the on-site management and directed by Landscape Manager
• Working as a member of the property team and alongside the Northeast Ranger Service at times, in preparing the grounds for visitors’ enjoyment, this will include:
o Drainage works, conservation of the Property Health +Safety.
o Assist with waste disposal, (ranging from domestic waste bins to large scale skip and recycling)
o Grass Cutting
o Hedge Trimming
o Pathways, Boardwalk, small bridge repairs.
o Assisting in responding to faults identified during in-house inspections/ insurance inspections
o Assisting with brush/ scrub/ tree clearance
o Road maintenance, (remedial work to pot-holes)
o Fencing
o Repair & maintain signage
o Other tasks as required
• Recognition of the Trust’s Environmental Policy with respect to sustainable ground-keeping activities, including energy, water, pesticide-use & waste management;
• Assist with event set-up and operations as required
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Qualifications
• NPTC- PA1/PA6 Units in spraying or willingness to be trained
• First Aid certificated or willingness to be trained
• LANTRA certificated, or acceptable alternative in use of Agriculture machinery (mini tractor with attachments), Brush Cutters, and Strimmer’s or willingness to be trained
• A full clean driving license, valid for driving within the UK

Skills, Experience & Knowledge
Essential
• Sound knowledge of basic tool and machinery use and maintenance;
• Ability to learn good Health and Safety processes and procedures and the ability to work effectively within these processes;
• The ability and confidence to interact politely with visitors & skills in dealing with the wider public generally. The ability to represent the Trust when speaking with visitors.
• An understanding and commitment to the aims and objectives of the National Trust for Scotland.
• Living the values of the National Trust for Scotland and encourage colleagues to do the same
o The ability and willingness to understand others’ perspectives and to consider the impact of your actions on them and to adapt your actions as necessary.
o The ability and willingness to learn and try new things, to be flexible and step outside of your comfort zone.
o An open and honest way of communicating, ready to ask others for their ideas and to be open to hear and consider different points of view.
o A pro-active approach to taking initiative and to driving forward ideas and projects designed to improve daily operations and deliver an exceptional visitor experience.

Desirable
• Experience of working within an estate team

We are an award-winning family attraction and heritage charity at the heart of West Lothian. Our 23-acre site features historic buildings, a working waterwheel, accredited museum, rare breed farm, landscaped grounds and vibrant visitor spaces welcoming over 160,000 visitors each year.

As we deliver our ambitious five-year strategy, we are seeking an experienced and strategic Operations Manager to lead the safe, efficient and commercially successful day-to-day operation of Almond Valley Heritage Centre.

Reporting directly to the Director and forming part of the Senior Management Team, this is a pivotal leadership role responsible for visitor experience, commercial performance, events, and health & safety compliance across the site.

Key Requirements:

• Senior operational leadership experience within a visitor-facing or multi-use site
• Proven ability to implement strategy and drive commercial growth
• Strong understanding of health & safety and compliance management
• Experience leading and developing teams
• Financially confident with strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• A collaborative, people-centred leadership style

This is an exciting opportunity to take a visible leadership role within a much-loved community attraction while helping shape its future growth and resilience.

For a full job description, to apply, or if you have any queries or would like to discuss your application in an alternative format, please email jobs@almondvalley.co.uk with your CV and a covering letter demonstrating your suitability for the role.

Estates Maintenance Manager

We are an award-winning family attraction and heritage charity at the heart of West Lothian. Our 23-acre site features historic buildings, rare breed animals, landscaped gardens, play areas and engaging visitor spaces and we’re looking for a skilled Estates Maintenance Manager to lead the care, upkeep and development of this unique estate.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for estate maintenance, grounds management, health & safety compliance, team leadership and delivering an exceptional visitor experience for over 160,000 visitors each year.

