Director of zoological operations

Director of zoological operations - Kent Contract: Full time, permanent, ongoing Location: Wildwood Kent Reports to: Director General Responsible for: 8 direct reports Grade: Grade 1 Job Purpose As the Director of Zoological Operations you lead the management of Wildwood’s zoological operations across the organisation’s two parks. You are responsible for ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and care as well as ensuring compliance with all relevant licences and legislation. You develop and manage the Trust’s species plan in line with the mission and strategy of the Trust. Your line management responsibilities are broad, including the animal teams, the Kent ranger team and Kent Education Manager. Working with the conservation team you support Wildwood’s rewilding, conservation and translocation projects. Key Responsibilities As a member of the director team, oversee the management and strategic leadership of the Trust, delivering our mission and setting the culture of openness, collaboration and respect. Work with the External Relations Team to focus on income generation across the organisation, acting as a spokesperson and ambassador for the Trust with stakeholders, partners and the press. Overall responsibility for zoo licencing and other zoo-related regulatory compliance across the Trust, building positive relationships with inspectors, and ensuring that the Trust responds in a timely manner to any changes in Zoo Licencing and regulations. Also ensure compliance with BIAZA accreditation and act as the main point of contact for BIAZA. Ensure that Wildwood maintains the highest standards of animal welfare and veterinary care, managing the relationships and contracts with external veterinary providers and at all times ensuring that veterinary provision is fit for purpose. You also chair the ethical review committee and respond to ethical concerns as necessary. Developing annual operational and capital plans for enclosures/park facilities. Setting and managing budgets and implementing cost controls. Overall responsibility for Wildwood’s animal emergency procedures, working with colleagues to ensure these are reviewed, reflect current legislation and best practice, and that regular drills take place. You will also oversee the licencing of firearms, firearms trainings and the relationship with the police and other external agencies. To manage and lead the animal team across the Trust. To manage and lead the ranger team in Kent and support the team in Devon, including oversight of the design and construction of all animal enclosures. Work with the Director General to engage with policymakers, regulators and legislators to help shape and meet Wildwood’s strategic goals. Fulfil the duties and accountabilities of a Director, including determining the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring legislative compliance, and upholding the organisation’s integrity and values at all times. Report to and attend meetings with the Director General, Trustees and sub committees of Trustees as required. The Working Week Your working week will be varied and busy, with no two days the same. You will be balancing competing priorities including zoo compliance, health and safety, cost controls, welfare audits, animal moves, veterinary visits, pest control, the leadership and management of your teams and liaising with your fellow directors. There are regular meetings that you will attend and/or chair, as well as liaising with external organisations and being active within zoological circles. You will oversee the ranger team, ensuring projects and maintenance work is proceeding on time and in budget. You will also line manage the Education Manager in Kent, as well as the Operations Coordinator and the Registrar. Core working hours are 09:00 until 17:00 with an unpaid half an hour for lunch. This post is 37.5 hours per week over 5 days. The job will involve overtime, including some evening, weekend and bank holiday working as part of your normal duties, including the occasional responsibility of Duty Manager at the weekend. You will be required to travel between parks and to offsite projects and meetings as the role requires. Health, Safety and Wellbeing Considerations Regular use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Lone working Conflict resolution Pressure to meet key deadlines such as might be integral to high profile projects Working with Category One animals Use of company vehicle Use of firearms Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience All Wildwood staff are passionate, committed, and resourceful. To succeed in this specific role, you will have excellent leadership skills, creativity, and be a great team player. Essential Substantial experience and knowledge of managing zoo operations, including but not limited to collection planning, enclosure design and all aspects of zoo licencing requirements. Exceptional leadership skills, with a proven track record in leading, managing and motivating keeper teams and championing interdepartmental cooperation. A deep respect for how the animal collection forms an integral part of the conservation and rewilding work of the Trust and experience of conservation breeding and translocation projects. Professional and confident, able to carry out tasks independently and be able to effectively delegate. An ability to manage high‑pressure scenarios, changing situations and complex overlapping priorities. Confidence in dealing with media and giving press interviews. Experience of setting and managing budgets with proven project management skills. Experience in the use of firearms in a zoo setting. Excellent partnership building skills, forging positive alliances and working relationships with current and future collaborators. Demonstrate a genuine love of British wildlife and belief in Wildwood’s Mission; to protect, conserve, and rewild British wildlife. Desirable Experience of managing a firearms response team and firearms licensing. Degree/postgraduate qualification in a related subject. Why work for Wildwood Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. We work with nature to fight the biodiversity crisis, to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats in which nature thrives. We focus on nature‑based solutions to return native species and recreating truly wild spaces. Wildwood has a proud culture of respecting and valuing all colleagues. Our people are integral to our success; their expertise enables us to achieve our ambitions, their professionalism creates strong collaborations, and their integrity upholds our organisational values. Employment Package Annual salary depending on experience Annual leave allowance of 30 days a year, including statutory holidays Workplace pension Inclusive and family‑friendly working policies Training & development opportunities Selection of staff benefits including free parking and discounts Free or reduced price entry to BIAZA accredited zoos and aquariums #J-18808-Ljbffr