At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety and compliance efforts to ensure animal welfare at Chessington World of Adventures.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at a leading adventure resort with a focus on education and conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, free attraction tickets, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including weekends, with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare while working in a fun, dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in regulatory compliance and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
As a Zoo Compliance Supervisor, you will play a central role in ensuring that everything behind the scenes runs safely, legally and to the highest possible standard. You will take ownership of compliance across the zoo, making sure we meet all regulatory requirements covering animal welfare, health and safety and zoo licensing legislation. No two days are the same.
You will oversee animal transfers and records, liaising with external bodies and securing licences where required. You will ensure all animal-related information is accurately maintained in ZIMS, supporting teams with training and troubleshooting while using data to identify trends or risks. Alongside this, you will develop and maintain risk assessments, safe working procedures and standard operating processes that support safe and effective zoo operations.
You will also take the lead on compliance audits and inspections, ensuring the zoo is always prepared for both internal and external review. From COSHH management and contractor oversight to emergency planning for incidents such as animal escapes or health emergencies, you will ensure robust systems are in place and followed. You will investigate incidents, drive corrective actions and maintain clear, organised records across all areas of compliance.
You’ll be part of a collaborative team, working closely with animal care, veterinary, maintenance and education teams to ensure a consistent and integrated approach. A key part of the role is developing a strong safety culture, delivering training, maintaining a compliance training matrix and supporting colleagues with practical guidance when needed. You will also 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
Sound like your next adventure? Apply now and be part of our incredible world. If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at recruitment@merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Pay Range GBP £31,000.00/Yr.
Zoo Compliance Supervisor employer: Merlin
At Chessington World of Adventures Resort, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values safety, compliance, and animal welfare. Our collaborative work culture fosters growth and development, offering employees unique benefits such as discounts at our retail shops and restaurants, free access to attractions worldwide, and opportunities for volunteer days. Join us in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same, and make a meaningful impact on both our team and the animals in our care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Zoo Compliance Supervisor
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Merlin looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Zoo Compliance Supervisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Merlin. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Merlin’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
