Who We Are
Explorium is an exciting, state-of-the-art Science and Sport visitor attraction located in Dublin. Spanning over 110,000 square feet, Explorium offers more than 250 interactive exhibits and experiences designed to challenge both mind and body. Our focus is on delivering exceptional, engaging and safe visitor experiences for families, schools, corporates and visitors of all ages.
The Role
The Manager of Sports Activities and Virtual Reality is responsible for the leadership, safety, performance and visitor experience across all of the Activities areas, including indoor climbing, virtual reality and adventure experiences.
This role provides operational and people leadership to the Activities Team Leads and front-line team members, ensuring the highest standards of safety, service, professionalism and engagement at all times.
You will act as the responsible Manager on the Activities floor, taking ownership of operational delivery, team performance, visitor satisfaction, risk management and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Visitor Experience & Operations
- Operate as the responsible Manager on duty for the Sports & VR Activities floor
- Ensure the highest standards of visitor experience, safety and presentation across all activities areas
- Act as the senior point of contact for visitor concerns, complaints, incidents or emergencies, escalating where appropriate
- Oversee opening and closing procedures and ensure all safety, cleanliness and operational checklists are completed
- Ensure all climbing walls, virtual reality systems and adventure activities are safe, operational and appropriately supervised
- Liaise closely with Maintenance and Safety teams regarding defects, incidents and preventative maintenance
Leadership & Team Management
- Provide leadership, direction and coaching to Activities Team Leads and the wider Activities team
- Support, mentor and develop Team Leads in their people management and operational responsibilities
- Embed Explorium’s values, behaviours and service standards within the Activities team
- Manage performance, including feedback, capability development and disciplinary matters in conjunction with HR
- Support onboarding, training and skill development for new and existing team members
Rostering, Planning & Performance
- Oversee the creation and management of rosters to ensure appropriate staffing, competence and coverage at all times
- Monitor attendance, punctuality, sickness and team conduct, addressing issues promptly
- Deliver and oversee Daily Gatherings and key operational communications
- Ensure effective break management and staff deployment throughout the day
- Report on daily operations, incidents, performance issues and achievements to the Senior Management Team
Health, Safety & Risk
- Take responsibility for personal health & safety and that of visitors and staff in the Sports Activities section
- Ensure compliance with all health & safety policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work
- Act as Fire Manager when required
- Manage incidents, accidents and near misses, ensuring appropriate reporting and follow-up
- Ensure all activities are delivered in line with training, certification and regulatory requirements
Continuous Improvement
- Implement and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for all Activities areas
- Identify opportunities to enhance visitor experience, operational efficiency and team capability
- Contribute to the research and development of new activities, experiences or commercial offerings where appropriate
- Support delivery of special events, school visits and peak-period operations
What You Bring to the Role
You Will Definitely Have (Essential)
- Proven experience managing a visitor-facing or operational team
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, direct and develop others
- Experience working in a high-footfall leisure, sports or visitor attraction environment
- A strong safety-first mindset, with experience working within robust Health & Safety frameworks
- The ability to remain calm, decisive and professional under pressure
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience managing incidents, complaints or operational challenges
- Strong organisational, planning and decision-making abilities
- Successful Garda Vetting disclosure
- Fluent English, both written and verbal
- Authorisation to work full time hours in Ireland
- Availability to work weekends on a rostered basis
- Willingness to work across a seven-day operation
It Would Be Great If You Also Had (Desirable)
- Experience managing climbing walls or adventure activity operations
- Relevant indoor climbing qualifications, or the ability to demonstrate equivalent recognised training and competency (e.g. lead climbing, belaying, wall supervision/instruction)
- Experience leading Team Leads or Supervisors
- Familiarity with Virtual Reality or technically complex attractions
- Experience supporting events, group bookings or peak operational periods
- Certification in first aid/working at heights/rescue
Working Pattern
Explorium is open seven days a week. This role operates on a five-day roster, including regular weekend work.
To Apply:
Send CV and cover letter to [email protected] by 20th July2026
Explorium is committed to a workplace environment that promotes diversity and inclusion and creates an open and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued. Employment decisions are based on merit, job requirements and business needs. Appointment is subject to Garda Vetting. Interviews may commence prior to the closing date.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €40,000.00-€45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexitime
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Dublin, County Dublin: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- supervisory: 2 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
