At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams across BTO's Country Offices while managing operations in Scotland.
- Company: Join BTO, a leading organisation dedicated to securing the future for birds and nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and various employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental decisions and empower others through science and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, excellent people skills, and a passion for ecological science.
The predicted salary is between 68199 - 68199 £ per year.
We are seeking a dynamic individual with strong people skills to provide leadership across all of BTO’s Country Offices and to manage operations in Scotland. Operational management for Wales and Northern Ireland is provided by the Heads of those teams. The post holder will be part of BTO's senior leadership team, responsible for setting the direction and priorities of the organisation and attending Board meetings where they will represent BTO Country Operations.
The postholder will directly manage an excellent team of senior Country Office staff members and work collaboratively with many others. The role requires demonstrable experience in supporting, motivating, and leading multi-disciplinary teams and excellent people management and influencing skills. It will also require experience in developing strategic vision, setting measures of success, securing funding, and ensuring delivery of multiple and often complex projects.
The post holder will need skills in, and a passion for communicating both internally and externally; a good science (ideally ecological) background, and an understanding of long-term monitoring and citizen science approaches to monitoring and research. Ideally, the postholder will be based out of the BTO Scotland office in Stirling (which currently has the largest staff complement), but we would be willing to consider working out of the BTO Cymru offices at Bangor University or the BTONI offices in Lisburn, near Belfast, for the right candidate.
BTO operates flexible working, and a hybrid working pattern is available (60% office, 40% home). The postholder is expected to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues across the BTO, and whilst communication by virtual means is used frequently, regular travel (several times a year) between each of the offices in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and to the English office in Thetford, Norfolk is required, as is frequent working in person at the postholder’s office base.
WHAT DOES BTO DO? BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone.
Our values We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering. Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?
WHAT WE OFFER
- £68,199 per annum
- Annual Leave: 25 days per year (plus bank holidays), increasing with service to 26 days after 5 years, 28 days after 10 years, and 30 days after 15 years (pro rata for part-time staff).
- Paid 'journey days' (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying.
- Annual team away days
- Life assurance (four times salary)
- 11% employer pension contribution
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced Family leave
- Health cash plan
- Retail discounts through MyLifestyle.
- Cycling friendly employer- gold accredited
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (15% off)
- Free access to BTO training courses
- Flexible working
- Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
- Free car parking
- Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time
- Coaching and mentoring scheme
- Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring, Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, Neurodiversity group, LGBTQ group and our staff group creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
- Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
- Commitment to sustainability
The closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Tuesday 14th April and Interviews will be held remotely on Tuesday 5th May.
Director of Country Operations in Stirling employer: British Trust for Ornithology
BTO is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where leadership and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values inclusivity and sustainability, BTO empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact on bird conservation and environmental science. Located in the scenic city of Stirling, employees benefit from a supportive community, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
Contact Details:
British Trust for Ornithology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Country Operations in Stirling
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at BTO through LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching BTO’s projects and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission to secure the future for birds and nature. We love candidates who are passionate about our work!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your people skills! As a Director of Country Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership style. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the BTO team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Country Operations in Stirling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading and motivating teams. We want to see how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams and what strategies you've used to inspire them.
Communicate Your Vision:We’re looking for someone who can develop a strategic vision. In your application, share examples of how you've set measures of success and secured funding for projects. This will show us that you can think big and deliver results.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use the same language and focus on the skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for. This helps us see you as a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers page! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find all the supporting documents there to help you out.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Trust for Ornithology
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of BTO's mission and values, especially their focus on evidence-led science and inclusivity. Brush up on your ecological knowledge and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to achieve success. This is your chance to demonstrate your people management skills!
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves a lot of communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you would build relationships across different offices and manage virtual communications effectively.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about developing strategic visions and securing funding. Have a few ideas in mind about how you would approach these tasks at BTO, and be ready to discuss how you measure success in complex projects.
