Team Manager Animal Adventure

Longleat Enterprises Ltd; Warminster; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days holiday inclusive of bankhols

Unlimited free entry to Longleat

Complimentary tickets to Longleat and

50% off Membership for Friends and Fam

Job summary

Longleat is excited to invite applications for a Team Manager in the Animal Operations team. You will oversee the Animal Adventure section, ensuring high standards of animal care, welfare, and compliance with the 2027 Standards of Modern Zoo Practice, EAZA and BIAZA requirements.

Leading around 40 staff, you will shape operational delivery, staff development, visitor experience, and safety, including the Jungle Cruise boat operation under MCA standards.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large teams (40+) in a zoo or similar setting.
• Knowledge of welfare standards and compliance in zoos.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Animal Adventure section operations.
• Ensure welfare and safety of animals and guests.
• Lead staff deployment and visitor interactions.
• Develop and enforce department protocols.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Animal welfare

Budget management

Safety compliance

Job description

About the role:

Longleat is excited to announce a rare opportunity to join the Animal Operations team at Longleat as Team Manager.

Responsible for operational delivery within the ‘Animal Adventure’ section of the Longleat Animal Department, this role will oversee that section, ensuring our animal care practice adhere to welfare assurance and compliance under the 2027 Standards of Modern Zoo Practice as well as EAZA and BIAZA membership requirements.

The role will manage around 40 staff within Animal Adventure in line with departmental strategy set by the Head & Deputy Head of Animal Operations, and we are therefore seeking someone well-versed in good people management practices alongside their passion for animal care.

The well-loved ‘Jungle Cruise’ also operates from within the ‘Animal Adventure’ section and this role will therefore be responsible for the safe operation of the boat trips, ensuring these meet Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) legal standards.

Key duties include:

• Ensuring safe, compliant, and effective delivery of animal care, staff deployment, and visitor-facing activity.
• Ensuring animal welfare is optimal, species appropriate and supported by robust evidence-based assessments.
• Providing leadership excellence in customer service, visitor interaction, and conservation messaging.
• Ensuring professional presentation, standards of conduct, inclusive behaviour and visible leadership.
• Developing and supporting departmental protocol and policy development, ensuring procedures are reviewed, communicated and implemented.

Key required skills include:

• Diverse range of demonstrable knowledge of biology, animal welfare science, behaviour, nutrition, enrichment, animal training, and husbandry of species.
• Evidence of good Leadership skills including ability to manage a large team with clarity, empathy, accountability, fairness, and resilience.
• Ability to develop and manage budget, staffing levels, resources, procurement, and project delivery.
• Demonstrated knowledge of health and safety methodology, incident reporting, emergency planning, biosecurity, and safe systems of work.

A little about us

At Longleat we offer a day out like no other, our guests are invited to step into the Thynn family home where they will find the finest example of Elizabethan Architecture. They are also immersed into the wild side, where they can visit over 120 species of animals by car, foot, train, bus, and boat.

With a core business welcoming around 1 million guests every year, we are passionate about providing unforgettable experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Why join the Longleat team?

In this unique work environment, you will be surrounded by historic landscapes and listed buildings, all whilst listening to our lions roar and wolves howl. You will even have the opportunity to visit our adorable Koalas and cheeky meerkats during your lunch break.

You will receive attractive benefits that include:

• 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, rising to 31 days at 5 years’ service.
• Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees
• Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
• 50% off Membership for Friends and Family
• Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
• Discounts on VIP Experiences and Accommodation
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Perks at work
• Range of flexible working schemes