At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at The Big Cat Sanctuary, ensuring strategic goals are met and teams thrive.
- Company: Join a unique charity focused on conservation and animal welfare in a beautiful setting.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days leave, and discounts at the sanctuary.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a chance to shape the future of a growing organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership with a passion for conservation and hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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.
- Resolve cross-departmental issues before they escalate to the Managing Director.
- Maintain an organisation-wide operational plan and track delivery.
- Oversee operational delivery of major projects, ensuring clear ownership, budgets, milestones and timelines.
- Monitor departmental performance, budgets and key operational/commercial KPIs.
- Drive efficiency, standards, productivity and appropriate resource allocation.
- Strengthen management standards, communication and cross-functional working.
- Act as the senior operational authority when the Managing Director is away from site, within agreed strategy, budgets and delegated authority, with agreed sign-off from the CEO and family.
What We Are Looking For: BCS does not require a conventional zoo Chief Operating Officer. Our unique operating model demands a dynamic and adaptable leader who is comfortable operating across a diverse portfolio of functions, including conservation, animal operations, hospitality, accommodation, visitor experience, commercial activity, events and site development. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced operational leader who thrives in a complex environment, can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, and is passionate about driving performance, accountability and cross-functional collaboration. Strong commercial and hospitality experience would be valuable with an understanding that animal welfare and conservation remain fundamental to BCS. The ideal candidate will bring the visibility and hands-on mentality of an exceptional leader, combined with the authority and breadth required to lead performance across the whole organisation.
What We Offer:
- Be part of an incredible team working for a meaningful cause.
- Spend your working days in one of the most unique and beautiful settings in Kent.
- Help shape the future of The Big Cat Sanctuary and make a lasting impact.
- Annual salary of £60,000 per annum.
- Permanent, full-time contract, 28 days paid annual leave, plus Christmas Day off as standard.
- Employee benefits including sanctuary discounts, free uniform and access to special events, access to a network of UK and European zoos and wildlife collections.
- Genuinely special working environment, supporting a charity with a real conservation mission.
Additional Information: The closing date for applicants is 19 October 2026. The selection process comprises an initial Microsoft Teams interview with the Head of Human Resources and HR Manager. Final-stage candidates will then participate in an extensive site visit followed by a formal panel interview involving representatives from the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Human Resources, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Managing Director (MD), and Board of Trustees. The Big Cat Sanctuary is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Please click on the APPLY button to send your CV and Cover Letter for this role. Candidates with experience of; Chief Executive, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, COO, CFO, Operational Director, Senior Leadership Team Manager, Director, Strategic Development Manager, Company Director may all be considered.
Chief Operating Officer employer: The Big Cat Sanctuary
As a Guest Relations Manager at our conservation destination, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our visitors while supporting our vital mission. We offer a supportive work culture that values employee growth and development, alongside competitive benefits that enhance your work-life balance. Join us in a unique environment where your contributions directly impact wildlife conservation and visitor engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by The Big Cat Sanctuary.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like The Big Cat Sanctuary.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at The Big Cat Sanctuary.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at The Big Cat Sanctuary. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of The Big Cat Sanctuary. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Operating Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Big Cat Sanctuary
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of The Big Cat Sanctuary. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
