Zoological Centre Manager

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoological organization in Bedfordshire is seeking a Zoological Centre Manager to oversee operations at its education centre. Responsibilities include ensuring animal welfare compliance, managing resources, and engaging with students and stakeholders. Applicants must have a degree in Animal Management/Zoology and strong vocational experience in animal care. This full-time position offers a salary between £41,086 and £47,971 per annum along with 27 days annual leave, contributions to a pension, and various discounts.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

People’s pension

Retail and Leisure Discounts

Qualifications

• Degree in Animal Management/Zoology required.
• Strong vocational experience in animal care within zoological settings.
• Knowledge of UK animal care legislation essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the zoological education centre.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare and zoo licensing standards.
• Collaborate with curriculum teams and promote the centre's image.

Skills

Animal care experience

Communication skills

Budget management

Education

Degree in Animal Management/Zoology

GCSE English & Maths (A–C)

Job description

Shuttleworth College (Zoological Education Centre)

Bedfordshire. Closing date for applications is: 4th Jan 2026.

Location: Shuttleworth College – Old Warden

Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £41,086 and £47,971 per annum (Pro-Rata) DOE and Qualifications, 27 days annual leave (Pro-Rata) plus Bank holidays, People’s pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.

Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week

Contract Type: Fixed Term – Full Time – Fixed until 28th August 2026

Right to Work: This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. We’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

About the role:

We are currently seeking a Zoological Centre Manager to join our Animal Science department at The Bedford College Group.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Centre Operations – Manage the day-to-day running of the zoological education centre, ensuring best practice, professional standards, and compliance with zoo licensing and BIAZA requirements.
• Ensure Animal Welfare & Compliance – Maintain welfare audits, feeding guidelines, veterinary liaison, and biosecurity measures while preparing for inspections and meeting legislative standards.
• Manage Records & Resources – Oversee Species360/ZIMS records, procurement within budget, and ensure accurate documentation for animal transfers and conservation activities.
• Engage Stakeholders & Students – Collaborate with curriculum teams, support open days, liaise with external organisations, and promote the centre’s positive image.
• Promote Safety & Continuous Improvement – Lead health and safety culture, manage waste and sustainability, respond to emergencies, and maintain CPD through training and industry engagement.

About you:

• Essential Qualifications – Degree in Animal Management/Zoology, GCSE English & Maths (A–C), and record of CPD in the zoo sector.
• Specialist Knowledge & Experience – Strong vocational experience in animal care, expertise in zoo licensing, BALAI, BIAZA requirements, and maintaining specialist enclosures.
• Compliance & Operational Skills – Knowledge of UK animal care legislation, health & safety, RAMS, and experience managing budgets, welfare audits, and accurate records.
• Professional Attributes – Effective communicator, team player, reliable, flexible, and committed to safeguarding, EDI, and College values (Student Focus, High Performance, Respect, Openness, Honesty).
• Flexibility & Development – Ability to work evenings/weekends, respond to emergencies, travel across sites, maintain CPD, and willingness to achieve First Aid certification.

For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.