Unlike most UK cities the majority of Milton Keynes’ parks, lakes and landscapes are cared for by an independent charity - The Parks Trust, who manage over 6,000 acres of beautiful green spaces.
More than 100 full and part-time employees and 240 volunteers deliver its essential work, from landscape maintenance and nature services to the provision of valuable recreation and leisure facilities. The Parks Trust connects communities at over 500 outdoor events and advances public education around wildlife, biodiversity and the environment.
Take the lead in one of Milton Keynes’ most exciting outdoor attractions as our Adventure Activities Manager at Willen Lake. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced high ropes or climbing professional to combine operational leadership, safety management, team development and commercial responsibility in a dynamic outdoor environment. You'll oversee Treetop Extreme, Archery and Axe Throwing activities, inspire and develop a passionate team, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and play a key role in the wider operation of the park. If you're looking for a rewarding role where no two days are the same and where you can make a real impact on both people and performance, we'd love to hear from you.
Location: Global House, Crownhill, Willen Lake, Milton Keynes. This role may require you to travel to other sites
Salary: Up to £32,730.00 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Working hours: 37.5 hours per week. Due to the nature of the role, hours may vary and will include evening and weekend working.
Flexibility: We understand the need to balance life and commitments in and out of work and will support flexibility wherever it is practical to do so.
Key Objectives:
- To manage the recruitment, induction, development and retention of the Adventure Activities teams
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To deliver the agreed financial budget for Treetop Extreme and Archery to ensure maximum profitability.
- To deliver consistent service standards at Treetop Extreme, Axe Throwing and Archery ensuring we maximise the customer experience.
Essential:
- A minimum of two years’ experience directly managing a high ropes course or climbing wall facility
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Experience training and developing team members with no prior knowledge of ropes course operations.
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Understanding of ropes course upkeep and operation (in line with EN15567)
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Understanding of Working at Height regulations and LOLER
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An industry specific access at heights qualification, such as ‘Lyon Adventure Activities Height Access – Artificial Structures’, or equivalent
Desirable:
- Ropes course or climbing qualifications, such as:
o ERCA Adventure Park Instructor
o ERCA Generic Rescuer
o Climbing Wall Development Instructor (CWDI) or Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI)
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Operational inspectors qualifications, such as:
o Capstone Operational Inspectors course
o PPE Inspectors qualification
Don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we understand that not every candidate will meet every requirement. If you’re excited about the opportunity and feel you can contribute to our team, we’d still love for you to apply.
In return we offer a comprehensive benefits package:
Generous and flexible annual leave provision which includes:
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25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata)
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Accrue up to 3 additional days for each full year of service
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Option to buy and sell up to 5 days of annual leave each year
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Flexible bank holiday policy to allow choice in which religious holidays you observe
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Excellent contributory Pension Scheme with up to 10% employer contribution
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Medical cash plan
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Free eye tests
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Occupational sick pay*
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Income Protection and Life Assurance Cover*
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Hybrid Working Policy offering up to 60/40 office/remote work (role dependent)
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Enhanced Family Friendly Policies*
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Discounts with a wide range of high street and online retailers, hospitality and fitness providers as well as for the activities and the café at Willen Lake
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Salary sacrifice schemes for:
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Cycle to Work
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Electric Cars
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Ikea (homeware) and Curry’s (electronics)
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Employee Assistance Programme with a free and confidential 24/7 helpline for you and members of your household to use
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A beautiful office in a parkland setting with free parking in the heart of Milton Keynes
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Highly knowledgeable teams with a great working environment
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A 3-month Induction Plan giving you full oversight of The Trust
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Ongoing support with training and development
Applies after a qualifying period
Please apply online using the link through our website, using our People System, Cezanne. If you experience any issues with the link or the system, please contact [email protected] so we can assist.
The closing date for applications for the role is: Sunday 9th August 2026
1 Stage Face-to-Face Interviews: 17th August 2026. Candidates will be asked a series of structured questions designed to explore their relevant previous experience and assess how their skills, knowledge, and achievements. The interview will focus on examples from your past employment, leadership experience, operational management, health and safety knowledge, and ability to deliver high-quality adventure activities.
2 Stage Face-to-Face Interviews: 24th August 2026. Candidates will participate in introductions and a series of discussion-based activities. They will then take part in the ropes course, where they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their confidence, communication skills, and ability to perform under pressure. This practical assessment enables candidates to showcase their teamwork, decision-making, resilience, and willingness to step outside their comfort zone, all within a safe, supportive, and controlled environment.
The Parks Trust is committed to safeguarding and will always recruit all personnel in line with government guidelines, relevant legislation, Charity Commission guidance and best practice standards.
We are committed to inclusion and equality of opportunity for all employees current and potential. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
If you have any questions about the role, organisation or application process please do get in touch by contacting [email protected]. You can also contact us here for further support with your application, including any reasonable adjustments you may need to support you to participate in it to the best of your ability.
