General Manager

WWT Limited; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

WWT Limited seeks an inspiring Centre Manager for its London Wetland Centre, a prominent visitor attraction. The role involves managing operations and staff, leading conservation efforts, and enhancing visitor engagement. You will develop team dynamics and strategic initiatives while ensuring an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Benefits

33 days annual leave, increasing to 38 after 5 years

Contributory pension scheme matching up to 7%

Life assurance providing 3 times annual salary

Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7

Enhanced family friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

On-site accommodation offered, subject to agreement

Qualifications

• Proven track record in managing multiple departments or visitor attractions.
• Comfortable with both operational and strategic management.
• Experience in achieving ambitious financial and engagement targets.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations of a busy site with a team of 50 staff and 200 volunteers.
• Oversee trading areas, living collections, and visitor engagement programs.
• Develop and implement financial and conservation strategies.

Skills

Financial and business numeracy

Leadership

Operational delivery

Job description

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This is an exciting career opportunity for an outstanding leader to have full accountability for the performance of an incredible visitor attraction and nature reserve in Barnes, London. You will manage the operations of a busy site, with a team of 50 staff and 200 volunteers to support, and help deliver the organisational strategy of WWT - the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity.

London Wetland Centre consists of over 100 acres of wetlands where visitors can experience wildlife up close, be immersed in nature, and switch off from busy city life. There is a strong membership take-up, and the centre has close links with the local community.

The Role

We are looking for an inspiring leader who can help the centre to achieve ambitious financial, conservation and visitor engagement strategies. You will be required to develop a diverse team of staff and volunteers, attract a growing number of visitors and members, and provide them with an unforgettable experience on each and every visit.

The role includes management of the trading areas, incorporating retail, catering and venue hire; oversight of the living collection, which includes birds and otters, and the nature reserve which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; a thriving schools programme, and a growing events and engagement programme. The role requires close working with Headquarters to help implement the overall organisational vision.

About You

To be a success in this role you must be an experienced and professional manager, comfortable with both operational delivery and the ability to input strategically. You should be strong on financial and business numeracy, and able to deliver against ambitious and motivating targets while maintaining day-to-day performance.

It is a busy and varied role, ideally suited to someone looking to expand their current responsibilities into a broader remit: you might currently be running multiple departments within a larger organisation, or perhaps leading a smaller attraction. Your wealth of experience and proven track record will ideally have been gained within a visitor attraction and you are now looking for your next role to be part of an organisation that has a very special place in people’s hearts.

About Us

Nature, the climate and wellbeing are all in crisis. They have never been talked about as much as they are now. The world is waking up to the power of wetlands for people and planet. Wetlands offer real hope.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a global wetland conservation charity. We are creating more, better connected wetlands and engaging people to be inspired to act. We do impactful, courageous conservation, backed by science, evidence, delivery and engagement with people and communities, all with a credible history. Our 10 UK sites we present an unrivalled opportunity to connect people with nature, engaging them on a supporter journey and to support us financially.

We have ambitious targets for developing bigger and better wetlands, encouraging more people to take direct action for these unique places, and ensuring key decision makers around the world realise the essential role wetlands play in restoring nature, combating climate change and enhancing health and wellbeing.

In return for your hard work and dedication you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits including:

• 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays, increasing to 38 days after 5 years’ service
• Contributory pension scheme matching up to 7%
• Life assurance providing 3 times annual salary
• Access to a wide range of resources to support your health and wellbeing including our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site accommodation in the form of a 3 bedroom house with garden is offered with this role subject to agreement

First interviews are to be held remotely via Teams on Thursday 8th or Friday 9th June

Second interviews will be held in person at WWT London or WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucestershire) on Friday 23rd June (TBC)