Operations Director

BACKGROUND

Over a thousand people live, work or learn at Woodhall, whilst many thousands visit every year. This historic, yet innovative and dynamic rural estate encompasses substantial property portfolios, farmland, woodland, parkland, rivers, wetlands and much more. Woodhall is a diverse business managed by an in-house team of 12 professionals based at the Estate Office. It comprises three divisions: Property, Rural and Hospitality. The Property Division includes approximately 200 residential and commercial properties, with the principal building and campus let to Heath Mount School, a prosperous independent school for over 500 children. The Property Division frequently carries out a variety of projects and development schemes. The Rural Division covers around 7,000 acres comprising farming, forestry and conversation operations. The Hospitality Division comprises luxury guest accommodation and event venues in Woodhall Park. Additionally, Woodhall conducts a range of activities for community and charitable benefit, including outdoor learning for urban and local schools. The estate has been privately owned for over 200 years and is governed by a Board of Trustees. Whilst Woodhall is steeped in history, we’re far from stuck in the past. We run a cutting-edge and rapidly evolving estate business. Every decision we make strives to respect the important legacy of Woodhall, whilst moving it forward to flourish in the 21st century. All our work is underpinned by our three core values of conservation, sustainability and community (CSC).  

POSITION

Reporting to the Managing Director and working alongside the Head of Finance, the Operations Director is the third pillar in Woodhall’s Senior Management Team. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring effective, efficient and safe business operations across the three divisions (Rural, Property and Hospitality) on a day-to-day basis. The role requires commitment to do what it takes to ensure that the estate runs smoothly at all times. We seek someone who is ambitious, always holding themselves and others to account, and who will challenge the status quo in pursuit of excellence. Key elements of the role include the management and delivery of Woodhall’s operations with budget responsibility, team management, risk management, resources and infrastructure. The Operations Director will also work closely on the development and delivery of our CSC objectives, thereby ensuring that Woodhall leads the way in the advancement and demonstration of these values in Hertfordshire and further afield. 

Full details are in the job specification available for download here.