Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Custom
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Gordon Walker

Berwick-upon-Tweed,Northum

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven professional with expertise in decision-making excellence, P&L management, and strategic leadership. Demonstrates a proven ability to enhance customer experience, drive cost-reduction strategies, and lead transformative change initiatives. Skilled in brand building, employee training, and fostering an engaging leadership style that prioritises people-oriented approaches. Committed to delivering measurable business growth while cultivating high-performing teams and optimising organisational performance.

Driven professional with strategic mindset and strong leadership capabilities, coupled with exceptional problem-solving skills and operational management expertise. Proven ability to streamline processes and lead cross-functional teams to achieve organisational objectives.

Overview

39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Chief Operations Officer

Cove UK
Selsey, West Sussex
02.2024 - 12.2024
  • Collaborate with the senior management team to create short and medium-term strategic plans across the Group, which encompassed developing growth initiatives, vetting potential acquisitions, devising marketing strategies, and setting financial goals.
  • Pioneered innovative solutions for overcoming operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies
  • Undertook budgeting responsibilities, preventing overspending and ensuring financial health of the organisation.
  • Directed day-to-day work of 500 plus employees and motivated teams to exceed objectives.
  • Championed the implementation of key operational projects, enhancing overall business performance.
  • Directed operational strategies to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by initiating change management processes.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations, thus maintaining company reputation and integrity.
  • Developed crisis management strategies to address unforeseen challenges.
  • Monitored budget to meet sales and revenue targets.
  • Recruited and developed high-performing teams, fostering positive and results-driven workplace culture.
  • Championed customer-centric approach, resulting in enhanced client satisfaction.
  • Leveraged industry expertise to navigate regulatory compliance and legal considerations.
  • Directed day-to-day work of 500 plus employees and motivated teams to exceed objectives.
  • Spearheaded strategic planning and decision-making processes aligning with mission and stakeholder interests.
  • Maintained agile, responsible organisation with sustained revenue growth by monitoring industry forecasts, honing budgets and adjusting marketing strategies.

Operations Director

Cove UK
09.2021 - 02.2024
  • Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of 13 Holiday UK Parks and 5 Residential Parks.
  • Ensuring financial targets and other agreed targets are met in all departments ensuring delivery of Cove 23m EBITDA.
  • Reviewing working practises to ascertain if it is successful and if not, devise an alternative.
  • Making sure safety regulations are followed.
  • Keeping employees motivated and organising appropriate training.
  • Ensuring the business operates within the company's main income streams.
  • Investigating customer satisfaction and reporting any issues maintaining all quality scores across all channels of Social media.
  • Working with department heads and senior management to get the best performance from the Teams.
  • Driving the business to increase profits.
  • Working with legal departments on any matters that occur.
  • Reviewing and approving equipment needs.
  • Overseen all Capital Projects 22m spend.
  • Planning and Development.

Operations Director

Pure Leisure Group
11.2017 - 07.2021
  • Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of 11 UK Parks and Royal Westmoreland Barbados.
  • Ensuring financial targets and other agreed targets are met in all departments.
  • Reviewing working practises to ascertain if it is successful and if not, devise an alternative.
  • Making sure safety regulations are followed.
  • Keeping employees motivated and organising appropriate training.
  • Ensuring the business operates within the company's main income streams.
  • Investigating customer satisfaction and reporting any issues.
  • Working with department heads and senior management to get the best performance from All Teams.
  • Driving the business to increase profits.
  • Working with legal departments on any matters that occur.
  • Reviewing and approving equipment needs.
  • Property Sales at Royal Westmoreland Barbados.

General Manager

Bourne Leisure/Haven
01.1986 - 01.2017
  • General Manager with extensive experience revitalising holiday parks to exceptional standards, transforming facilities, enhancing customer satisfaction, and significantly boosting financial performance.
  • At Haggerston Castle from 2007 to 2017, restored the neglected park to five-star quality, managed a £4m capital project, and grew Caravan Sales from £900k in 2007 to £1.9m by improving accommodation standards and customer retention.
  • Recognised as a coach and mentor for developing future leaders.
  • Previously, at Sherkston Shores in Canada (2004-2007), transformed operations and delivered the first Board and Shareholder dividend in 10 years by enhancing home sales.
  • From 2001 to 2004 at Weymouth Bay/Seaview Holiday Park, increased operating profit by £1.3m through strategic sales improvements and efficient management.

Education

High School - 1 Higher Grade, 5 ‘O' Level Grades

Renfrew High School

Skills

  • Decision-Making excellence
  • P and L management
  • Customer experience enhancement
  • Change leadership
  • Cost-reduction strategies
  • Engaging leadership style
  • Employee training
  • Strategic leadership
  • Energetic
  • People-oriented
  • Brand building

Custom

  • Fly-fisherman
  • Passionate ‘foodie’
  • Avid Manchester United fan
  • Music lover

Affiliations

  • Fly Fishing
  • Foodie
  • Music
  • Dog Walking

Certification

Scottish Personal Licence


English Personal Licence


Institute Leadership Management. 3

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Chief Operations Officer

Cove UK
02.2024 - 12.2024

Operations Director

Cove UK
09.2021 - 02.2024

Operations Director

Pure Leisure Group
11.2017 - 07.2021

General Manager

Bourne Leisure/Haven
01.1986 - 01.2017

High School - 1 Higher Grade, 5 ‘O' Level Grades

Renfrew High School

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Gordon Walker