Tay and Earn Trust

Activity Centre Manager

£38,000 - £42,000 per annum (DOE)

On-site, Willowgate Activity Centre, Perth

Full-Time and Permanent (40 Hours per Week)

About Tay and Earn Trust:

Tay and Earn Trust is a Scottish registered charity, established in June 2013, dedicated to the conservation, sustainable management and enjoyment of the River Tay and River Earn catchments and the communities connected to them.

Rooted in one of Scotland’s most significant river systems, the Trust works to protect and enhance the natural environment while supporting people to engage with, learn from and benefit sustainably from these landscapes. Their work spans environmental conservation, education, community development and wellbeing, reflecting the interconnected nature of healthy rivers, resilient communities and sustainable futures.

About Willowgate

The centre is part of the Tay and Earn Charitable Trust that promotes development and use by the community of the Tay and surrounding areas whilst protecting and nurturing the environment.

Nestled on the banks of the River Tay in Perth, Willowgate Adventure Centre is a vibrant hub for outdoor activity and learning. They offer paddle sports, archery, bushcraft, land-based adventures, and educational programmes, working with schools, community groups, families, and corporate clients.

Their mission is simple: to create experiences that inspire confidence, connection, and personal growth. As they enter a new phase of development, the Trust are seeking a leader who shares their passion for adventure, excellence, and innovation.

The Role of Activity Centre Manager:

Reporting to the senior management team, the Activity Centre Manager will have overall responsibility for the operational management, development, and day-to-day leadership of the centre, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, and commercially successful activities.

You will oversee all aspects of centre operations, including activity delivery, staffing, facilities, equipment, and logistics, while ensuring every guest experience meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of instructors and operational staff, creating a positive, professional, and safety-led culture, supporting their training, development, and performance.

This is a hands-on, dynamic role where operational excellence, proactive problem-solving, and strong organisational skills are critical. You will ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, licensing, and safeguarding requirements, maintaining robust systems for risk assessment, incident management, and emergency planning. You will also work closely with the senior management team to achieve business targets, optimise income, and support the ongoing development of the site, facilities, and equipment.

We are keen to hear from individuals who bring strong operational and people-management experience, whether from a charity, outdoor activity, or commercial environment. In particular, candidates with a Business Development background are encouraged to apply, especially those who have experience driving income growth, building partnerships, and identifying new opportunities, alongside delivering high-quality services or operations.

You will bring the ability to motivate and develop staff while ensuring high standards of performance, safety, and customer experience. Excellent organisational, financial, and administrative skills are essential, alongside the ability to manage complex, competing priorities. You will have strong interpersonal skills, with experience building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders.

The role is primarily Monday to Friday, with some flexibility required during peak periods, including occasional weekend working to support operational needs.

The successful candidate will be flexible, resilient, and willing to work hands-on, including outdoors in all weather conditions. You will hold a full UK driving licence, relevant first aid qualifications (or willingness to obtain), and appropriate industry certifications.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team, shape the delivery of exceptional activity experiences, and make a lasting impact on the centre’s visitors, staff, and wider community. You will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, growth, and sustainability, ensuring every activity is delivered safely, reliably, and memorably.

How to Apply:

Please email us at recruitment@brucetaitassociates.com to request an information pack and job description. You are advised to get in touch well in advance of the closing date to give us time to consider your application and pre-interview the strongest applicants.

Closing Date: Midday Friday 15th May

Interview Date: W/C Monday 25th May

This search is being conducted exclusively for Tay and Earn Trust by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked extensively in and with the voluntary sector and academia and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.

Bruce Tait Associates jobs

Activity Centre Manager - Tay and Earn Trust