At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead day-to-day operations at a top wetland reserve, ensuring exceptional visitor experiences.
- Company: Join WWT Welney, a leader in conservation and hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, free entry to centres, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on conservation while working in a beautiful environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in trading, customer care, and team management required.
The predicted salary is between 32630 - 32630 £ per year.
WWT Welney is looking for an enthusiastic, highly organised, customer‑focused individual to join our team as Trading Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the day‑to‑day commercial operations at one of the UK’s most important wetland reserves. You will oversee our retail, catering, gallery, and holiday cottage operations, ensuring visitors receive an exceptional experience whilst driving commercial performance and supporting our conservation mission.
Located in Norfolk, WWT Welney is part of the Ouse Washes, renowned for its spectacular winter gatherings of wildfowl and diverse wetland wildlife year‑round. At the heart of the reserve is our award‑winning visitor centre. The retail space showcases products from local suppliers alongside a wide selection of books, bird care products, optics, gifts, and more. Wigeon Café offers visitors panoramic views across the wetlands, complemented by a recently refreshed menu featuring freshly made ciabattas, paninis, soups, and cakes. Delivering an exceptional visitor experience and caring for this unique environment are central to everything we do. We are proud recipients of VisitEngland Welcome Accolade for the past two years, recognising our commitment to outstanding hospitality and visitor engagement.
By joining our team, you will become part of an organisation dedicated to protecting wetland habitats, saving species worldwide, and inspiring people to connect with nature. Every profit generated through our trading operations directly supports vital conservation work to restore wetlands and unlock their extraordinary environmental benefits. This is a permanent role, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days from 7 including weekends and bank holidays.
We are looking for a customer‑focused individual who is a collaborative leader who takes time to support people in their team.
You Will Have
- Experience in a relevant trading / commercial environment
- Experience of delivering exceptional standards in Customer Care
- Proven track record in delivering or exceeding departmental targets
- Experience of team management, training and development
- Previous experience of Food Safety Management System
- Ability to determine priorities and set tasks
- Ability to train, motivate and engage your team (including volunteers)
- Ability to plan for and adapt to seasonal trade/campaigns and promotions
Benefits
- 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.
Trading Manager employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
WWT Welney is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at one of the UK's most important wetland reserves in Norfolk. With a strong commitment to conservation and outstanding visitor engagement, employees enjoy a supportive work culture, generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave, and opportunities for personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the environment.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
