Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC622357
Salary Range: £56,285 - £63,080 per annum
Work Location: Calshot Activities Centre, Calshot
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 19 October 2025
Interview Date: 31 October 2025
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Centre Manager to join our Calshot Activities Centre team at Hampshire County Council.
Are you looking for a challenging and diverse leadership role, working as part of a friendly and supportive team, with an opportunity to make a real difference? Calshot Activities Centre is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse residential outdoor activity centres, located on the scenic South Coast at the entrance to Southampton Water. The centre operates year-round, accommodates up to 210 guests, and employs over 60 staff. Further details can be found here.
The Role:
As Calshot Centre Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the centre, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and inclusive outdoor learning and recreational experiences. You will lead a dedicated team, drive continuous improvement, and maintain the centre’s approach to quality and safety. The role combines people leadership, business management, and partnership working, with a strong focus on business growth, customer service, and innovation. You will also act as Deputy Head of Service, supporting the strategic development of Hampshire Outdoor Centres.
What you’ll do:
• Lead, develop, and manage Calshot Activities Centre, ensuring outstanding, safe, and accessible outdoor experiences for a diverse range of users.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership, including staff management, business planning, partnership development, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the implementation of the Calshot Asset Strategy and contribute to long-term planning, sustainability, growth, and innovation.
• Oversee health and safety, safeguarding, and risk management, ensuring robust processes and compliance.
• Operate as Operational Budget Holder, responsible for budget planning and monitoring.
• Ensure a high-quality experience for all users through excellent customer service and well-maintained facilities.
• Develop income streams and business opportunities, and monitor key performance indicators.
• Deputise for the Head of Service, contributing to the strategic direction and performance monitoring of Hampshire Outdoor Centres.
• Represent the service at a national level and act as a technical expert and advisor where qualified.
What we’re looking for:
• Senior management experience in outdoor education or centre leadership.
• Qualifications in at least four outdoor activities (including a higher-level coaching qualification).
• A Level grade A–C in English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Strong leadership, people management, and communication skills.
• Experience in business planning, budget management, and partnership working.
• Commitment to safety, safeguarding, and environmental sustainability.
• Ability to innovate, manage change, and deliver excellent customer service.
Why join us?
We are recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK with a focus on providing quality services and support to the people of Hampshire. We are immensely proud that our teams are so committed to delivering the high standards that our strong reputation is built on. There are many reasons why we are an excellent choice for your next career move.
Hampshire is an inspiring place to live and work. In addition to your salary, we offer an excellent benefits package, including:
• Competitive annual leave entitlement
• Employee Support and Wellbeing
• A range of flexible working options
This is a great opportunity to one of the UKs most diverse outdoor centres.
Additional Information:
Calshot Centre Manager Candidate Pack
Vetting Requirements:
This role will require an enhanced DBS check.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
David Drew, Head of Service; david.drew2hants.gov.uk.
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
