Head of Animals

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); South Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoo organization located in South Yorkshire is seeking a Head of Animals responsible for strategic leadership, operational management, and regulatory compliance of animal collections. The role involves ensuring high standards of animal welfare and maintaining compliance with zoo licensing requirements. Candidates should have at least 10 years of management experience in a zoological setting, a relevant degree, and excellent communication skills. This is a full-time fixed-term contract position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ management experience within a zoological, aquarium, or wildlife setting.
• Proven experience managing animal keeping teams and complex animal collections.
• Strong understanding of UK and EU animal-related legislation and best practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong, visible leadership to the animal keeping team.
• Oversee the care, husbandry, and welfare of a diverse animal collection.
• Lead preparation for Zoo Licensing inspections and ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Decision-making

Knowledge of UK and EU legislation

Passion for animal welfare

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification in zoology or animal management

Tools

ZIMS

Job description

Tropical Butterfly House

South Yorkshire – Closing date for applications is: 28th Feb 2026

The Head of Animals is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and regulatory compliance of all animal collections at Tropical Butterfly House Limited. This role ensures the highest standards of animal welfare, conservation, biosecurity, staff management, and visitor safety, while maintaining full compliance with zoo licensing requirements and relevant professional standards.

• Provide strong, visible leadership to the animal keeping team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Line-manage senior animal staff and animal keepers, including recruitment, performance management, training, and professional development.
• Develop staff rotas, succession planning, and departmental structures to ensure effective coverage and resilience.
• Lead by example in promoting best practice animal husbandry and welfare.

Animal Welfare & Collection Management

• Oversee the care, husbandry, enrichment, nutrition, breeding, and welfare of a diverse animal collection across multiple taxa.
• Ensure animal management practices align with current best practice, ethical standards, and species-specific needs.
• Develop and implement animal management plans, SOPs, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date animal records and reports.

Regulatory Compliance & Inspections

• Act as the primary lead for Zoo Licensing inspections and ensure compliance with the Zoo Licensing Act and associated standards.
• Lead preparation for and engagement with BIAZA and BALAI inspections, audits, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, including animal welfare, health & safety, biosecurity, and transport regulations.
• Liaise with local authorities, inspectors, veterinarians, and external regulatory bodies as required.

ZIMS & Record Keeping

• Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of ZIMS and ensure accurate animal record-keeping across the collection.
• Oversee data entry, reporting, and analysis to support compliance, animal management, and collection planning.
• Ensure staff are trained and competent in ZIMS use.

Conservation, Education & Professional Standards

• Support and contribute to conservation, breeding, and sustainability initiatives in line with organisational objectives.
• Promote engagement with professional bodies and ensure alignment with BIAZA standards and recommendations.
• Support education and interpretation initiatives by providing accurate and engaging animal-related information.

Health, Safety & Biosecurity

• Ensure robust health, safety, and biosecurity procedures are in place and adhered to at all times.
• Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, and emergency response planning related to animal operations.
• Work closely with veterinary professionals to manage preventative healthcare, quarantine, and disease control.

Strategic Planning & Budget Management

• Contribute to strategic planning for the animal collection and facilities development.
• Manage departmental budgets, resource allocation, and procurement within agreed limits.
• Advise senior management on collection planning, staffing needs, and capital investment.
• Minimum of 10 years’ management experience within a zoological, aquarium, or wildlife setting.
• Proven experience managing animal keeping teams and complex animal collections.
• Up-to-date working knowledge of ZIMS and zoological record-keeping systems.
• Demonstrable experience leading Zoo Licensing, BIAZA, and BALAI inspections.
• Extensive practical and theoretical knowledge across a wide range of taxa.
• Strong understanding of UK and EU animal-related legislation and best practice standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Relevant degree or professional qualification in zoology, animal management, or a related discipline.
• Experience working within a mixed-species or tropical environment.
• Experience contributing to conservation breeding programmes.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about animal welfare and conservation.
• Professional, credible, and confident when dealing with inspectors.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Calm and effective under pressure, with strong decision-making skills.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract