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- Tasks: Lead two iconic zoos, driving commercial success and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo, part of a leading leisure organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, company car, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation and visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior management, with a passion for animals and leadership.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international exposure and growth.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 85000 ÂŁ 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 Responsibility
- 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
- 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
- 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
How to Apply
Ready to take the lead? Apply via our online portal, where you’ll be asked to:
- Upload your CV
- Provide a covering letter outlining your experience and motivation
- Complete a short application form
Click apply and take the first step toward shaping the future of Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo.
General Manager Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo employer: Paignton Zoo
Contact Detail:
Paignton Zoo 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 you insider info and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for wildlife and conservation during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare and how you can contribute to the zoos' missions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by researching the zoos thoroughly. Understand their history, current initiatives, and future goals. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate your genuine interest in leading these iconic attractions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and shaping the future of Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for wildlife and how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV. Tailor it to showcase your relevant experience in leisure, hospitality, or attractions. We’re looking for specific examples of your commercial success and leadership skills, so make them pop!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, let us know about your hands-on leadership approach. We want to hear how you inspire and engage teams, especially in dynamic environments like zoos. Share those stories that demonstrate your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our online portal. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. So, click that apply button and take the first step towards an exciting future with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paignton Zoo
✨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 the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a General Manager, your leadership approach is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in leading teams, driving commercial success, and managing operations. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and engage others.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about how you would drive growth and enhance visitor experiences. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table and be ready to discuss how you would integrate education and research into the zoos' operations.
✨Connect with the Community
Since building relationships with local authorities and partners is key, come prepared with ideas on how to strengthen these connections. Discuss any previous experiences you've had in community engagement or partnerships that could benefit the zoos.