HR Manager

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); Wales; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation-focused zoo in Wales is seeking an HR Manager to create a supportive workplace and ensure effective HR policies. The role requires strong HR expertise and experience, with duties including recruitment, employee relations, and training. This position offers fantastic benefits such as free zoo admission and development opportunities, making a meaningful impact in conservation efforts.

Benefits

Free zoo admission for family

Free parking

Staff discounts

Training and development

Employee wellbeing programme

Company sick pay

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in standalone HR role or small to medium-sized organisation.
• Confident across the full HR cycle including recruitment and employee relations.
• Ability to listen, advise, and build trust at every level.

Responsibilities

• Shape a positive and inclusive workplace.
• Ensure policies and practices are fair and compliant.
• Provide guidance to managers and staff.

Skills

Strong HR expertise

Great people skills

Proactive, hands-on approach

Coaching and mentoring skills

Knowledge of UK employment law

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification or above

Job description

Welsh Mountain Zoo - National Zoological Society of Wales

Wales Closing date for applications is: 21st Sep 2025

Do you want to use your HR skills to make a real difference for people, animals, and conservation? We’re looking for a supportive and motivated HR Manager to join our team at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, helping us deliver Our Mission and bring conservation to life.

In this standalone role, you’ll shape a positive and inclusive workplace where our staff can thrive. From recruitment and training to staff engagement and workforce planning, you’ll ensure our people are supported to do their very best work. You’ll also make sure our policies and practices are fair, legally compliant, and built on best practice, providing guidance and reassurance to managers and staff alike.

This is very much an operational role today, but as the zoo grows and develops, it will offer the chance to play an increasingly strategic role, shaping the future of our organisation and helping us deliver our ambitions.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Strong HR expertise – with ideally a CIPD Level 5 qualification or above, with up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Proven experience in a standalone HR role or within a small to medium-sized organisation, with confidence across the full HR cycle including recruitment, employee relations, wellbeing, training, organisation design, pay, reward, and recognition activities.
• Great people skills – the ability to listen, advise, and build trust at every level of the organisation.
• A proactive, hands-on approach – comfortable working independently, prioritising effectively, and finding solutions to challenges.
• Coaching and mentoring skills – supporting managers to develop their teams and handle issues with confidence.
• A passion for people and purpose – helping our team to thrive so they can deliver our mission with ease and confidence.
• This is a fantastic opportunity to combine your HR expertise with a meaningful mission, making a real impact for our people, our animals, and the natural world—today and into the future.

Benefits include:
Free zoo admission (for you and your family), free parking, uniform, staff discounts, training and development, employee wellbeing programme, company sick pay*, and pension scheme* (*after qualifying service).

BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.

If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783. Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)