Zoo Compliance Supervisor

Ready to lead the charge on safety, compliance and animal welfare as a Zoo Compliance Supervisor at Chessington World of Adventures Resort? At Chessington, our adventurers don’t just visit a zoo, they enter a living, breathing environment where every habitat is designed to inspire, educate and protect.

Responsibilities

• Play a central role in ensuring that everything behind the scenes runs safely, legally and to the highest possible standard.
• Take ownership of compliance across the zoo, ensuring all regulatory requirements covering animal welfare, health and safety and zoo licensing legislation are met.
• Oversee animal transfers and records, liaising with external bodies and securing licences where required.
• Ensure all animal-related information is accurately maintained in ZIMS, supporting teams with training and troubleshooting while using data to identify trends or risks.
• Develop and maintain risk assessments, safe working procedures and standard operating processes that support safe and effective zoo operations.
• Lead on compliance audits and inspections, ensuring the zoo is always prepared for both internal and external review.
• Manage COSHH, contractor oversight and emergency planning for incidents such as animal escapes or health emergencies.
• Investigate incidents, drive corrective actions and maintain clear, organised records across all areas of compliance.
• Work closely with animal care, veterinary, maintenance and education teams to ensure a consistent and integrated approach.
• Develop a strong safety culture, deliver training, maintain a compliance training matrix and support colleagues with practical guidance when needed.
• Directly manage an Animal Health Technician and help shape a proactive, accountable team environment.

This is a full-time role, working a flexible pattern across 5 days out of 7, including weekends and bank holidays.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in regulatory compliance, ideally within a zoo, aquarium, wildlife park or similar environment.
• Experience developing and implementing compliance strategies and procedures.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confident communicator with experience leading meetings and working across teams.
• Proven ability to collaborate with internal teams, contractors and external stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating audits, inspections or accreditation processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to risk management.
• People management experience, with the ability to lead and motivate others.
• Familiarity with animal care standards and husbandry practices is beneficial.
• High attention to detail with a clear focus on maintaining compliance standards.
• A team-focused mindset with a practical, hands-on approach when needed.
• Ability to stay calm and in control under pressure.
• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing operational needs.
• Flexible availability around park hours, including weekends and holidays.

Benefits

• 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants.
• 40% off LEGO online.
• Merlin Magic Pass – giving you free tickets to all our attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends every year.
• Enjoy the Ride Pass – giving you and 5 others a Merlin Annual Pass (Gold Edition).
• X2 volunteer days a year.
• Discounted rates at Merlin hotels all over the world.
• Employee pricing up to 55% off cinema tickets.