Job Title: Chief Operating Officer
Check out the role overview below If you are confident you have got the right skills and experience, apply today.
Location: Smarden, Kent (own transport essential)
Salary: £60,000 per annum
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Working Hours: 40 hours per week (8 hours per day between 07:00 and 22:00), Flexible working pattern Monday to Sunday, in line with business needs.
About The Big Cat Sanctuary:
The Big Cat Sanctuary (BCS) is a family charity and IUCN Centre for Species Survival for wild cats, based in Smarden, Kent. It is a unique organisation combining conservation and rescue, specialist animal care, hospitality, accommodation, visitor experiences, events, commercial activity and major site development.
BCS is growing fast, with a capital development roadmap running through 2029 covering new conservation centres and habitats. As the organisation scales, it requires a strong operational leadership layer beneath its Managing Director to keep pace with that growth.
The Role
This is a newly created role, sitting between the Managing Director and the Senior Leadership Team to turn the Managing Director's strategy into operational reality to ensure BCS delivers against its agreed priorities day to day.
This is not a desk-bound executive role. We are seeking a highly visible hands-on COO who leads from the front, spends time where the work happens and is actively involved in supporting teams to deliver results. The successful candidate will bring energy, presence and accountability, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure operational excellence across all areas of the Sanctuary, allowing the MD to focus on strategy, growth and conservation leadership.
What You Will Be Responsible For:
- Lead the operational rhythm of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Translate the Managing Director's strategy into clear organisational and departmental objectives.
- Ensure the Senior Leadership Team and Heads of Department have clear priorities, KPIs, deadlines and accountability.
- Challenge underperformance, slippage and missed deadlines.
- Ensure decisions made by the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team are implemented. xgikmsk
- Resolve cross-departmental issues before they escalate to the Managing Director.
- Maintain an organi...
Chief Operating Officer employer: The Big Cat Sanctuary Careers
The Big Cat Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful setting while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. With a strong focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, staff enjoy flexible working patterns, generous annual leave, and access to exclusive events, all while being part of a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare and community engagement.
Contact Details:
The Big Cat Sanctuary Careers Recruitment Team
