General Manager

This is an exciting career opportunity for an outstanding leader to have full accountability
for the performance of an incredible visitor attraction and nature reserve in Barnes, London.
You will manage the operations of a busy site, with a team of 50 staff and 200 volunteers to
support, and help deliver the organisational strategy of WWT – the UK’s leading wetland
conservation charity.

London Wetland Centre consists of over 100 acres of wetlands where visitors can experience
wildlife up close, be immersed in nature, and switch off from busy city life. There is a strong
membership take-up, and the centre has close links with the local community.

The Role

We are looking for an inspiring leader who can help the centre to achieve ambitious financial,
conservation and visitor engagement strategies. You will be required to develop a diverse team
of staff and volunteers, attract a growing number of visitors and members, and provide them
with an unforgettable experience on each and every visit.

The role includes management of the trading areas, incorporating retail, catering and venue
hire; oversight of the living collection, which includes birds and otters, and the nature
reserve which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; a thriving schools programme, and a
growing events and engagement programme. The role requires close working with Headquarters to
help implement the overall organisational vision.

Work pattern: 37.5 hours per week, 5 days from 7

About You

To be a success in this role you must be an experienced and professional manager, comfortable
with both operational delivery and the ability to input strategically. You should be strong on
financial and business numeracy, and able to deliver against ambitious and motivating targets
while maintaining day-to-day performance.

It is a busy and varied role, ideally suited to someone looking to expand their current
responsibilities into a broader remit: you might currently be running multiple departments
within a larger organisation, or perhaps leading a smaller attraction. Your wealth of
experience and proven track record will ideally have been gained within a visitor attraction
and you are now looking for your next role to be part of an organisation that has a very
special place in people’s hearts.

About Us

Nature, the climate and wellbeing are all in crisis. They have never been talked about as much
as they are now. The world is waking up to the power of wetlands for people and planet.
Wetlands offer real hope.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a global wetland conservation charity. We are
creating more, better connected wetlands and engaging people to be inspired to act. We do
impactful, courageous conservation, backed by science, evidence, delivery and engagement with
people and communities, all with a credible history. Our 10 UK sites we present an unrivalled
opportunity to connect people with nature, engaging them on a supporter journey and to support
us financially.

We have ambitious targets for developing bigger and better wetlands, encouraging more people to
take direct action for these unique places, and ensuring key decision makers around the world
realise the essential role wetlands play in restoring nature, combating climate change and
enhancing health and wellbeing.

In return for your hard work and dedication you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits including:

• 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays, increasing to 38 days after 5 years’
  service
• Contributory pension scheme matching up to 7%
• Life assurance providing 3 times annual salary
• Access to a wide range of resources to support your health and wellbeing including our 24/7
  Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site accommodation in the form of a 3 bedroom house with garden is offered with this
  role subject to agreement

Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 29th May 2023

First interviews are to be held remotely via Teams on Thursday 8th or Friday
9th June

Second interviews will be held in person at WWT London or WWT Slimbridge
Wetland Centre (Gloucestershire) on Friday 23rd June (TBC)

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered
solely on merit.

Registered Charity Number England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410