Team Leader - Primates

Breath HR; Twycross; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

31 days annual leave including bank

Life assurance

Sick pay from day one

Discount platform access

Staff zoo entry

Ticket allowance for friends/family

Shop and F&B discounts

Monthly recognition awards

Free parking

Job summary

Twycross Zoo is seeking a Team Leader for its primate teams, working with the Curator of Primates to finalise routines, train staff and implement new operating procedures. You will help manage a diverse collection, ensure high welfare standards and lead on welfare and conservation initiatives across the site.

The role emphasises leadership, collaboration with veterinary and maintenance teams, and the ongoing development of world‑class husbandry practices in a growing conservation environment.

Qualifications

• BSc or equivalent in animal/conservation subjects.
• DMZAA or equivalent qualification is desirable.
• Experience leading primate care teams.

Responsibilities

• Support Curator in running the animal team effectively and safely.
• Maintain high standards of animal wellbeing and presentation according to best practices.
• Lead and develop the team; manage rota, training and HR processes as needed.
• Act as Deputy Curator when required and assume Duty Animal Manager on rota.

Skills

Team leadership

Primate care knowledge

Communication

Problem solving

Training & development

Education

BSc in animal/conservation

DMZAA or equivalent

Tools

ZIMS

PMx

MS Office

Job description

Vacancy at Twycross Zoo - East Midland Zoological Society Ltd

Vacancy listed28/09/2026

Details

Twycross Zoo is an award-winning conservation and science-led zoo in the heart of England. We are rapidly growing and welcoming over 700,000 people every year to our 100-acre site near Atherstone.

This is an exciting time to join us as we enter a period of significant investment and development in the animal species on site. Joining us now will provide the ideal opportunity to drive positive change and help shape the future of our conservation efforts across all our primate taxa.

As we enter an exciting new chapter in our history with the development of the Global Conservation Centre, you will be joining the team at a pivotal moment. This new £25 million development, opening in 2027, includes a brand-new world class orangutan habitat alongside conservation and education facilities, and more habitats for new species.

We have also recently changed how our primate teams are structured. We no longer have separate teams for our great apes and other primate species but have brought them together as one under the direction of the Curator of Primates, giving our primate keepers the opportunity to work with all our amazing primate species across the site.

At Twycross Zoo, we are committed to leading the way in primate care, conservation, and husbandry. You will work closely with the Curator of Primates to support the finalising of new routines, keeper training and development, and setting the team up to ensure this exciting change progresses smoothly.

As Team Leader, you will play a key role in shaping the future of one of the most significant primate collections in the UK. From Bornean orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and the UK's only bonobo group, to rare and endangered species such as greater bamboo lemurs, Diana monkeys, golden lion tamarins, and five species of gibbon, every day brings an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to animal welfare, conservation and the development of world‑class husbandry standards. If you are dedicated to driving high standards in animal care, thrive on providing excellent leadership and feel rewarded by pushing continued improvements across the zoo sector, you might be just what we’re looking for.

Key Objectives

• To support the Curator in the running of the animal team, ensuring that all elements of animal and team management is carried out effectively and safely
• Responsible for ensuring the standards of work and presentation are of a consistently high standard, according to modern zoo practices
• Role modelling the company values in all areas of your work, ensuring the team feel empowered to consistently deliver outstanding experiences to our guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Curator in ensuring high standards of animal wellbeing and the presentation of all the zoo’s great ape species. Regularly assess our animal management, recommending areas for improvement to the Curator.
• Ensures continued improvement of standards of animal care in line with best practice, SSSMZP and zoo licensing requirements, and inputting on ethical decisions. Attend external meetings and workshops where relevant to ensure animal knowledge is up to date
• Provide excellent leadership, helping to embed a solution focussed approach to challenges whilst striving for a positive team culture and engagement.
• Support the Curator with team management including, but not limited to, rota management, training and development, performance and completion of formal HR processes as necessary.
• Deputising for the Curator when needed
• Assume Duty Animal Manager responsibilities on a rota basis with the other senior animal staff, including taking the lead role in the event of an animal emergency.
• Be part of the team ensuring the security of the zoo premises and grounds. This includes being a member of the firearms/recapture team unless medical or legislative reasons prohibit it.
• Ensure that the Zoo’s policies, procedures, and protocols are followed at all times. Update and review all relevant Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures as necessary.
• Ensure all animal records are correct and recorded by the team to the required standard. Ensure they are communicated across the organisation as required.
• Be proactive in the support and facilitation of work from other departments, including zoo-based research, conservation education and animal services. Show initiative in the suggestion of beneficial zoo-based research for the relevant species.
• Work closely with other departments such as veterinary and maintenance, taking a proactive approach where animal health and welfare is affected.
• Support the teams involved in project planning and implementation. Be willing to take an active role in species and exhibit planning.
• Understand the work of BIAZA and EAZA and play an active role where possible.
• Willing to be trained as a first aider and to be on call as part of the first aid duty rota.

About you

• At least a BSc (or equivalent experience) in an animal or conservation related subject desirable.
• Achieved the DMZAA (or equivalent) qualification.
• High degree of specialist knowledge in the modern practices for the keeping of great apes in zoos.
• Up to date best practice knowledge for species management. High level of motivation in delivering these high standards and the pursuit of excellence.
• A proven ability in efficiently managing or supervising teams. Experienced in how to lead and inspire a variety of people with a flexible and calm working style.
• Has excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise work; producing high quality work in an efficient and timely manner.
• A competent communicator at all levels across the society. Be appreciative and follow the need for confidentiality where appropriate.
• IT competent in MS Office and ZIMS. Be willing to train on software for species management, such as PMx.
• Knowledge of breeding programme management and the wider role of modern zoos in species and habitat conservation, with some understanding of species planning.
• Committed to supporting zoos in increasing our impact on species conservation.
• Flexibility in working times and duties is a key requirement.
• Physically able to complete section work as required

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• Life assurance, from day one of employment
• Company sick pay from day one of absence, after 6 months service
• Access to discount platform
• Staff membership card giving you free entry to the zoo on your days off
• Complimentary Twycross Zoo ticket allowance for friends and family
• Discount in the Twycross Zoo gift shop
• Discount in Twycross Zoo food and beverage outlets
• Monthly recognition award scheme
• Access to employee assistance servicesFree parking