Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Director of Life Sciences


Director of Life Sciences

Twycross Zoo is at a very exciting stage of development with the first phase of a 20 year masterplan already underway. The plan includes the development of new animal habitats which has already delivered the Gibbon Forest, opened in 2016, and a new Chimpanzee habitat due for completion in 2018.

As a zoological society, popular visitor attraction (attracting over 500,000 visitors annually) and a conservation charity, the Zoo is striving to increase its contribution to animal welfare, research, conservation and education, whilst providing outstanding value for money for all who visit. We are keen to recruit a dynamic and knowledgeable Director of Life Sciences to help lead the organisation forward.

The Director of Life Sciences is a key member of the Executive Team, and will be working closely with and supporting managers. We are firm believers that our employees are our greatest asset and we are looking for a Director of Life Sciences who can provide strong leadership on a daily basis.
The successful candidate will have responsibility for developing this department which will allow us to continue to grow and fulfil its mission.

This crucial role will also be responsible for:
· Leading on all aspects of the life sciences department strategy and operational aspects
· Overall management of staff within the life science departments
· Act for the Zoo as a liaison with Defra, EAZA, BIAZA and other legal entities concerned with zoo legislation
· Represent the Zoo in the media
· Maintain and develop relationships with key political and academic partners
· Be conversant with relevant codes of practice and legislation, ensure compliance with the zoo licensing act and other relevant legislation; drive best practice in the zoo community

The successful candidate must have at least 4 years’ experience as a senior manager in a zoo or closely related field and hold a higher degree and / or further professional postgraduate qualification in a relevant veterinary or biological field. They will also possess a good working knowledge of the roles, goals and objectives of the modern zoo. Having previously held a position with managerial responsibilities and having successfully led teams that have contributed to improvement, they must be able to demonstrate innovative thinking. They will, in addition, possess the interpersonal skills and the vision to be both an effective leader and an influential team member of the Zoo’s senior management.

The role is on a permanent, full time basis. Salary is paid monthly, with an annual holiday entitlement of 34 days (inclusive of bank holidays) and a 5% employer’s pension contribution (after qualifying period).

If you are interested, please send your CV with a covering letter and salary expectations to recruitment@twycrosszoo.org


Closing Date: Thursday 18th May 2017




Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

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