Job opportunities

Head of Development & Facilities

The exciting opportunity has arisen to become the Head of Development & Facilities at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. This role will be responsible for the strategic development of the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s visitor attraction and the successful operation of the park with the goal of attaining high standards for visitors’ experiences and boosting the attraction’s visitor attendance.

Overall objectives for the role are:

• To ensure the park develops in line with the Trust’s strategic plan
• To scope out and manage the budget for park operations and approved projects
• To aim for adoption or creation of best practice approaches in all aspects of the Trust’s operations, including sustainability and onsite biodiversity
• To contribute to developing the profile of the Hawk Conservancy Trust as a world class visitor attraction and conservation charity
• To ensure the park runs smoothly and professionally
• To ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and Zoo Licensing regulations
• To effectively develop the teamwork of the Hawk Conservancy Trust

About the Hawk Conservancy Trust

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is an award-winning visitor attraction and conservation charity dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey. The Trust has already enjoyed considerable success over the last 59 years and is ranked a top nature attraction in the UK according to TripAdvisor. We are fortunate to be situated on a stunning 22-acre park with a range of facilities, including the Trust Shop and our superb Feathers Restaurant. Our reputation for a warm welcome and passion for our birds and our visitors is central to our success.

Role responsibilities

Leading the development and implementation of a strategic site plan, including the future requirements for aviaries, arenas and other attraction elements. Devising a process to include research on best practice and inputs from other key departments as appropriate. Contributing to fundraising initiatives to secure funds for the plan. Heading up a collaborative, creative and sustainable approach to developing new aviary designs and building works.

Developing and managing key industry relationships. Attending zoological industry and other relevant meetings to further the aims of the Trust.

Collaborating with the C&R department and its partners, including universities, colleges, and other research and educational organisations, on research projects related to aviary design or other attraction elements, including supervising students as appropriate.

Ensuring the Trust’s aims for continual improvements in sustainability and onsite biodiversity are achieved.

Creating and supervising a proactive maintenance plan to ensure the grounds, horticulture, infrastructure, equipment, and general site are kept to high standards and in line with Health & Safety regulations. Devising and operating a system to ensure preventative and remedial works are prioritised and completed cost effectively.

Managing and supervising departmental staff, volunteers, students and work groups engaged in maintenance, gardening and grounds management. Selecting, managing and supervising suppliers and contractors.

Participating as a member of the management team and in committees and teams as appropriate.

Collaborating with colleagues on areas such as:

• Biosecurity requirements
• Collection planning
• Event planning, infrastructure, set up and tear down
• Income stream and new product development

Collaborating with the marketing and fundraising team on income generation and promotion, such as press releases, news stories, social media, attending events and other activities.

Recruiting and developing volunteers, including selection, inductions, and training programmes.

Skills & Qualities

• Project management
• Construction project experience
• Contractor management
• Budgeting
• Familiarity with trades and infrastructure services
• Grounds and horticulture familiarity
• Strong Health & Safety experience and knowledge
• Charity experience including securing in kind and cash donations
• Understanding of zoo enclosure designs
• An eye for creative design and construction solutions
• Supervisory experience with colleagues and volunteers
• High standards
• Interpersonal skills at all levels
• Communications – staff and public
• Cross-team working and influencing
• Persuasive
• Trustworthiness and integrity
• Resilience
• Team player