Senior Operations Coordinator - Equipment
Salary £ 27,000 - £ 32,000
Kirkby Lonsdale, England (office-based)
Vacancy listed 22/12/2025
Application deadline 18/01/2026
Details
Based between the stunning Lake District and the rolling Yorkshire Dales, we deliver an inspiring range of holidays, journeys and wilderness experiences in the most remote and beautiful regions of England. 

We specialise in walking, cycling and e-biking adventures, as well as culture and experiential trips. We are now looking for an enthusiastic team-player to help us coordinate equipments and logistics to make each trip a success for our clients and guides.

Job Purpose & Role Overview


As Senior Operations Coordinator, you’ll lead the management of stores, equipment, and logistics to ensure smooth trip delivery. Your role includes allocating resources, tracking inventory, procuring consumables, scheduling maintenance, and streamlining processes. Working independently, you will be relied upon to make day-to-day operational decisions. You’ll also take a hands-on role in preparing trips to deliver a 5-star experience for our guides and clients. Cross-functional collaboration with trip operations, sales, partner relations, marketing, finance and guiding team is key to supporting the needs of the business.

Seasonality


April to October is 'summer season' which involves strict deadlines as the majority of trips depart, along with reacting to any unforeseen issues that may arise. Annual leave is available during this period; however it must be planned and coordinated with business requirements.

November - March is ‘winter season’ which involves preparation and planning for the following year, kit repairs, maintenance, review of processes and budgeting, as well as providing support to the wider office team.

Hours of Work


Hours for this role are 35hrs per week, although flexibility is required. Scheduled hours may vary a little each week, pending which trips are operating and can be managed between your line managers. 

This role includes scheduled weekend work during the summer season, typically around 10 weekends. Weekend shifts will be planned in advance based on the trip schedule, focusing on ‘stores-heavy’ departures where guides need support with preparation, packing, and returns.

Indicative working hours would be as follows:

Summer - April to October

  • Mon:   Off
  • Tue:    9-5
  • Wed:   9-5
  • Thu:    9-5 
  • Fri:      10-6
  • Sat:     7-3
  • Sun:    Off

Winter - November to March

  • Mon:   9-5
  • Tue:    9-5
  • Wed:   9-5
  • Thu:    9-5 
  • Fri:      9-5
  • Sat:     Off
  • Sun:    Off

Key Accountabilities


Supplier Relationship Coordination 
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, including vehicle, food, equipment, and maintenance service providers (e.g. Enterprise, Lyon, Trek Bikes, Madison, Zyro Fisher, ExtraUK, Ford, Mercedes, OTE Sports, Veloforte).
  • Coordinate procurement and purchasing, ensuring efficient, high-quality sourcing aligned with seasonal requirements and budgets.

Process & Efficiency Optimisation
  • Identify and implement practical efficiencies across equipment coordination, maintenance, and stock levels.
  • Streamline preparation and packing processes for all trips, particularly for gear-heavy departures, with a focus on time management and resource planning.
  • Act on feedback related to equipment, kit, and logistics processes, making practical adjustments to enhance service quality.

Collaboration with Operations & Guiding Teams
  • Coordinate with the wider operations team to support trip logistics, assist with client and vehicle transfers where required, respond to emergencies, and ensure a seamless experience for clients and guides.
  • Collaborate with the operations team to develop and implement new procedures as required for ongoing improvement.

Key Responsibilities


Equipment & Logistics
  • Manage a small fleet of vehicles and trailers, including servicing and repairs, in addition to coordinating hire vehicles.
  • Schedule maintenance of outdoor equipment and coordinate with the Bike Mechanic to keep the fleet of road and e-bikes trip-ready.
  • Oversee setup and handover of equipment/resources, supporting guides and the operations team.
  • Coordinate shipment of resources to guides for trips across the UK.

Inventory & Stores
  • Maintain an organised store and update processes ahead of each season.
  • Track digital inventory of all spares and consumables, maintaining a high level of operational readiness.
  • Allocate vehicles, bikes, inReaches and all equipment for relevant trips.

Guide Support & Training
  • Develop training on store operations and equipment use (in-person and online).
  • Drive Health and Safety considerations for all aspects of stores, equipment and PPE.
  • Support end-of-trip returns, managing waste and recycling to environmental standards, and ensuring all kit is clean, presentable, and ready for the next trip.

What do we typically look for in successful candidates across all roles?


  • A strong and clear commitment to customer service excellence and “extra mile” delivery.
  • Good IT skills with experience in cloud-based CRM systems such as Salesforce, Google Drive and Mac applications.
  • Strong administration and organisational skills, with the ability to maintain accuracy even when very busy.
  • Consistently great attention to detail, even when faced with multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Good interpersonal skills, awareness and emotional intelligence with an ability to develop and sustain internal & external business relationships.
  • A genuine interest, knowledge and passion for adventure in the regions where Wilderness operates.
  • Is committed to sustainability and is an advocate for wild places and our planet.
  • A natural collaborator who enjoys working in teams with a diverse range of individuals.
  • A commitment to some weekend work to support with any 'out of hours' operational requirements

Preferred role-specific Skills, Knowledge & Experience


  • Creative problem-solving skills and a practical, “fix-it” mindset (essential).
  • Clean driving licence, with the ability to drive a van and tow a trailer - (Training can be provided) (essential).
  • Competent decision maker, happy to work independently (essential).
  • Practical experience and enthusiasm for activities provided by Wilderness England (advantageous).
  • Interest or experience in maintaining modern road, gravel, and e-bikes (advantageous).
  • Any National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications in activities operated by Wilderness Scotland/England (desirable).
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a hands-on approach (desirable).
  • Experience in equipment safety checks (desirable).

How to Apply


We’re really keen to hear from you so please send us your CV and 1 page Cover Letter in PDF format through the online Breathe HR portal detailing the following:

  1. Which role you are applying for.
  2. Relevant experience and transferable skills you can bring to this role, including how you manage a varied workload.
  3. How you will enhance the performance of our Operations Team.
  4. Can you describe a time you had to solve a last-minute logistical problem.
  5. How would you approach working with a high-end client who expects a highly personalised travel experience across the UK? Please give an example of how you would balance client desires with practical or logistical realities.

All applications should be submitted through our Breathe HR recruitment system in PDF format and will be auto acknowledged upon receipt before being manually reviewed by the team. Your application must be complete to be fully considered, therefore please prepare your CV and Cover Letter before hitting apply.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion


The Wilderness group of businesses are committed to diversity through inclusive practices. We are looking to improve the diversity of our teams and believe firmly in the value of varied life experiences, backgrounds and cultures in our workplace.

We welcome and encourage diverse applicants for any advertised position and will consider all applicants regardless of age, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, health conditions, impairments or other characteristics.

Benefits

• 35 hour working week
• 31 days holiday + earn up to 12 rostered days off per annum
• 14 hours of volunteer leave to make a difference towards causes that are important to you and/or our business
• Flexible / Hybrid working plus up to 2 weeks working from anywhere
• Company Contributed Pension (after qualifying period)
• Company Health Plan (after the qualifying period)
• Occupational Maternity Pay (after the qualifying period)
• Family and friends discounts
• Training and career development opportunities
• Team activity afternoons (Wilderness Wednesday)
• Industry discounts on outdoor clothing and equipment
• Cake on your birthday
• Unlimited tea and coffee with only the occasional milk shortage emergency

Notes

Please note that we are not in a position to offer sponsorship for this role. As such, a right to work in UK is required in order to apply.

If you have any queries or need support please contact us by email: recruitment@wildernessgroup.co.uk