Zoological Centre Manager

Bedford College Group; Old Warden; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Old Warden is seeking a Zoological Centre Manager to oversee operations at their zoological education centre. This full-time position requires managing day-to-day activities, ensuring compliance with animal welfare standards, and liaising with stakeholders. Candidates should have a degree in Animal Management/Zoology and vocational experience in animal care. The salary is £41,086 to £47,971 per annum, with benefits including annual leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

27 days annual leave (Pro-rata)

People’s pension

Retail and leisure discounts

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree in Animal Management/Zoology mandatory.
• Vocational experience in animal care required.
• Knowledge of UK animal care legislation and health & safety essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the zoological education centre.
• Ensure animal welfare and compliance with regulations.
• Oversee records and budget for procurement.

Skills

Animal care experience

Effective communication

Team player

Knowledge of animal care legislation

Budget management

Education

Degree in Animal Management/Zoology

GCSE English & Maths (A-C)

Job description

Role: Zoological Centre Manager

Location: Shuttleworth College - Old Warden

Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £41,086 and £47,971 per annum (Pro‑Rata). 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

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; 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.

Interviews to be held: 15 January 2026

Alignment to VISION values:

• Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who, by working together, can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
• Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
• Student Centred – At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
• Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
• Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
• Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.

About The Bedford College Group: The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through its doors each year. The Group comprises several colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, including Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College, Tresham College, Shuttleworth College (a specialist land‑based college), The Bedford Sixth Form, Corby Sixth Form, and the National College for Motorsport alongside the Silverstone race circuit. Community‑based Learning Centres are also operated in Bedford, Corby and Kettering, offering IT training.

Safeguarding our Students: The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.