At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dedicated team to enhance visitor experiences at a renowned wetland reserve.
- Company: WWT Slimbridge, a pioneering charity in wetland conservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to environmental sustainability and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a beloved attraction while promoting wildlife conservation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership and operational experience in visitor attractions.
The predicted salary is between 61400 - 61400 £ per year.
The following vacancy is being advertised on behalf of WWT Slimbridge:
Salary: £61,400 per annum
Hours: Full time; 37.5 per week over 5 days
Directorate: Operations
Reporting to: Head of Operations and Innovation
Location: WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
About The Role
We are seeking an outstanding leader to manage and drive the performance of our award winning visitor attraction and wetland nature reserve in Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. This is a genuine opportunity to shape this amazing attraction, not just run it. You will take full responsibility for the day to day operations leading a dedicated team of more than 60 staff and 250 volunteers to deliver our ambitious financial, visitor engagement and conservation objectives for the centre. In addition, you will lead an exciting master-planning process working in collaboration with colleagues in the operations directorate, central leads and centre staff to deliver a plan that sets the site up for success over the next decade and unlocks significant funding.
WWT Slimbridge offers an amazing day out and a wonderful introduction to wetland wildlife and it is your responsibility to provide an unforgettable experience on each and every visit. Visitors can experience the spectacle of tens of thousands of wild birds, immerse themselves in wetlands teaming with life and get close to some of the world’s most amazing wetland birds and mammals. The site features adventure and water play areas, canoe safari, interactive exhibits and walk-through aviaries in addition to over 800 acres of wetland reserve with wildlife viewing hides, including a three-storey tower with magnificent views of the Severn Estuary.
The role has responsibility for all aspects of the site - working closely with the centre’s senior leadership team you will deliver excellence across the areas of trading and admissions, visitor experience and engagement, learning and marketing, living collections and the wetland reserve - a Ramsar wetland site, Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on account of its internationally important wetlands. WWT's charity headquarters are also based at the Slimbridge site, and you will work closely with the team, jointly contributing to the delivery of WWT’s Wetlands are the way 2030 strategy.
About You
- To be a success in this role you must be an experienced and professional manager and a great leader, comfortable with both operational delivery, visible on the floor leadership and the ability to input strategically at the highest level.
- You should be strong on financial and business numeracy, comfortable owning the P&L and able to deliver against ambitious and motivating targets while maintaining day-to-day performance.
- You will have impeccable standards for cleanliness, health & safety and the visitor experience and a track record for building team performance and morale.
- It is a busy and varied role and we are looking for someone with a wealth of experience and proven track record in a similar visitor attraction environment.
- Educated to degree standard or equivalent.
- Demonstrable and successful operations experience within a large visitor attraction or similar operation.
- Demonstrable leadership skills, able to positively lead, motivate and continually develop teams and individuals, including volunteers.
- Demonstrable ability to create a positive work culture in line with an organisation’s agreed values and behaviours, work collaboratively at all levels and lead by example.
- Demonstrable and successful people management with experience in recruitment, training, motivation and performance management.
- Demonstrable experience of identifying and developing commercial opportunities.
- Demonstrable experience of the development and implementation of financial management plans, work programmes and budget controls.
- Demonstrable experience of developing and delivering a masterplan or strategic plan and project management experience.
Please view the full job description for all the responsibilities and specifications for the role.
Application close Monday 14th September 2026.
General Manager at WWT Slimbridge employer: Visit West Limited
Visit West Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the historic St George's Bristol. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for professional advancement while fostering a collaborative and supportive culture. Our commitment to maintaining high standards in venue operations ensures that you will be part of a team dedicated to delivering memorable experiences in a unique setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager at WWT Slimbridge
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like General Manager at WWT Slimbridge at Visit West Limited!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Visit West Limited or be willing to refer you for that General Manager at WWT Slimbridge position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Visit West Limited who’s on the lookout for their next General Manager at WWT Slimbridge star!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time General Manager at WWT Slimbridge role at Visit West Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager at WWT Slimbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Visit West Limited. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Visit West Limited
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Visit West Limited. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
