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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 vital wetland ecosystems.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, free entry to 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 available; be part of a mission-driven organisation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 Ā£ per year.
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 crossāorganisation 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 purposeāled 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 Ā£multi-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
Weāre WWT, and weāre on a mission to restore the superāpowered ecosystems we call wetlands. Thereās never been a more important moment for our work, and weāve got some phenomenal people on the case. Whether theyāre taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting groundābreaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And thereās nothing we love more than watching them soar. Whatever you do here, youāll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why youāll 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) ā 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.
Assistant Director of Operations in London 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 š¤«
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Operations in London
āØTip 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.
āØTip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching WWT's mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals of restoring wetlands and enhancing visitor experiences. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams and driven improvements in previous roles.
āØTip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! During interviews, demonstrate your emotional intelligence and ability to inspire others. Share stories that highlight your collaborative approach and how you've successfully managed diverse teams in the past.
āØTip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itās the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the WWT team and contributing to our mission of restoring wetlands.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Operations in London
Some tips for your application š«”
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!
Show Your Passion: Let your love for conservation and the environment shine through in your application. Weāre all about restoring wetlands, so share why this cause matters to you!
Be Specific About Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead large teams and manage operations effectively. Numbers and examples speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: Donāt forget to submit your application via our website! Itās the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youāre considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
āØKnow Your Wetlands
Before the interview, dive deep into WWT's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their conservation efforts and how they impact visitor experiences. This will not only show your passion for the environment but also demonstrate that you align with their goals.
āØShowcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, especially in managing diverse teams. Think of specific examples where you've inspired and motivated large groups, and be ready to explain how your emotional intelligence has played a role in your success.
āØFinancial Savvy is Key
Since this role involves financial performance, brush up on your experience with budget management and financial analysis. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or driven financial improvements in previous roles.
āØCollaborate and Communicate
Highlight your experience in cross-organisational collaboration. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your ability to work with various departments, such as marketing and operations, to enhance visitor experiences and drive footfall.
