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- Tasks: Lead two iconic zoos, driving commercial success and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Libéma, a leading leisure organisation, shaping wildlife attractions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, 33 days leave, and relocation support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation and visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in leisure or hospitality with strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international exposure and hands-on leadership.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Two Iconic Zoos! Paignton Zoo in Devon and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall are among the South West’s most loved and leading wildlife attractions. With rich, fascinating histories, strong foundations in conservation, education and research, and a diverse collection of over 2,800 animals across both sites, these zoos offer an exciting and dynamic environment to lead. Both zoos have recently become part of Libéma, one of the Netherlands’ leading leisure organisations, bringing new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and growth. We’re now looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking General Manager to guide and shape the future of Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo. If you’re passionate about wildlife, people and creating unforgettable experiences, this is your chance to make a real impact.
The Role
As General Manager, you’ll be at the heart of the two zoos with responsibility for driving commercial success and operational excellence across Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo. With end-to-end responsibility for the Marketing, Sales and operational performance of both organisations, this is a unique opportunity to lead the business through its next exciting phase of development, driving sustainable growth in visitor numbers and revenue while safeguarding long-term financial resilience and the highest standards of animal welfare. In addition, you will provide strategic oversight of education and research activities, ensuring these activities are fully integrated into operations and actively contribute to the organisations’ strategic direction and impact. Reporting to the Divisional Director, you will have significant autonomy to shape the annual business plan and budget, take full ownership of delivery against agreed objectives. Leading a talented Senior Leadership Team, you will combine oversight with a visible, hands-on leadership style, remaining closely connected to the day-to-day operation and leading the organisations as if they were your own businesses.
Scope of Responsibilities
- Full accountability for Paignton Zoo’s and Newquay Zoo’s commercial and operational performance.
- Leadership of departmental heads across: Food & Beverage, Guest Services, Animal Care, Facilities, Visitor Experience.
- Development and execution of growth initiatives that:
- Increase visitor numbers and brand awareness.
- Boost on-site revenue.
- Continuously enhance every aspect of the guest journey.
This is a hands-on leadership role in a seven-day-a-week business, and as part of our duty management rota, you’ll occasionally work weekends and bank holidays to ensure smooth operations.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a senior leader with proven commercial experience in leisure, hospitality, attractions or other visitor-focused environments who is motivated by autonomy, scale and the chance for international exposure. Key requirements include:
- Degree-level education (or equivalent), preferably in Hospitality, Leisure, Tourism or Business;
- At least 5 years’ experience in senior or general management roles;
- Proven track record of P&L ownership, budget management and delivering commercial growth;
- Exceptional leadership skills, able to inspire, engage and develop teams;
- A commercial, entrepreneurial mindset combined with operational rigour;
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities;
- Resilience, adaptability and confidence operating in a dynamic, customer-facing environment;
- An affinity for animals, nature and outdoor attractions.
Reward
Competitive salary: £75,000 to £100,000 per annum depending on experience plus performance-related bonus; Base location: Paignton Zoo, Devon (with regular travel to Newquay Zoo and occasional travel to The Netherlands for relevant meetings and events); Hours: 37.5 a week; Annual Leave: 33 days including the usual bank holidays; Company lease car, laptop and mobile phone; Relocation support available.
How to apply
Ready to take the lead? Apply via our online portal and take the first step toward shaping the future of Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo.
General Manager Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo employer: Libéma
Contact Detail:
Libéma Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo. Building relationships can give us insider info and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for wildlife! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your love for animals and conservation. We want to see that you’re not just about the numbers but also care deeply about the mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for situational questions that test your leadership skills and decision-making. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to handle challenges in a dynamic environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for wildlife and conservation shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leisure, hospitality, or attractions. We’re looking for someone who can drive commercial success, so showcase your achievements in those areas!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to know what makes you unique. Share your leadership style and how you connect with teams and visitors alike.
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply via our online portal. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Libéma
✨Know Your Zoos
Before the interview, dive deep into the histories and missions of Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo. Understand their conservation efforts, educational programmes, and visitor experiences. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine passion for wildlife and the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a General Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you inspire and engage teams. Share specific examples of how you've led diverse groups in previous roles, especially in dynamic environments like leisure or hospitality.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Highlight your experience with P&L ownership and budget management. Prepare to discuss strategies you've implemented that drove commercial growth and increased visitor numbers. Use data and metrics to back up your claims, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves building relationships with local authorities and partners, think about how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past. Be ready to share examples of collaboration and communication that led to positive outcomes.
