Manager of Animal Collection

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College - Stroud Campus; Bristol; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational institution in Bristol seeks a Manager of Animal Collection to lead its thriving Animal Centre. The successful candidate will oversee daily operations, ensure the well-being of a diverse array of animals, and drive innovative education initiatives. This role calls for a dedicated professional with a degree in an animal-related discipline and significant experience in the animal industry. Join a passionate team committed to providing exceptional educational experiences and fostering animal welfare.

Benefits

Competitive Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Financial rewards and benefits

Staff discounts and shopping benefits

Qualifications

• Significant experience working within the animal industry.
• Strong commitment to animal welfare and ethical practice.
• Familiarity with managing a small to medium-sized animal collection (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Run the Animal Centre day-to-day, ensuring all animals are well cared for and safe.
• Grow and improve the Centre, adding new species and opportunities for students.
• Work with teaching staff across a range of Animal Management courses.
• Support and inspire students, providing hands-on experience and guidance.
• Lead and motivate a team of animal technicians.

Skills

Animal care

Team leadership

Curriculum development

Research industry links

Education

Degree in an animal-related discipline

Job description

DescriptionEmployerLocation

Manager of Animal Collection

Role Information :

Reference : REQ001382

Location : Filton Campus

FTE Salary : up to £34,074.00 (Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience)

Contract Type : Permanent

Working Hours : 37 hours, 5 days in 7 with some weekend work

At SGS, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and communities, and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Financial Rewards and Benefits

Opportunity to make a positive impact within the community and on learners’ lives

Competitive Pension Scheme- Corporate and support roles have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), a flexible and pension accessible from the age of 55, with generous employer contributions of 17.9%.

Generous Annual leave entitlement plus the 8 bank holidays- 25 days corporate and support functions, increasing to 30 days after 5 academic years’ service (Full-Time Equivalent).

Two weeks leave during the Christmas closedown period largely supported by the discretionary closure days provided by the College.

Extensive professional development with ongoing support for your personal & professional development, including 25% tuition discount for immediate family of SGS employees.

Family friendly policies and a proven commitment to supporting flexible working practices

Access to My Lifestyle discounted shopping benefits, cycle to work scheme and a Technology Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Free Annual Eye test

• All staff members can buy a TOTUM card(formerly known as NUS Extra cards), as part of being an affiliate member of the Students' Union

Staff have access and supported to be part of inclusive or sustainable staff networks and communities

Free car parking at all campuses (Except Queens Road Art School)

Access to a wide variety of external health and wellbeing resources

Subsidised onsite catering services including Costa Coffee

South Gloucestershire & Stroud College has an excellent reputation for delivering further education and work-based programmes in a range of subjects - from business to sport, construction to media, GCSE’s and A Levels to Honour Degree level programmes.

Our experienced and passionate staff work hard to help students and colleagues achieve their personal challenges and career goals. We are proud of SGS and committed to making the College the best it can be. We are currently working hard to achieve “Outstanding” status after being classified as “Good” in our last inspection.

Shape the next chapter of our thriving Animal Centre!

Our Animal Centre isn’t just a facility – it’s a thriving hub of innovation and opportunity, and now you have the chance to lead it into its next exciting chapter. This vacancy has arisen due to internal progression, so you’ll be stepping into a role with a strong foundation and plenty of scope to make your mark. Home to over 100 animals across a wide range of species, including pygmy goats, Gambian pouched rats, and an extensive LVI collection, the Centre has grown significantly in recent years – and we’re ready to take it even further. You’ll join a close-knit team of dedicated staff who are passionate about animal care and student success, working together to deliver exceptional experiences and learning opportunities.

With the introduction of the new T Level in Animal Management, this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of animal education. We’re looking for someone who’s brimming with ideas, ready to innovate, and eager to take the Centre to the next level – with freedom to expand the collection and even introduce an exotic species that puts SGS on the map. If you’re creative, student-focused, and thrive in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same, this is your chance to lead something truly special and make a lasting impact.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Run the Animal Centre day-to-day, making sure all animals are well cared for and safe.

Grow and improve the Centre, adding new species and creating exciting opportunities for students.

Work with teaching staff to support across a range of Animal Management courses.

Support and inspire students, giving them hands‑on experience and guidance.

Lead and motivate a team or animal technicians, helping staff develop and work well together.

Contribute to curriculum development and quality improvement initiatives.

Embed industry relevance and animal welfare principles into teaching practice.

Beneficial Skills & Qualifications

Degree or higher qualification in an animal-related discipline.

Significant experience working within the animal industry.

Strong commitment to animal welfare and ethical practice.

Familiarity with managing a small to medium sized animal collection (desirable).

• Research or industry links that enhance curriculum relevance.
• A full driving license

Please apply online by : 11 / 1 / 2026

Expected Interview Date : w / c 19th January 2026

If you have any queries please contact the People & Culture Team.

SGS College is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check, and additional checks and online searches in accordance with KCSIE guidance.

Safeguarding Statement

SGS College is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and any offer of employment will be subject to a number of conditions including a requirement for providing satisfactory references. In line with KCSIE and having regard to all relevant guidance, a range of checks and online searches will also be conducted for successful candidates, and a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure will need to be obtained as a requirement of the job.

SGS is an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.