Animal Trainer

Worldwide Zoo Consultants; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Worldwide Zoo Consultants is seeking a dynamic General Manager to lead all operations in Abu Dhabi. The ideal candidate will inspire the team while ensuring alignment with company policies. Responsibilities include strategic oversight of departments, managing guest experiences, and maintaining compliance.

Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree (MBA preferred) with at least 10 years of management experience in leisure or entertainment sectors, and possess excellent financial and communication skills. Join us to elevate the operational success of our exciting venture!

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of management experience in leisure and entertainment industries.
• Experience managing large operational multicultural teams.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Managing Director for company vision execution.
• Oversee departments to meet goals and KPIs.
• Manage talent acquisition and training programs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budget Management

Problem-Solving

Financial Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree (MBA preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft Word

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a natural-born dynamic leader who is passionate, professional, and dedicated in achieving the goals and objectives of the company. The selected candidate will take Worldwide Zoo Consultants to the next level while ensuring all aspects of the company and its operations align with its policies and procedures. The General Manager is responsible for overall management and operations.

Key Attitudes

• Motivated
• Passionate
• Professional
• Key communicator
• Driven
• Obedient

Duties

• Partner with the Managing Director to understand and execute the company’s vision, mission, and forward plan.
• Provide total oversight of all departments, working closely with Department Heads to deliver goals and KPIs.
• Develop and manage the company’s talent management strategy, including recruiting, retention, and succession planning.
• Advise managers on employee performance, coaching, conflict resolution, labor relations, talent management, and company policy matters.
• Engage and empower team members to reduce turnover and increase retention; motivate and inspire through role modeling, feedback, recognition, respectful communication.
• Oversee on‑the‑job training program and establish business needs for training.
• Ensure client satisfaction, customer experience, and staff training needs.
• Provide support and guidance for complex, specialized, and sensitive questions and issues; administer routine tasks such as reasonable accommodations, investigations, and terminations.
• Lead operations team to deliver unique and memorable guest experiences.
• Oversee implementation of department training programs for optimal guest experience.
• Manage talent acquisition processes including recruiting, interviewing, and hiring for managerial and professional roles; collaborate on skills and competencies for projects and openings; perform pay analysis.
• Analyze trends in compensation and benefits; research and propose competitive base and incentive pay programs.
• Develop budgets and financial plans for the company and its projects.
• Conduct performance appraisals in a timely, fair, and constructive manner.
• Create learning and development programs providing internal opportunities.
• Introduce new ideas and operating strategies to advance the company.
• Develop and implement Employee Guest Relations training program.
• Guide internal communications to ensure an engaged workforce.
• Oversee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Maintain compliance with local employment laws and regulations; review policies to ensure compliance.
• Stay current on HR trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies.
• Provide data support through regular operational reports.
• Perform any related duties as assigned.

Experience, Skills & Requirements

• Minimum bachelor’s degree (MBA or relevant experience).
• At least 10 years of management experience, preferably in leisure and entertainment related industries (zoos, aquariums, attractions).
• Experience managing large operational multicultural teams.
• Exceptional leadership, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Experience managing departmental budgets.
• Strong listening, presentation, and decision‑making skills.
• Financial skills for budgeting, planning, and profitability.
• Commercially minded with ability to analyze and anticipate guest needs.
• Technically proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word).
• Creative problem‑solving mindset.
• Energetic and enthusiastic about new projects and ideas.