You will report directly to the Director and be part of the Senior Management Team, playing a central role in shaping and delivering our ambitious five-year transformation strategy.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in estates, facilities or grounds management (heritage, cultural or visitor attraction setting desirable)
• Strong practical maintenance skills with sound knowledge of health & safety legislation (including PUWER and COSHH)
• Experience leading teams, managing contractors and overseeing site development projects.
• Ability to develop proactive maintenance and asset management plans
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach.
• A proactive, visitor-focused mindset with commitment to sustainability and conservation.

For a full job description, to apply, or if you have any queries or would like to discuss your application in an alternative format, please email jobs@almondvalley.co.uk with your CV and a covering letter demonstrating your suitability for the role.

At the Highland Folk Museum, we are looking for a new team member to lead on maintaining and developing the Museum’s built heritage. You would –

• drive construction projects
• manage craft and maintenance staff
• oversee site safety, land management and workshop operations
• support interpretation

The Highland Folk Museum is an open air living history museum, with 36+ historical buildings across mile-long our site. We present over 200 years of history, from 1700’s thatched cottages to 1950’s shops and our maintenance and craft skills teams are responsible for keeping them looking great.

This vacancy will shut on the 17th of March 2026. To learn more about this role and how to apply, please click on the link below –

Do you enjoy making things run smoothly, leading people well, and improving how a business works day-to-day? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

Lomond Books Ltd is a well-established Scottish publisher, wholesaler and distributor based in Broxburn. We supply a wide range of books and gift products – calendars, maps, postcards and more – to trade and public customers across the UK and overseas. We’re built around customers – adapting to what they need and delivering a friendly, reliable service every time – and we’re proud of it.

The role:
We’re looking for a hands-on Operations Manager to keep our sales office and warehouse running smoothly, and to support the directors in delivering our business goals. This is a varied, practical role — you’ll bring structure, consistency and follow-through, making sure priorities are clear, the basics are done brilliantly, and customer service stays at the heart of everything we do.

You’ll work closely with the senior team and report directly to the Managing Director. It’s ideal for someone who likes variety and loves to be involved — with real authority within agreed limits to lead people, make decisions, and drive improvements across operations, process, compliance, reporting, and support with HR and finance.

You’ll take ownership, bring order, spot what needs fixed and then make it better — with the support of a committed team around you. You won’t be expected to be the expert in everything, but you do need to be the person who takes ownership, asks the right questions and gets things moving.

What you’ll be doing:
• Keep daily operations running smoothly so orders flow, customers are looked after, and deadlines are met.
• Plan and balance capacity across teams (rotas/cover, peak planning, priorities).
• Build and maintain clear, documented ways of working — and drive improvements that reduce errors, rework and cost.
• Run team meetings and 1:1s, setting clear expectations, coaching performance, and keeping a steady day-to-day rhythm.
• Own operational compliance (H&S, fire safety routines, training records) plus key suppliers and contracts (utilities, couriers, facilities, office systems, equipment).
• Be accountable for the variety of key admin outcomes (delivered day-to-day by the admin team), plus warehouse performance through the Warehouse Supervisor.

What we’re looking for:
• Proven operations/office management experience in a commercial environment (distribution/logistics/wholesale helpful, but not essential).
• Strong IT skills (especially Excel) and confidence picking up new systems (Sage 50 a bonus).
• Process-led, organised and detail-aware, with the people skills to set standards and get the best from a team.
• Clear communicator who can handle issues calmly and follow actions through to closure.
• You’ll enjoy making things run more smoothly, efficiently and consistently.

What you’ll get in return:
• To be an integral part of a small team.
• Work closely day-to-day with the business owners, with real access and influence — you’ll be encouraged to bring ideas, solve problems, and play to your strengths.
• 25 days annual leave plus 9 public holidays. Long service award accrued up to 28 days annual leave (Christmas closure allocation applies). Christmas Eve is a company-wide holiday (no annual leave required).
• Pension (eligible after 3 months; 3% employer / 5% employee).
• Generous staff discount scheme.
• Sick pay scheme after one year’s service.
• Annual cost of living salary increases/discretionary bonus based on company performance.
• Informal working environment, free parking, free EV charge points, kitchen facilities.

