OPERATIONS MANAGER
Sea Synergy is a multi- award-winning marine awareness and activity centre on the Wild Atlantic Way, SW Ireland, Co. Kerry. Founded by local marine biologist Lucy Hunt in 2014 with the ethos of “we cannot protect what we do not know or understand” and a passion to help connect people with the ocean in order to understand how important it is in our lives. We combine marine conservation, community engagement, and adventure tourism—offering everything from snorkel tours and seashore safaris to marine education programmes and oyster restoration efforts.
We are currently hiring!
Please submit a CV and Cover Letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position to [email protected] with Email title: OPERATIONS MANAGER APPLICATION. Applications to be submitted by 15th July (and/or will be reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter).
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Sea Synergy is seeking a caring, passionate, committed individual to join our team in Cahersiveen.
As Operations Manager, you’ll directly oversee and manage a passionate crew of marine biologists/ecologists/educators/water sports instructors and ensure smooth day-to-day operations helping to drive growth across our tours, education, conservation, and grant-funded programmes.
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Programme & Project Coordination
- Plan and schedule tours and activities, including kayak, SUP, snorkel, and safari experiences
- Coordinate the Sea Synergy Oyster Project (SSOP) and manage with SS Research Officer: field surveys, community engagement, citizen science, and proposed reef restoration
- Coordinate & possibly run and deliver the Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme, including classroom modules, field visits, resources, and teacher training
- Develop educational materials and resources for schools, summer camps, and general audience use
Staffing & Team Leadership
- Recruit, onboard, and train full-time staff, seasonal team members, and summer interns
- Provide leadership, schedule management, staff assessment, mentorship
- Ensure team cohesion and consistent high-quality delivery
- Run annual work experience weeks.
Marketing & Outreach
- Oversee social media channels, website updates, and online marketing campaigns
- Build the business through targeted promotions, partnerships, and audience growth
- Collaborate with local organizations, schools, and community groups to enhance presence and impact
Financial & Administrative Management
- Prepare, review & maintain monthly wages & VAT for accountants
- Develop, monitor, and report on the annual budget
- Manage grant finances and coordinate accurate spend reporting
Grant Writing & Fundraising
- Research funding opportunities, prepare and submit grant applications
- Monitor grant compliance, ensuring deliverables are met and reports submitted on time
Operations & Logistics
- Oversee equipment inventory: ordering, maintenance, and logistics
- Develop and oversee daily schedules, booking systems, and operational logistics for tours and education programmes
- Coordinate and run summer tours and activities, camps, and community events
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- Previous experience in operations, project management, hospitality, education, and/or marine conservation
- Strong financial literacy, with hands-on bookkeeping, budgeting, or accounting skills
- Excellent communication skills (written, oral, digital/social media)
- IT Literate ability to work computers, smartphones and with google drive, spreadsheets etc
- Proven ability in grant writing, monitoring, and reporting
- Leadership experience with staff hiring, training, and management
- Passion for marine conservation, ocean literacy, and outdoor education
- Comfortable working outdoors, including in varying weather and coastal environments
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- Marine biology or ecology background
- Previous experience working with children/multigenerations
- Previous experience working in environmental education
- Water sports instructor certificate (Kayak/SUP/Surf/Dive/Snorkel/Hike)
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Sea Synergy Marine Awareness and Activity Centre, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry, Ireland
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The payment of salary, travel and any other matters relating to the financial administration of the post will be the responsibility of Sea Synergy Ltd.
The Operations Manager will report to Lucy Hunt.
Salary: €16.00/hour (32 – 40 hours/week seasonal variation).
Start: As soon as possible