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- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to enhance visitor experiences at our Wetland Discovery sites.
- Company: Join WWT, a charity dedicated to restoring wetlands and protecting the environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, free entry to wetland centres, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on conservation while working with passionate people.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior roles within visitor attractions and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; be part of a mission-driven organisation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
WWT Slimbridge (Centre) – England
Contact: Recruitment Team (recruitment@wwt.org.uk)
Sector: Conservation
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: ÂŁ72,000 per annum
Closing date for applications is: 15th Feb 2026.
About The Role
WWT is the charity for wetlands. This is a critical role in the recently restructured Operations Directorate at WWT. As Assistant Director, you will be directly responsible for the performance of our 7 Wetland Discovery sites. You will provide inspiring and professional leadership to your teams, whilst proactively collaborating cross‑organisation and externally. Your focus will be on driving meaningful improvements at sites across our three ambitions of Restore, Inspire and Thrive, with emphasis on financial performance driven by visitor experiences. Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will directly manage two Heads of Operations, a Head of Retail and Head of Catering. You will indirectly lead more than 400 staff and volunteers across Living Collections, Reserve Management, Visitor Experience, Trading, Marketing, Facilities and Grounds. You will work closely with Health & Safety and Sustainability leads to ensure good governance and compliance at sites and across the Operations Directorate. You will have a background working in visitor attractions or a very similar sector, coupled with a passion for purpose‑led organisations and a keen interest in the environment. You will be an inspiring leader with high levels of emotional intelligence and values & behaviours that align with WWT. This is a permanent contract, working full time, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours a week. For this role we can offer the opportunity for hybrid working. It is expected the role will need you to be present at each of your sites on a regular basis, at least once per month.
About You
- Experience in a senior position(s) held in the visitor attraction/events management sectors, directly accountable for site operations and visitor experience throughout the visitor journey.
- Strong skills in leading business planning, financial analysis, budget development and management, and delivery of significant capital projects across ÂŁmulti-million business unit(s).
- Demonstrable ability to recruit, performance manage and motivate large (>100) diverse multi-disciplinary teams.
- The ability to develop, communicate and implement strategic change, turning organisational vision into improvements at scale.
- An inspirational and empathetic leadership style, able to role model an organisation’s values and behaviours, and to evidence strong emotional intelligence.
- Able to prioritise effectively, to collaborate, network and influence internally and externally at a senior level.
- A highly creative and inquisitive mindset, able to spot and exploit potential opportunities, keen to explore, test and learn as a means of driving continual improvement and excellence in the visitor experience.
- Experience of working collaboratively with insight, marketing and communications teams to deliver strong brand and marketing campaigns which drive footfall.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super‑powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case. Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground‑breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you’ll love working at WWT
- Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
- Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
- 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
- Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
- Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
- Cycle to work scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
- Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme
Apply For This Job
For more information, and to apply for the role, please follow the link: https://vacancies.wwt.org.uk/vacancies/679/assistant-director-of-operations.html
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit. Registered Charity Number England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410.
Assistant Director of Operations employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the conservation and visitor attraction sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with WWT staff on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for wetlands! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for conservation and how it aligns with your values. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the mission of WWT.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching WWT’s projects and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience can contribute to their goals of Restore, Inspire, and Thrive. Tailor your answers to show you understand their vision and how you can help achieve it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the WWT team. Make sure to highlight your leadership skills and experience in visitor attractions when you do!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in visitor attractions and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at WWT, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for conservation!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As an Assistant Director, your leadership style is key! Use your application to demonstrate your emotional intelligence and how you inspire teams. Share examples of how you've motivated large groups and driven change in previous roles.
Highlight Financial Acumen: Since this role involves financial performance, make sure to include any relevant experience in budget management and financial analysis. We’re keen to see how you’ve successfully managed resources in the past to achieve results.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Wetlands
Before the interview, dive deep into WWT's mission and values. Understand their focus on restoring wetlands and how this aligns with your own passion for conservation. Being able to discuss specific projects or initiatives will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing large teams. Think about times when you inspired others or implemented strategic changes. This role requires emotional intelligence, so be ready to discuss how you connect with and motivate diverse groups.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget development and capital projects. You might be asked to provide insights on how you’ve driven financial performance in previous roles, so have those examples ready to go.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role involves working closely with various teams, so think about how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Prepare to share instances where you influenced stakeholders or worked with marketing and communications teams to enhance visitor experiences.