Interested?
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you’re a good fit for this role and what you would bring to Lomond. We’re especially interested in examples of your experience in day-to-day operational management, process improvements you’ve delivered, and how you’ve led people and priorities across teams.

Email your application to Jackie Brown, Managing Director at jobs@lomondbooks.co.uk with the subject line ‘Operations Manager – Application’.

For more information visit our website and go to WE ARE RECRUITING. A detailed job description and person specification plus general information are available for download.

Our process has three stages: an initial Zoom interview, then a face-to-face interview for shortlisted candidates, followed by a final stage interview for the top candidate(s).

Closing date: Sunday 8th March 2026

JOB PURPOSE

The wider purpose of the role is to help drive the National Trust for Scotland’s ability to conserve Scotland’s built and natural heritage under its care.

The Fundraising Manager, Major Gifts will play an important role in the Fundraising and Philanthropy team’s success, cultivating and soliciting major gifts for key activity and a portfolio of priority projects. As we approach our centenary and seek to increase our philanthropic income, the team’s ambitious income growth targets rely on high level philanthropy.

You’ll work with colleagues within the Fundraising and Philanthropy team, the Audiences & Support Directorate, the wider organisation and, crucially, external stakeholders. You may on occasion work with appointed agencies which will provide outsourced support to the Fundraising function.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Fundraising Manager, Major Gifts, with direction and support from the Deputy Head of Philanthropy and the Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy, will cultivate and steward major gifts from existing supporters and, critically, develop and sustain new networks of major donors to drive our charitable work. You will:

• Develop the major gifts pipeline and take full responsibility for a portfolio of existing and potential major donors. You’ll adopt a proactive approach and nurture existing relationships, whilst developing and implementing bespoke strategies to cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts from prospects.
• Act as a key point of contact for both major donors and major donor prospects.
• Design and develop cultivation and stewardship plans for donors to ensure they are inspired, engaged, recognised and thanked appropriately, aligning with organisational supporter journey developments.
• Work with the Major Gifts team, Prospect Research Executive and wider Fundraising and Philanthropy team to develop and grow overall income and membership of key Major Gifts giving circle the Patrons’ Club, supporting the wider growth of fundraising income.
• Work closely with the Fundraising Executive, Events to commission and oversee an annual programme of Major Gifts stewardship and cultivation events, with a focus on growing major donor support for priority projects.
• Lead development of a suite of compelling written materials to showcase major giving opportunities at our charity, from bespoke project proposals and appeals to reports and newsletters.
• Work with the Head of Fundraising, CEO and wider executive team to optimise peer-led prospect introductions and develop relationships with prospects and donors, providing insight to inform cultivation.
• Fully participate in and support prospect tracking meetings to deliver the implementation of customised solicitation plans, ensuring all relationships are recorded in our CRM system.
• Work closely and collaboratively with other members of the Fundraising and Philanthropy team to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to supporter journeys and priority project fundraising activity.
• Provide the Deputy Head of Philanthropy and Fundraising Manager, Operations with accurate information for planning, budget preparation, forecasting, phasing and monitoring expenditure.
• Develop positive and productive working relationships with fundraisers, senior leadership and other internal stakeholders, such as property and regional colleagues.
• Maintain and enhance your personal knowledge, skills and networks by playing an active role in the appropriate professional bodies and internal organisational groups.
• Maintain flexibility, with a willingness to work non-traditional hours, particularly in the running of the Major Gifts event programme, and be available to travel in the UK.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
The below outlines the key skills the job holder must possess and exercise. In addition, either knowledge of or experience in the following is required:

