Job opportunities

Director of Business Development and Operations

A fantastic opportunity has opened up to become the Director of Business Development and Operations. The National Zoological Society of Wales is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Director to lead their sales and revenue generation efforts. Reporting to the CEO you will achieve the overall budget revenue targets for each financial year. This will be achieved by delivering outstanding customer satisfaction - coordinating processes associated with implementing customer services. You will also be responsible for identifying new business opportunities and partnerships and driving revenue by identifying trends and opportunities for growth.

The National Zoological Society of Wales is a registered charity (no. 514108) that owns and runs the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, UK. The Zoo embraces modern conservation thinking and strives for high standards in all departments. It is a member of BIAZA, EAZA, WAZA and Species360.

Set on one of the most picturesque and unique landscapes for any UK Zoo, the Zoo occupies around 37 acres of lush green landscape. The site overlooks the Colwyn Bay coastline and the Carneddau mountains in North Wales.

With around 80 species housed in our wonderful collection, we have welcomed millions of visitors through our gates since opening in 1963.

We are passionate about our Zoo and the animals that live here with us. Conservation remains at the heart of our ethos, and the future survival of animals and their habitats continues to drive us ever forward.

Overall objectives for the role are:

• To help the Senior Leadership Team develop the Zoo in line with the charity’s 10-year strategic plan.
• To ensure that the Zoo runs efficiently and smoothly
• Identify new business opportunities and partnerships
• Identify trends and opportunities for growth
• Develop and implement strategic business plans to achieve company goals
• To ensure compliance with Health & Safety and other relevant legislation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders
• To develop and manage the budget for the Zoos operations and approved projects
• To develop a strong communication strategy to enhance public perceptions and create a clear message in line with the organisations mission and vision.

Role and responsibilities

Strategic

• Design and deliver a new business development strategy, working with the CEO and the Board to drive forward strategic development and secure new external funding streams to support the 10-year strategy plan.
• Network and build relationships within the North Wales Tourism industry and further afield to support the whole organisation and promote NZSW and the conservation message.
• Contribute to the delivery of the broader communications strategy to enhance public perception and position the organisation for further funding success
• Understand relevant political, social and economic objectives and initiatives, using them to inform pitches, presentations and funding negotiations.
• Monitor and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge the effectiveness of the development strategy and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Operational

• Heading up a collaborative, creative and sustainable approach to developing new exhibit designs and building works
• Developing and managing key industry relationships. Attending zoological industry and other relevant meetings to further the aims of the Charity.
• Ensuring the Charity’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.
• Supporting direct reports to manage and supervise departmental staff and volunteers engaged in maintenance, grounds and gardens.
• Supporting direct reports with selecting, managing and supervising of suppliers and contractors.

Financial

• Identify and develop new funding streams to support the overall strategic plan.
• Develop a pool of prospective major funders and understand their motivations to ensure that funding is successful.
• Ensure compliance with Data protection and Code of Fundraising Practice as well as internal policy.
• Agree with CEO and the Board budgets for all Development activity.
• Provide regular performance updates to the CEO and the Board as required.

Indicative skills and knowledge

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent in Business Management or Marketing desirable
• Experience of Senior level operations and customer services in a public attraction desirable but not essential
• Ability to lead, motivate and performance manage staff.
• Commitment to work effectively and harmoniously as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Good knowledge of Project management desirable
• Construction project experience would be an advantage
• Experience of Contractor management desirable
• Strong awareness of budgeting and good financial practice.
• Strong Health & Safety experience and knowledge
• Charity experience including securing in kind and cash donations
• Supervisory experience with colleagues and volunteers
• Excellent Interpersonal skills at all levels
• Excellent Communications skills
• Cross-team working and influencing
• Trustworthiness and integrity