Head of Animal Operations

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15% annual bonus

On-site housing (2-bedroom)

Medical and life insurance

Staff benefits package

Complimentary entry to Parques Reunid0

Professional development

Job summary

Blackpool Zoo is seeking a dynamic Head of Animal Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership for the Animal Department. You will ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, health and safety, and visitor engagement, while delivering departmental strategies aligned with the zoo's conservation and commercial objectives.

Reporting to the Zoo Director, you will manage budgets, workforce planning, and compliance, and act as Animal 1 when on duty.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in a zoo or similar environment.
• Proven budget preparation and financial planning experience.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and compliance requirements.
• Understanding of UK zoo licensing and industry standards.
• Excellent communication, organisational and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Animal Department strategy and operations across the zoo.
• Ensure animal welfare, health & safety and high visitor engagement standards.
• Oversee financial management, workforce planning and departmental performance.
• Collaborate with Head of Mammals and other leaders to align with conservation goals.
• Provide on-duty leadership during incidents and emergencies.

Skills

Senior leadership

Budget management

Health and safety

Zoo licensing

Staff management

Job description

Blackpool Zoo

North West Closing date for applications is: 11th Oct 2026

Contact: Leah Lancashire ([e-mail]) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: Competitive

Location: Blackpool Zoo

Salary: Competitive plus 15% Annual Bonus

Hours: Full-time, including weekends and public holidays

Contract type: Permanent

About Us

Blackpool Zoo is one of the UK's leading medium-sized zoos, welcoming more than 500,000 visitors each year. Home to a diverse collection of species and a strong commitment to conservation, education and animal welfare, the zoo continues to evolve through significant investment in facilities, visitor experiences and animal habitats. Part of the Parques Reunidos group, one of Europe's largest leisure and attraction operators, Blackpool Zoo has undergone substantial development in recent years and has ambitious plans for the future. We are now seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to join our senior leadership team as Head of Animal Operations.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Zoo Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Animal Department, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, health and safety, operational performance and visitor engagement are maintained across the zoo. This is a senior management position with responsibility for the overall performance of the department, including financial management, workforce planning, compliance, operational delivery and the development of future departmental strategies. Working closely with the Head of Mammals and other key stakeholders throughout the organisation, you will ensure the department remains efficient, progressive and fully aligned with the zoo's conservation, educational and commercial objectives. You will also fulfil the role of Animal 1 when on duty and provide leadership during operational incidents, emergencies and other business-critical situations.

About You

We are looking for a motivated and forward-thinking leader with substantial experience within a zoological, animal management, visitor attraction or similar environment. You will have a proven track record of leading large teams, manage operational performance and successfully deliver departmental objectives within a complex organisation. You should be confident making decisions in demanding situations, whilst maintaining a practical and supportive leadership style.

The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Significant senior management experience within a zoo, animal collection, visitor attraction or similar operational environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience of budget preparation, financial planning and resource management.
• A sound understanding of health and safety legislation, compliance and operational risk management.
• Knowledge of UK zoo licensing requirements and current zoo industry standards.
• Excellent communication, organisational and report-writing skills.
• The ability to build effective relationships across multiple departments.
• Experience managing operational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• A commitment to delivering outstanding standards of animal welfare and visitor experience.
• Firearms experience and certification, or a willingness to undertake the necessary training and obtain the appropriate licence required for the zoo's firearms operations.

Desirable

• Experience delivering capital projects and major developments.
• Experience in zoo exhibit design and development.
• Experience of managing Cat 1 species.
• Experience leading emergency response and incident management activities.
• Knowledge of collection planning and zoological population management.

What We Offer

In addition to a competitive salary, Blackpool Zoo offers:

• Company performance bonus scheme (15% of basic salary).
• Subsidised on site 2 Bedroom flat
• Medical and life insurance.
• Generous staff benefits package.
• Complimentary and discounted entry to Parques Reunidos parks and attractions.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• The opportunity to play a key role in the future development of one of the UK's most respected zoological collections.