WE ARE CHESTER ZOO

Chester Zoo is the UK’s favourite zoo as well as an international conservation charity. What began as a family run zoo in 1931 is now a globally renowned centre of excellence for conservation and scientific research, and one of the UK’s biggest and most popular visitor attractions, with more than 2 million annual visitors. The zoo’s 128-acre site in Chester, which is home to more than 37,000 animals and more than 500 species, is where this species-saving work is made possible. As a conservation powerhouse, Chester Zoo works around the world to ensure species not only survive but thrive. The zoo is a key part of 139 international conservation breeding programmes, working with 62 conservation partners in 19 countries to protect wildlife and people.
We now have an exciting opportunity to join our team as we recruit for an experienced and forward-thinking Animal and Plant Director. As part of the Director team and reporting into the Chief Conservation Officer/Deputy CEO (CCO), the Animal and Plant Director will lead the department to deliver the strategic direction of the zoo’s animal and plant work and guide success of the zoo in line with the organisation’s mission, values and unified strategy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Leadership & Planning and Team development: Lead and inspire circa 200 employees within the Animal & Plant Department and develop the Animal and Plant plan to ensure comprehensive, strategic and purposeful approaches to the management and conservation of animals and plants within the zoo. Take a ‘hands on’ approach, fostering an environment of empowerment and collaboration to develop a culture of excellence, growth and development.
• Conservation and Animal & Plant Management: Oversee the planning, acquisition, health and wellbeing of one of the largest animal and plant collections in the UK and support the CCO in delivering our ambitious conservation plan targets, including those pertaining to species preservation and population restoration programs.
• Collaboration: Build strong partnerships with NGOs, governments, and other zoological and botanical institutions, and maintain strong relationships across all departments of the zoo to maximise conservation impact and ensure successful delivery of our organisational plan.
• Operational and Financial Excellence: Ensure compliance with zoo licenses, effectively manage facilities and exhibits for optimum animal welfare, and oversee the design and upkeep of habitats and gardens, managing a budget of approximately £10 million per year.