Head of Operations Job for Unique Retreat

HEAD OF OPERATIONS FOR NEW, UNIQUE UK RETREAT

• Dorset | UK
• £45,000-£55,000 gross p.a. (DOE)
• Permanent | Accommodation can be offered
• Full Time | On-site
• No later than October 2023 start date

The Chace People team is working on behalf of an amazing new retreat with accommodation, farm, wellness facilities and a vineyard, based in the South West of England to source a Head of Operations.

The retreat has been developed and founded upon the vision of a family who have a passion for animals, wellbeing, food and nature, with a modern, sustainable / regenerative and purposeful approach. There is an expanding team already in place and you will join as part of the founding, pre-opening team. We are looking for someone who is like-minded, enthusiastic, dynamic, creative and who carries out their responsibilities with integrity.

As a key member of the management team, you will be continuously striving to achieve the company’s vision and will be integral to the development of the brand’s legacy, ensuring it continues to unfold and sit amongst the UK's best retreats. It is essential that the successful candidate not only believes in and upholds the company’s ethos, but is an ambassador for these values within the wider team and with guests.

You will join a hardworking and motivated team who are supportive and collaborative, whilst at the same time focused on delivering their individual responsibilities. This is an exciting time to join an expanding team which you will lead into the next phase of the retreat’s amazing journey, before they launch and open their doors mid-2024.

This is a luxury hospitality setting and so we are looking for candidates who are committed to being on site full-time and who will understand what it means to work in hospitality and agriculture, with flexibility for such working conditions. Once the retreat is open, all the team will be expected to be flexible for some evening and weekend work. This is a very unique project and for someone who is passionate about the retreat’s vision this will be an excellent opportunity which will offer variety and a beautiful, physical and cultural work environment.

This operations role will focus on H&S and quality control across all departments at the site, with responsibility for liaison with central resources on HR and day to day accounting. More details on your full role responsibilities shall be discussed upon successful application.

Your general responsibilities will include (but not limited to):

• Implement systems for the high standard governance of the site and services inclusive of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), HR, Health & Safety, Risk Assessments and IT.
• Lead the development of OHS policies and their implementation, with production of comprehensive H&S Policy for the safeguarding of the team, guests and third-parties on the site or linked to its operations.
• Coordinate the production and review of Method Statements, Risk Assessments, COSHH sheets, and implement schedule of internal and third-party training throughout workforce.
• Prepare detailed Annual Budgets for HR, H&S and Hospitality operations.
• Prepare Monthly Reports on status of responsibilities, providing detail on performance, recommendations / suggestions and risks / mitigation.
• Support the GM with strategy and project manage initiatives required to maintain or introduce aspects for the continual enhancement of the brand’s objectives and goals.
• Liaise with central Finance resource ensuring provision by concerned Heads of Department of detail and full supporting administration for the accounting of procurement, assets and payroll.
• Monitor compliance of Financial and Procurement / Inventory Procedures for all aspects of direct and indirect responsibilities.
• Liaise with suppliers and procure for Hospitality operational demands.
• Maintain up-to-date asset record, leading processes and scheduling of stock checks.
• Identify new contracts / suppliers / service providers / innovation to increase efficiency and reduce overheads.
• Management of the on-site office as a high standard performing hub to support the wider team in its efficient functioning.
• Implement and maintain the IT system for front and back of house operations to facilitate effective performance and optimisation, liaising and coordinating with third parties as required.
• Support the team in addressing their IT issues / enhancements, and ensuring the IT Policy is complied with.
• Manage the onsite security of access to site/areas and equipment / machinery / assets, inclusive of CCTV.
• Maintain a list of Licenses for all aspects of the business and ensure their validity.
• Initiate, implement and monitor Quality Control for continual advances and improvement.
• Support Heads of Department and GM as required for their operations.
• Champion the company culture, building strong relationships with the team to drive the highest standard of delivery of operations and projects / initiatives.

As the ideal candidate you will hold:

• A Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from NEBOSH or similar level IOSH recognised qualification.
• 2 years senior experience in Health & Safety.
• Experience within agriculture or hospitality industries preferred.
• Full eligibility to work in the UK.
• A valid UK driving licence.
• Good skills with Microsoft software packages, in particular Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
• A good level of both written and spoken English.
• A strong and proven work ethic.
• Proven decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, whether with the employer, other colleagues or the public.
• A team player mentality and a hands-on, collaborative mindset as this is a new business.

If this sounds like the role for you then please do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

Please note that candidates with relevant experience and excellent, checkable references need only apply.