Operations Manager

The Sea Watch Foundation is a long-established national UK marine environmental research charity working to improve the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises in British and Irish waters. It achieves its mission through community awareness, education and a continual programme of science-based research and monitoring of the status and distribution of cetacean populations and their habitats. This is delivered from two offices in Wales and a network of regional coordinators and volunteer observers all around the British coastline. The organisation is also actively involved in international conservation working with intergovernmental bodies such as UNEP/ASCOBANS, European Commission, OSPAR, and the marine science advisory body, ICES.

In the 1970s, the Charity’s Director developed Cetacean “Citizen Science” in the UK, with a special partnership between scientists and trained volunteer observers drawn from all walks of life, which has led to one of the largest and longest-running cetacean sightings databases in Europe. For more information, go to the Sea Watch website: www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk

The Operations Manager is a key developmental role at management level responsible for the effective service delivery and financial control of the charity not only at the two field offices in New Quay and Anglesey but also nationally via the UK network of regional coordinators and observers. The post should contribute significantly to the strategic development of the charity and its mission.

Minimum Requirement: A university degree in biological science or a related subject with experience in administration as well as developing funding applications for projects involving community based environmental monitoring, research, education and outreach.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Manage current charity projects including associated contractors, the day-to-day operational service delivery at the field offices of New Quay (Ceredigion) and Bodorgan (Anglesey) and the supervision and development of the teams including staff contracts, performance and staff appraisals.
• Facilitate the management and development of the network of coordinators and observers, ensuring that national UK-wide coverage is effectively maintained, working in collaboration with the Charity’s Director and Sightings Officer.
• Monitor cash flows, invoices, grants to be collected and budgets and ensure efficient operational financial control liaising as necessary with the Charity’s Director and the Treasurer.
• Develop relationships and assist the Director in representing the charity to existing and prospective funders and donors, and producing operational and financial reports for them, as required.
• In consultation with the Charity’s Director, co-ordinate and prepare new project proposals and associated funding applications.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the charity.
• Maintain, keep up to date and develop the Charity’s Recording APP.
• Deputise for the Charity Director externally, if required, with national and international statutory conservation agencies, donors, NGOs and other organizations.
• Prepare operational reports for the Charity Director and Board of Trustees, attending meetings where appropriate.

Preferred Experience: Applicants having knowledge & direct experience with all aspects of marine ecology and conservation, with some knowledge of cetaceans around the British Isles.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Essential

• Track record of successful exposure to donors and grant applications within the field of wildlife and environmental conservation
• Highly organised showing efficiency and dedication
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to manage and motivate teams

Desirable

• Experience at networking and public speaking
• Ability to write reports for a range of audiences
• Interest & knowledge of UK cetaceans and their conservation needs