Visitor Operations Manager

Job Description

Are you an experienced operations manager in search of a new and exciting challenge Do you love beautiful scenery and have a desire to work for a great cause This could be the perfect opportunity for you!We’re looking for an experienced manager to oversee the operational delivery of one of our key and internationally-important nature reserves, Walthamstow Wetlands. Collaborating closely with various teams within the Trust, you’ll play a crucial rolein manging all aspects of the complex site, including but not limited to visitor experience, facilities management, health and safety compliance, and contract delivery. We’re looking for a candidate with a strong operational background. This could be a great opportunity for a candidate experienced in operations management, general management or visitor services seeking a new challenge and with an interest in natureconservation. In this role you’ll manage a dedicated visitor engagement team and work with departments across the Trust, helping us to achieve our vision of London alive with nature, where everyone can experience and enjoy wildlife. Role & ResponsibilitiesReporting directly into the Director of Visitor Experience, you’ll be responsible for the overall visitor experience and operational management of Walthamstow Wetlands as a nature reserve and visitor attraction.As Walthamstow Wetlands Manager, you’ll be focused on creating an excellent visitor experience, manging site buildings & facilities, health and safety compliance, complex site management and development, contract delivery, and the management of staff, volunteersand contractors.You’ll work closely with different stakeholders and departments, including crucial partnerships with Thames Water and Waltham Forest Council, ensuring delivery of an effective annual operational plan and budget in line with contractual obligations. You willbe the liaison point for wider partners including Natural England, LVRPA, Environment Agency and neighbouring boroughs, with effective partnership working and communication being a key aspect of the role.Responsibilities will include:

• To produce an annual operational plan and budget, ensuring effective delivery of contractual KPIs
• To lead on contract reporting to Waltham Forest Council, including chairing meetings
• To plan for and coordinate resources on site in line with budgets
• To plan the staff rota, coordinating delivery of a range of activities and events on site and ensuring the site is open and accessible at all practicable times
• To be the key point of contact for the Trust and the Partnership on site, including incidents and issue response
• To implement the Trust’s health and safety policies and procedures on site, adhering to Thames Water site safety requirements
• To maintain effective working relationships and communications with various members of the Walthamstow Wetlands Partnership, including chairing meetings
• To manage and liaise with contractors, including on-site Thames Water operations and fisheries staff
• To ensure the development and sustainability of the site by working collaboratively with different departments and through various partnerships
• To maximise and develop front of house and visitor engagement volunteering on site
• To manage and maintain site buildings and facilities, ensuring excellent visitor experience and legislative compliance
• To ensure regular surveying and monitoring of visitors and associated reporting
• To work with the conservation team and in partnership Thames Water, to ensure the management of Walthamstow Wetlands to sustain and enhance its biodiversity interests and statutory designations
• To coordinate the review of site-specific plans, and to work towards Green Flag Award status
• To work with the conservation team to ensure that a schedule of wildlife monitoring is undertaken
• To ensure Trust presence and input on the Walthamstow Partnership (with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Natural England and others)

Please see job description for full list of responsibilitiesWhat’s in it for youSalary: £40,637 per annumTenure: Permanent, full-time contract

• 25 days annual leave pro rata plus statutory holidays
• Salary sacrifice schemes including nursery/childcare, gym and bike
• Access to a free Employee Assistance Scheme to support you inside and outside of work
• Supportive and inclusive policies including a family-friendly policy and enhanced flexible working policy
• Staff Day’ once a quarter where you can get involved in conservation work on one of our sites

Our ideal Walthamstow Wetlands Manager

• Demonstrable experience in operational and facilities management
• Knowledge and application of health and safety legislation and risk assessments
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain and develop effective working relationships
• Experience managing staff, volunteers and contractors
• Project management experience including budget responsibilities

Please see job description for full person specificationClosing Date: 9am Monday 18th SeptemberInterviews: Week commencing 25th SeptemberDoes this sound like you We’d love to hear from you!Our vision is a London alive with nature, where everyone can experience and enjoy wildlife. In order to achieve our goal of engaging everyone in protecting London’s wildlife for the future, we know that our staff team needs to better reflect and representall of London’s communities. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all. Alongside our inclusive Talent policy which outlines our commitments including giving fair opportunities to ex-offenders, we also offer an enhanced flexible working policywhich is available to you from your very first day. Read more about London Wildlife Trust’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion on our website.

Keyskills :
ConservationFacilities ManagementOperations ManagementSafety ComplianceVisitor Experience