Park Management - Designate General Manager - PA1

Sandford, Wareham, Dorset, United Kingdom

Job Description

At Parkdean Resorts, we’re on the lookout for exceptional leaders to join us as Designate General Manager - a key role in our future General Manager talent pipeline.

As a Designate General Manager, you’ll work across multiple parks within your region, building the skills and experience needed to progress into your own General Manager position. You’ll play a crucial part in delivering outstanding guest and owner experiences, supporting operational excellence, and driving commercial performance.

This is your opportunity to learn how to run a thriving holiday park from end to end. You’ll gain hands‑on experience across every department, develop strong commercial and operational capability, and step into real leadership responsibility from day one.

Flexibility and regional mobility are essential, as you’ll provide leadership continuity wherever it’s needed most. You’ll work closely with General Managers and Regional Directors to support the delivery of park and regional business plans - ensuring strong performance, consistent standards, and exceptional service.

A full UK driving licence is required for this role.

What you will be doing...

• Lead and support park operations, deputising for the General Manager and taking full responsibility during periods of absence.
• Work across all departments, gaining hands‑on experience and developing the capability to independently run a large, multi‑functional holiday park.
• Collaborate with General Managers to drive improvements in systems, processes, and overall park performance.
• Develop strong knowledge of all Group and park systems, supporting Heads of Department and ensuring effective operational use.
• Support financial performance, including revenue, profit margins, budgets, wage control, and EBITDA delivery.
• Work closely with our central People Team to recruit, onboard, train, and develop team members at every level.
• Lead key operational meetings, including HOD meetings, 1:1s, and monthly Health & Safety briefings.
• Develop and support departmental business plans with performance targets and clear reporting.
• Use guest feedback and data to shape improvement plans that enhance our owner and holidaymaker experience.
• Drive commercial opportunities, supporting strategies to maximise sales and profit margins.
• Ensure effective complaints management in line with company policy.

About you...

• Proven senior leadership experience managing large, multi‑disciplinary teams.
• A leadership style that promotes positive culture, teamwork, development, and accountability.
• Strong commercial awareness, including an understanding of financial performance and EBITDA targets.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Strong IT capability, with the confidence to learn and use a wide range of business systems.
• Outstanding organisational and planning skills, with the resilience to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and bank holidays when needed.
• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to lead through change and manage challenging situations.
• A personal commitment to career growth, with a clear ambition to become a General Manager.
• A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the region.

So, why Parkdean Resorts?

• The chance to develop your skills and boost your career across our 65 parks – we’ve got your back when it comes to training.
• You’re never on your own with our Employee Assistance Programme! It comes with a 24/7 confidential helpline for counselling and support – because your wellbeing is our top priority.
• A 50% discount for you and a 25% discount for friends and family when booking your holiday with us.
• A team member discount of 30%, available on everything from fabulous food to delicious drinks and even our fun leisure activities.
• Score awesome discounts! From tasty meal kits like Hello Fresh to your favourite local gyms, we’ve got deals on lots of brands just for you.

Parkdean Resorts takes safeguarding seriously therefore background checks including DBS (or equivalent) will be carried out if appropriate.

We want to do all we can to create an environment and recruitment process where people feel safe and comfortable to talk about disability. For any reasonable adjustment requests as part of the recruitment and assessment process, please contact Roisin at ReasonableAdjustments@parkdean-resorts.com.