Operations Manager

Are you an experienced operational leader looking for your next challenge in an exciting, visitor-focused environment?

We're looking for an Operations Manager to join the team at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester - a unique venue where history, innovation, and culture come together.

We're entering an exciting chapter, with the reopening of our Power Hall gallery taking place in the Autumn after a period of extensive renovation. As we build momentum, we're looking for a talented Operations Manager to lead our front-of-house operations and help deliver exceptional visitor experiences and inspire futures for the communities we serve.

About the Role

As Operations Manager, you will be a key decision-maker, responsible for the safe, efficient, and smooth operation of the museum. Overseeing daily visitor services, you'll ensure the museum is not only safe but welcoming and inspiring to all.

You will lead, develop, and motivate a front-of-house team, encouraging a culture of excellent customer service and inclusivity. You'll work closely with outsourced partners and internal stakeholders to ensure that every visitor encounter reflects SMG's commitment to quality and engagement.

You'll also play a central role in the operational planning of major estate development projects, ensuring we maintain excellent visitor experiences while delivering important infrastructure work across the site.

What You'll Be Doing

* Achieve commercial targets across admissions, donations, and Gift Aid.
* Ensure the cleanliness, safety, and presentation of all public areas to SMG standards.
* Manage incident response and evacuation procedures with confidence and authority.
* Act as primary liaison with our outsourced security provider.
* Work across departments to coordinate operational needs during major building works.
* Support strategic planning for new museum spaces, including cleaning, security, and H&S procedures.
* Oversee salary and operational budgets, contributing to wider financial planning.
* Embed best practices in CRM usage to support engagement and income generation.
* Foster an open, inclusive workplace culture aligned with SMG's values.



What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who performs well when faced with demanding tasks, great with people, and brings a solutions-oriented mindset. You'll be capable of making quick, informed decisions, and experienced in leading teams in busy public environments.

You will have:

* Proven people management experience, with strong leadership and development skills.
* Excellent communication and collaboration abilities across diverse teams and partners.
* Experience of achieving commercial targets in a customer-focused environment.
* Calm, confident approach to crisis and incident management.
* Sound knowledge of health and safety legislation and best practice.
* Strong planning, budgeting, and project management capabilities.
* Passion for high-quality visitor service and brand presentation.
* A values-driven mindset with a commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

Applying

View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.

What we offer

Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

* Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
* Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
* Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave (full time equivalent) in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
* Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.
* All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmindapp, and other wellbeing support.
* Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
* Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
* Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.

Museum Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=aHJzZXJ2aWNlLjAzOTE4LjExMTkzQHNjaWVuY2VtdXNldW0uYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t