Interpretation Manager

The Interpretation Manager works as a key member of our professional team, taking responsibility for the management of all interpretation across the site, maintaining the high standards our visitors deserve. Interpretation has the potential to educate, to enhance visitor experience and to empower visitors to live more sustainably. No two days are alike in this dynamic, creative role; one day you might be creating a piece of giraffe focused interpretation for our new Heart of Africa zone, and the next, developing a scheme of new wayfinding solutions.

As Interpretation Manager you will:

• Skilfully manage a range of differing priorities and projects, using excellent organisational skills.
• Manage internal team members and external contractors professionally.
• Ensure all interpretation, including signage, exhibit theming, interactives, digital, models, and artwork is produced to a high standard and in line with the zoo’s core messaging and mission.

This is a permanent contract (job share) with a salary of £19,916.91 per annum based on 20 hours per week (£39,833.82 FTE for 40 hours). The working hours are usually 9am-5.30pm, Monday and Wednesday, with a half day on Tuesday; occasional weekend working is required. There is potential for some home working.

Benefits include:

• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Staff pass for zoo visits during time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for friends and family.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks.
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%.

Our Requirements – Interpretation Manager

• Substantial experience developing exhibitions, exhibits and interpretive schemes in a zoo, aquarium, museum, gallery, or similar environment is essential.
• Strong people management skills - supervising a team and managing the work of others or relevant experience.
• Substantial experience managing projects, with demonstrable experience of time management, managing budgets, administration, and planning skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, meeting deadlines and ensuring appropriate quality control.
• Knowledge of legislation and best practice guidance as it applies to the development of interpretation, including copyright, DDA, health and safety, CDM and GDPR.
• An eye for design and a creative approach to interpretation and communicating with zoo visitors.
• Attention to detail and excellent copy writing skills, alongside the ability to write for a broad range of audiences is essential.
• Audience focused approach, demonstrated through experience in a customer focused environment and understanding of audience segmentation and developing interpretation for different audiences.
• Experience commissioning and contracting designers, artists, builders, and other contractors.
• Strong IT skills: Skilled in the use of all key Microsoft packages and use of digital technologies for public engagement.
• Excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team, to work under pressure and to collaborate with various stakeholders across the zoo and beyond.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• A formal qualification with an interpretation element such as a Museum Studies MA.
• A working knowledge of conservation and/or zoology, demonstrated by a Zoology or Biological Science degree and/or experience of working within a zoo, conservation organisation or similar environment.
• A strong understanding of exhibitions and interpretation from museums, galleries, or alternative collections and/or a relevant degree.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 06 July 2025. Shortlisting of applications and arrangement of interviews will take place while the advert is live, candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close the advert early.