Centre and Operations Manager

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Centre & Operations Manager to lead their award-winning charity focused on bird conservation. This role offers the chance to manage a dedicated team, oversee the welfare of a diverse range of birds, and contribute to vital wildlife education initiatives. You will be at the forefront of developing new income streams and ensuring the smooth operation of the visitor centre, all while championing the mission of the organization. If you are an inspiring leader with a commitment to ethical practices, this is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in wildlife conservation.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a team of bird keepers in a public-facing role.
• Knowledge of restraint-free training techniques for raptors.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets and financial forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the care and welfare of over 20 species of birds of prey.
• Manage daily visitor experiences and events at the centre.
• Oversee compliance with legal and charity regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Communication Skills

Financial Management

Project Management

Animal Care

IT Software Proficiency

Education

A-level or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Bird of Prey Project

Bath, Somerset, UK Closing date for applications is: 27th May 2025

Contact: Naomi Johns ([e-mail]) Sector: Management Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £30,000 - 38,000

We are seeking an inspiring leader to build on the success of our award-winning charity. Are you an experienced bird keeper with leadership and management experience in a public facing role, looking to make a proactive difference for wild raptors and habitats in the UK?

The Bird of Prey Project is a registered charity and multiple award-winning visitor centre and zoo working to conserve birds of prey, restore habitats and make wildlife education accessible. At this exciting time for the organisation, we are looking to recruit a new Centre & Operations Manager who can manage the visitor centre and lead the senior bird team whilst working alongside the Board of Trustees develop strategy and objectives for the charity. You will have the incredible opportunity to lead a team shaping new standards for restraint-free ethical management of birds of prey and contribute to nature recovery and wildlife education in the local area and community.

What is the role about?

The Centre & Operations Manager works directly with the Board of Trustees to manage the charity and visitor centre. This is a role for an experienced bird keeper and confident manager who will be in charge of a team of three to five employees and upwards of 20 volunteers, resident bird care and welfare delivery for over 20 species, legal compliance and accountability, financial management alongside the charity treasurer, and delivery of the charity’s objectives.

The visitor centre receives over 10,000 visitors per year who provide the majority of the charity’s income. Providing a high standard of care and welfare, and the use of the restraint-free R+ training techniques to work with resident birds, are at the core of The Bird of Prey Project’s values and are things that the Centre & Operations Manager would be expected to lead on.

You would also oversee the work carried out as part of:

• The Cavity Nesting Species Programme – this programme works with eight project areas to monitor four target species affected by climate and land use change.
• The accessible wildlife education initiative – this consists of the provision of free learning materials for local authority funded schools and/or community groups, including virtual learning opportunities, career discussions and, occasionally, wildlife workshops.
• The Biomagnification Project – this consists of supporting Bath Spa University to facilitate research into imidacloprid through specimens collected as part of wildlife rehabilitation.
  
  

You would also be responsible for line managing both Deputy Centre Managers. You should be confident in making decisions and able to balance opportunity and risk. An ability to operate within and develop governance, finance and risk frameworks is also a key part of the role, and whilst a background in nature recovery or wildlife conservation is not necessary, you should be passionate about The Bird of Prey Project’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Duty Manager when on site at the centre.
• Line manage the Deputy Centre Managers.
• Lead the care, welfare, husbandry and training of the collection.
• Deliver flying experiences and flying displays.
• Manage our daily visitor experience and events.
• Develop new streams of income generation.
• Oversee our charitable objectives, including the Cavity Nesting Species Programme and accessible wildlife initiative.
• Work with the charity treasurer to:
• accurately record finances
• ensure key payments are made and collected on time
• deliver payroll for employees
• reconcile cash payments
• review monthly forecast vs actuals reports
• forecast and budget for the charity.
• Manage any relationships with other zoos and external bodies.
• Ensure compliance with our licensing requirements, Charity Commission guidance, the law, and other relevant regulations/guidance/best practice.
• Lead the strategic development of the organisation alongside the Board of Trustees.
• Attend, contribute to, and act as Secretary for board meetings.
  
  

About You

You’ll have experience and confidence to manage a team of bird keepers and the smooth operation of the day-day running of the organisation, and be passionate about the objectives of The Project with capability to communicate and represent this to our key partners, stakeholders and visitors.

The table below dictates the key skills, knowledge and experiences that we will be looking for throughout the application and interview process.

Essential Knowledge, Skills And Experiences

• Education to A-level, college level or equivalent workplace experience.
• Experience in housing, training and working with vets to provide medical care to a variety of raptor species (ideally using restraint-free R+ training techniques and if not, commitment to learning and working under this form of practice).
• Knowledge of The Bird of Prey Project and its mission.
• Visible, inspiring and empathetic leadership of employees and volunteers.
• Proven leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to represent the organisation to external groups and bodies.
• Business management and financial skills to understand budgets, forecasting, income generation, business function and strategy.
• Confidence in developing policies and procedures for legal accountability.
• Collaboration skills to work cohesively in a team and build new relationships on behalf of the charity.
• Confident using a variety of IT software including all major Microsoft programmes.
• Ability to create and manage a marketing strategy.
• A full UK driver’s licence.
  
  

Desiarable Knowledge, Skills And Experiences

• Experience managing birds of prey using restraint-free R+ training techniques.
• Confidence meeting UK zoo licence requirements.
• Experience in the successful use of social media, website development, mailing lists and other forms of digital media.
• Some experience in fundraising or appealing for individual giving.
  
  

Apply For This Job

For more information and how to apply - please visit https://birdofpreyproject.org/about-us/opportunities/

Completed application forms, CV and cover letter should be emailed to [e-mail]