Commercial & Operational Manager

The Big Cat Sanctuary exists to protect the world's endangered big cats, our work playing a vital part in saving some of the planet's most endangered and iconic species from extinction.

We strive to continually contribute to accredited global breeding programmes, completing conservation work and projects across the globe and donating to multiple in-situ conservation projects.

We achieve all of this by developing and supporting partnerships with other conservation organisations and fulfilling our four pillars of ethos: Welfare, Breeding, Education and Conservation.

BCS is now looking for a driven, engaging and proactive Commercial & Operational Manager to play a central role in shaping the future of The Big Cat Sanctuary, focusing on accelerating growth, maximizing profit, and maintaining operational excellence. Responsibilities will encompass developing and implementing commercial strategies aligned with our charity's goals, while also overseeing all operational aspects to ensure seamless functionality across departments.

Whilst maintaining a clear focus on a sustainable commercial offer, you'll also possess vision, energy and creativity to deliver a first-class experience to our audiences that ensures stakeholder satisfaction and loyalty.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Commercial Development

· Develop and implement commercial strategies to drive growth aligned with charity goals

· Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify and capitalise on commercial opportunities

· Collaborate with marketing, sales and customer service teams to optimise revenue and streamline the operations

· Build profitable partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance the organisation's reach and impact

· Monitor commercial activities using key metrics and provide constructive feedback to departments and reports to Trustees

Operational Excellence

· Contribute to business strategy within all operational areas, identifying opportunities for development

· Oversee and motivate BCS management, senior staff and employees to meet and maintain the highest performance standards

· Devise and implement policies and procedures to achieve business objectives and targets

· Manage budgets for all departments to control costs effectively

· Ensure compliance with health and safety protocols and contribute to ongoing improvements

· Analyse operational data to support strategic decision-making and maintain competitiveness

Leadership and Team Management

· Manage the various Department Heads/Leads (alongside the BCS Trustees), providing support and guidance and acting as a motivator, quality controller and performance driver for all senior staff

· Provide effective, inspirational leadership; training and mentoring staff at all levels, as required

· Foster a collaborative working environment across all departments

· Conduct regular spot checks and audits to maintain the highest standards of performance and behaviour

· Coordinate various site meetings and provide reports for Trustee meetings

· Strong operational management experience of commercial business activities - preferably within the leisure and retail sectors

· Strong Commercial literacy and use of management information reporting and business case creation

· An inspirational leader and a confident professional manner and well-developed interpersonal skills

· Ability to work well in cross-functional teams and at a senior level as a representative of commercial & operational function

· Ability to work effectively on their own as well as part of a team

· Accomplished business acumen and able to discuss commercial performance verbally and in written reports

· Positive and professional attitude with the ability to tailor communications appropriate to different audiences

· This is a broad role that requires strong time management and organisational skills to be effective

· Genuine interest in and commitment to the conservation & educational principles of The Big Cat Sanctuary

· Existing Right to Work in the UK (British Citizen, Indefinite Leave to Remain, EEA Citizen with Settled Status or other valid Visa/Work Permit)

· Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle (as The Big Cat Sanctuary is not accessible by public transport)

Requirements - Desirable:

· Experience working across global teams

· Experience in the environmental or conservation sector

· An understanding of digital communications, social media platforms, Google Analytics and website CMS (especially WordPress)

· Experience working for a charity or NGO,

• Operations management: 3 years (required)
  
  · Permanent; full-time position


· 40 hours per week, 5 over 7 days, generally 08.00-17.00 or as required to meet the needs of the business, based onsite at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent

· Competitive starting salary according to skills and experience

· 28 paid days annual leave PA (including Bank Holidays)

· Employee Assistance Programme, staff discounts and staff events

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company car


• Company events


• Company pension


• Employee discount


• Free parking


• Health & wellbeing programme


• On-site parking


Schedule:

• 8 hour shift


• Day shift


• Weekend availability