Senior Animal Operations Director

Blackpool Zoo; Newton-le-Willows; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus (15%)

Subsidised on-site flat

Medical insurance

Life insurance

Staff benefits package

Park entry for staff

Professional development

Development opportunities

Job summary

Blackpool Zoo is seeking an experienced Head of Animal Operations to lead the Animal Department, ensuring top standards of welfare, health and safety, and visitor experience.

The role provides strategic and operational leadership, budget management and collaboration with the Zoo Director and Head of Mammals to achieve ambitious departmental objectives while supporting conservation and education goals. It includes acting as Animal 1 on duty and guiding incident response when needed.

Qualifications

• Significant senior management experience within a zoo or similar operational environment.
• Budget preparation and resource management experience.
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation and risk management.
• Knowledge of UK zoo licensing requirements.
• Excellent communication, organisational and report-writing skills.
• Experience leading change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Commitment to animal welfare and visitor experience.
• Firearms experience and certification, or willingness to undertake training for licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Animal Department.
• Ensure highest standards of animal welfare, health and safety, and visitor engagement.
• Lead a large team and manage department performance and finances.
• Collaborate with the Zoo Director, Head of Mammals and stakeholders across the organisation.
• Fulfil the role of Animal 1 on duty and lead during incidents and emergencies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

People management

Budgeting & financial planning

Health & safety compliance

UK zoo licensing knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Emergency response planning

Report writing

Animal welfare focus

Firearms licensing training

Job description

Blackpool Zoo is seeking an experienced Head of Animal Operations to lead the Animal Department, ensuring top standards of welfare, health and safety, and visitor experience.

The role provides strategic and operational leadership, budget management and collaboration with the Zoo Director and Head of Mammals to achieve ambitious departmental objectives while supporting conservation and education goals. It includes acting as Animal 1 on duty and guiding incident response when needed.