Essential skills
• Results oriented self-starter
• Team player, able to both respect and work across boundaries.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening, presentation, negotiating, high levels of tact and significant ability to influence beyond authority.
• Ability to adopt a strategic and creative approach to donor planning and approaches
• Strong writing ability, with well-developed proposal development, storytelling and reporting skills.
• A high level of comfort delivering the ‘face to face’ ask
• Analytical problem solver with ability to generate and encourage new ideas.
• Strategic thinker with ability to set a plan and see it through to delivery.
• Gravitas; credible as a representative of our charity to high level philanthropists.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to resolve conflicting priorities.
• Ability to manage resources efficiently for maximum impact
• An eye for detail and a rigorous approach to process
• A lively interest in the National Trust for Scotland and passionate belief in our mission.

• Essential Experience
• A track record of securing philanthropic gifts between four and six figures in person and sustaining a portfolio of fruitful relationships with donors
• Experience of working with and influencing senior staff and senior external stakeholders.
• A track record of engaging colleagues in donor cultivation and proposal development in order to solicit a gift or report on a project, including the Chair, CEO and senior volunteers
• Experience of working in a results driven environment, delivering success against key targets
• Experience of the systems and processes necessary to underpin successful fundraising, including Microsoft Office products and CRM system
• Ability to be flexible, with a willingness to work non-traditional hours and travel in the UK
• A current valid driving licence for driving in the UK

Desirable skills
• Institute of Fundraising membership
• Experience of international fundraising

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

People Management
• Line management responsibility for the Fundraising Executive, Major Gifts and Fundraising Officer, Major Gifts
• Work closely with other team members to ensure a co-ordinated and consistent approach to all fundraising activity.
• Build strong relationships across the Audiences & Support Directorate and across our charity.

External Relationships:
• Regular contact with existing and potential supporters of our cause.
• Some contact with appointed agencies and suppliers.
• Regular communication with NTSUSA on donor stewardship, acquisition and events.

Financial Management
• Responsible for keeping and delivering accurate records, supporting the Deputy Head of Philanthropy and Fundraising Manager, Operations in budget planning and reporting.

Tools / equipment / systems
• Microsoft Dynamics (CRM)
• Microsoft Word and Excel
• Microsoft Planner
• Microsoft Teams
• Zoom
Example key performance indicators and targets
• Meeting targets for income and activity
• Development and maintenance of healthy prospect pipelines across projects and themes to help maximise fundraising potential.
• Increase in philanthropic prospects and income.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a world leading scientific institution and inspiring public space, welcoming visitors from across Scotland and around the world. We are committed to creating inclusive, accessible and enjoyable experiences for everyone who visits, works or connects with our gardens.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Visitor Welcome Team as an Assistant Visitor Welcome Manager, playing a key role in delivering high quality, safe visitor operations and a world-class welcome. Working closely with the Visitor Welcome Manager, you will provide visible, hands on leadership across admissions, frontline services and day to day operations, ensuring visitors feel supported and valued at every stage of their visit.

We are seeking an energetic and creative individual with proven experience in staff management, ideally in a fast paced, visitor focused environment. You will demonstrate strong leadership, teamwork, organisational and communication skills, and be confident using Microsoft Word and Outlook. The role involves leading and supporting a diverse frontline team, managing staff rotas, admissions systems and visitor flow, and acting as Duty Manager during daily operations. You will work closely with colleagues and partners across the organisation to support events, seasonal programmes and continuous improvement, ensuring high standards of service, safety and compliance.

We welcome candidates motivated by delivering exceptional visitor experiences, inclusive leadership and effective teamwork, who bring strong organisational ability, a calm and positive approach, and enjoy working in a public facing environment.

As we are open to the public 7 days a week, you will be required to work on a roster, working 5 days over 7 days which will include working weekends and public holidays. The working pattern is based on a 3 week rotation:
Week 1 – Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri
Week 2 – Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat
Week 3 – Sun, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri

Although we see this as a full-time post we would be happy to consider candidates on a part-time basis. If applying on that basis please let us know your preferred hours of work per week.

Role closes at 3pm.