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- Tasks: Lead operations for Wetland Reserves, enhancing habitats and securing funding.
- Company: Join WWT, a passionate team dedicated to restoring wetlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, flexible working, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on conservation while inspiring teams and driving change.
- Qualifications: Senior operational experience in conservation and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; apply early as we may close applications soon.
The predicted salary is between 59612 - 83557 £ per year.
WWT Slimbridge (Centre) South West, East Anglia, North West
Closing date for applications is: 10th Feb 2026
Contact: Recruitment (recruitment@wwt.org.uk)
Sector: Management
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: £59,612.00 per annum
About The Role
Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will work alongside two Heads of Operations for our Wetland Discovery sites, to support our Wetland Reserves sites in achieving our ambitions. You will lead Site Managers at Caerlaverock, Steart and Welney, as well as potential future reserves, supporting them in improving the health and diversity of our wetland habitats whilst ensuring they maximise opportunities for income development and funding to assure financial stability for years to come. This is a permanent contract, working full time, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours a week. Part-time work will be considered. 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
You will be passionate about nature and conservation with a good understanding of the challenges and pressures faced by site operations which rely on funding through stewardship grants, donations and restricted funding. To join as our Head of Operations Wetland Reserves you’ll bring:
- Senior level operational experience in a comparable organisation working directly with conservation or nature-based experiences where income streams are not driven by visitation but by external funding and/or donations.
- Evidence of strong skills in leading and supporting business planning, financial analysis, budget development and management, across multiple sites with varying income streams and asset portfolios.
- The ability to recruit, performance manage and motivate diverse multi-disciplinary teams.
- Demonstrable leadership skills, able to coach and mentor site leaders and their teams, communicating clarity of direction and inspiring teams to work towards common goals.
- Skills in networking and influencing internally and externally at a senior level, developing partnerships with like-minded organisations for the benefit of WWT and our charitable aims.
- Demonstrable ability to manage the complexity of demands posed by triple-bottom-line objectives across our conservation targets, visitor engagement and financial targets.
We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications from candidates who meet the required skills and experience. We therefore encourage early applications.
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
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
Apply For This Job
For more information and to apply please follow the link: Apply Now
Head of Operations - Wetland Reserves 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 Head of Operations - Wetland Reserves
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the conservation sector, especially those connected to WWT. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research WWT’s projects and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows you’re not just another applicant but genuinely passionate about what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams and managed complex projects. WWT is looking for someone who can inspire others, so let your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the WWT family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - Wetland Reserves
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in conservation and operational management, and show us how your skills align with our mission at WWT.
Show Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for nature and conservation! Use your application to express why you care about wetlands and how you can contribute to our goals. Let your passion shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your achievements.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! We might close the advert early if we find enough suitable candidates. Get your application in as soon as possible through our website to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.
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 understanding the specific challenges and opportunities faced by wetland reserves. Familiarise yourself with WWT's mission and recent projects. This will not only show your passion for conservation but also demonstrate that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams in previous roles. Think about times when you motivated your team towards common goals or navigated complex operational challenges. Be ready to discuss your approach to coaching and mentoring site leaders, as this is crucial for the Head of Operations position.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since the role involves budget development and financial management, brush up on your financial analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with income streams that aren't driven by visitation, and how you've secured funding through grants or donations in the past. This will highlight your suitability for managing multiple sites with varying financial needs.
✨Network Like a Pro
Think about your past experiences in building partnerships and influencing stakeholders. Prepare to share specific instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with other organisations for mutual benefit. This will showcase your networking skills and ability to represent WWT’s interests effectively.
