Event Team Lead

Events at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are a key way for us to engage audiences, share our conservation mission, and support wider organisational goals. As Events Team Lead, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and successful delivery of our seasonal events programme. Working closely with the Events Manager and wider teams, you will provide essential logistical and operational support across a large and complex operation. You will take responsibility for day‑to‑day event delivery, offering real‑time leadership, problem solving, and decision making on site to ensure events run safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. This role is offered on a full‑time basis, working 37.5 hours per week. As our zoos are open seven days a week, your schedule will follow a rota, which includes weekends and bank holidays. We aim to balance business needs with personal flexibility, so you’ll have advance notice of your shifts to help plan your time.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership and Team Management: Provide day‑to‑day line management of the Events Officer and seasonal event staff, including allocating work, setting standards, and delivering training. In the absence of the Events Manager or Programmes Manager, take responsibility for the full delivery of events.
• Event Development and Supplier Coordination: Research and develop ideas and materials for new events that align with and support ZSL’s objectives and long‑term strategy, as well as identifying and contracting suitable event suppliers in the lead‑up to delivery.
• Event Evaluation: Responsible for ensuring the objectives and outcomes of each event are met, as well as compiling, analysing, and writing up event evaluation reports and visitor feedback.
• Event Planning and Programme Delivery: Under the guidance of the Events Manager, lead on the planning and project management of seasonal events, while also supporting the delivery of the wider events programme to ensure on‑site activations meet objectives and are delivered to the highest standard.
• Onsite Coordination and Cross‑Team Delivery: Act as the main point of contact for onsite queries and the day‑to‑day running of live events, liaising with colleagues, event staff, and contractors, while also working with relevant departments (such as Marketing and Creative Design) to ensure event assets are developed, proofed, produced, and delivered in line with deadlines.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience delivering events from concept through to completion, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and solve problems effectively.
• Degree in an events‑related subject or equivalent practical experience.
• Highly organised with experience managing competing priorities and tight deadlines using a methodical and thorough approach.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise workload and use initiative effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong operations and logistics experience, with the ability to build relationships and networks quickly.
• Flexible and adaptable, with good time management skills and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by events delivery.
• Good level of physical fitness, with the ability to undertake regular outdoor work, manual handling, and lifting in all weather conditions.

This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK and a standard DBS Check. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of under‑represented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

What We Offer

• Purpose‑driven work – join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.
• Pension scheme – we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays (increasing with milestone anniversaries).
• Access to ZSL’s staff Equality Networks – Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, and Menopause, supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for those with lived experience.
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
• Cycle2Work – our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
• Season ticket loan – we offer an interest‑free loan for eligible London‑based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.