Salary: £36,000–£42,000 FTE, dependent on experience plus the opportunity to earn a performance-related bonus based on agreed operational, client retention and business growth objectives.
This role is based on approximately 35 working weeks per year and is paid pro rata accordingly. The role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people through adventure and outdoor learning, while benefiting from a term-time-only contract, providing extended school holidays away from day-to-day operational responsibilities and supporting an excellent work-life balance.
Lead Outstanding DofE Experiences Across the UK
Ridgeline Adventures is a growing and ambitious outdoor education provider, delivering high-quality Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions, residentials and outdoor learning experiences for schools and young people across the UK.
We are seeking an experienced, motivated and highly organised Head of DofE Operations to join our senior leadership team and take responsibility for the operational leadership of our DofE provision.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious professional who is passionate about outdoor learning and young people's development. Working closely with the Managing Director, you will lead our operational team, oversee programme delivery, manage key client relationships and play a central role in the continued growth and success of the business.
About the Role
As Head of DofE Operations, you will have overall responsibility for the planning, coordination, quality assurance and development of Ridgeline Adventures' Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes.
You will line manage both the Expedition Manager and Administrator, oversee our network of freelance instructors, supervisors and assessors, and ensure that all programmes are delivered safely, professionally and in accordance with DofE licensing requirements and company procedures.
You will also act as the operational lead for key client accounts, building strong relationships with schools and youth organisations while ensuring the successful delivery of strategically important expedition programmes.
Working closely with the Managing Director, you will play a central role in driving operational excellence, maintaining outstanding client relationships, supporting business growth and ensuring the highest standards of participant experience.
This is a unique opportunity to join a growing and ambitious outdoor education provider in a senior leadership role with genuine influence over operational delivery, programme quality and business development.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead the day-to-day operational management of Ridgeline Adventures' DofE provision.
- Develop, implement and improve operational systems, processes and procedures.
- Ensure the efficient and effective delivery of all DofE expeditions and residential programmes.
- Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
- Support the Managing Director in achieving the company's strategic objectives.
Team Leadership and Management
- Line manage and support the Expedition Manager and Office Administrator.
- Oversee the recruitment, deployment and development of freelance instructors, supervisors and assessors.
- Conduct regular supervision, performance reviews and development planning.
- Build a positive, professional and high-performing team culture.
- Ensure all staff are appropriately trained, supported and compliant with company requirements.
DofE Programme Delivery
- Oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of all DofE expedition and residential programmes.
- Ensure programmes are delivered safely, professionally and to the highest standards.
- Maintain oversight of programme quality, participant experience and operational effectiveness.
- Support the ongoing development and expansion of DofE provision.
Key Client Management
- Act as the senior operational contact for designated schools, trusts and youth organisations.
- Lead the planning and delivery of strategically important client programmes.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships through excellent communication and service delivery.
- Support client retention and identify opportunities for programme growth and development.
- Manage and resolve operational issues relating to key accounts.
Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Ensure compliance with DofE licensing requirements and Approved Activity Provider standards.
- Maintain oversight of safeguarding, health and safety, risk management and operational procedures.
- Support licence renewals, audits and inspections.
- Ensure all staff and programmes operate in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and best practice.
Administration and Business Systems
- Oversee operational administration, booking systems and programme records.
- Ensure effective management of participant information and GDPR compliance.
- Monitor the completion of DofE documentation, expedition records and assessor reports.
- Ensure robust systems are in place to support operational efficiency and growth.
Staffing and Resource Management
- Lead workforce planning and staff deployment across programmes.
- Maintain oversight of equipment management and operational resources.
- Ensure appropriate procurement, maintenance and replacement planning for equipment and assets.
Business Development
- Support the implementation of the company's growth strategy.
- Identify opportunities for increased participation, new partnerships and service development.
- Contribute to marketing initiatives, client engagement activities and organisational planning.
- Work closely with the Managing Director to support the continued growth of Ridgeline Adventures.
About You
You will be an experienced outdoor education professional with strong leadership skills, excellent organisational abilities and a passion for helping young people achieve through adventure and challenge.
Essential
- Significant experience delivering or managing Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes.
- Experience leading teams and managing staff.
- Strong organisational, planning and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Experience working with schools, trusts, youth organisations or outdoor education providers.
- Sound understanding of safeguarding, health and safety and risk management within outdoor environments.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
- Strong IT and administrative skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience working within a DofE Licensed Organisation or Approved Activity Provider.
- DofE Expedition Assessor and/or Supervisor accreditation.
- Relevant outdoor leadership qualifications.
- Experience managing key client accounts.
- Experience supporting organisational growth and service development.
- Knowledge of DofE licensing and quality assurance processes.
Pay: £36,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
Experience:
- Outdoor Leadership: 4 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hungerford RG17 7EH
