Animal Nutrition Manager in Chester

Full time, permanent contract with an option for some working from home and some flexibility in hours.

We are Chester Zoo. We are a major wildlife charity that is committed to the recovery of endangered species globally. As the world faces an extinction crisis, we are making a significant contribution to conservation at a time when it is needed most.

The Role: We now have an exciting new role for an outstanding Animal Nutrition Manager. Reporting to the Head of Veterinary Services, you will lead the development and delivery of scientifically robust, evidence-based nutrition programs to ensure optimal health, welfare, and compliance for the animals under Chester Zoo's care. This role provides specialist expertise in diet formulation, nutrient analysis, and benchmarking against best practice, designing tailored diets for species and individuals while addressing potential nutritional issues.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Provide specialist nutritional advice and training on all aspects of animal nutrition.
• Design evidence-based diets tailored to species and individual needs.
• Review existing diets against current scientific knowledge.
• Provide nutritional analysis and targeted nutrition research.
• Collaborate across departments and with the Nutrition Assistant to ensure a seamless nutrition and diet service is provided and legal requirements are met.

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work? We are a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, and environmental policy influencers. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place. We have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there is always lots going on here. We are an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development.

The Package:

• Permanent contract
• 40 Hours Per Week
• £39,833 per annum
• Some possibilities for hybrid working.
• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Staff pass to visit the zoo during your 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 - Animal Nutrition Manager:

• Relevant degree with focus in Animal Nutrition or equivalent experience.
• Detailed understanding of animal nutrition and diet analysis.
• Substantial experience of nutritional dietary analysis and the use of nutritional analysis software.
• Proactive, self-motivated, with good organisation skills and proven record of ability to manage own time and work to deadlines.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely in verbal presentations and written communications for a range of audiences.
• Evidence of computer literacy, including nutrition analysis software.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proven ability to work in and contribute to a team environment.
• A strong commitment to animal health and welfare.
• Attention to detail, accurate record keeping.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Understanding of nutritional research methods and applications and of zoo animal nutrition.
• Relevant research analytic skills, including study design, data collection, statistical analysis and data presentation.
• Understanding of Zoo's Responsibilities in terms of animal nutrition under existing legislation.
• Scientific writing and publication.