At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting capital projects to enhance wildlife conservation and visitor experiences.
- Company: Join ZSL, a global leader in wildlife conservation with two renowned zoos.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts at our zoos.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in capital project delivery and a relevant degree are essential.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 140000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Capital Projects role at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Join to apply for the Head of Capital Projects role at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
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The Head of Capital Projects will lead the delivery of a dynamic portfolio of capital projects across ZSLs two conservation zoo sites, overseeing an annual programme valued at 6-9 million.
This senior leadership role is key to shaping the future of ZSLs estate to better serve our mission: to restore wildlife and create a world where nature thrives. The postholder will ensure projects are strategically scoped, prioritised, and delivered to the highest professional standards, with a strong focus on sustainability, operational integration, and good governance.
Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the Head of Capital Projects will embed best-practice project delivery while enabling transformational change across ZSLs infrastructure, enhancing both animal care and visitor experience in support of global conservation outcomes.
Key responsibilities:
- Project Delivery: Lead the delivery of capital projects from RIBA Stage 2 to handover, managing budgets, risks and timelines.
- Sustainability Focus: Champion sustainability, net zero goals, and whole-life costing in project design and delivery.
- Governance & Reporting: Embed governance, controls, and reporting standards across the capital programme.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build collaborative relationships with internal teams and funders consultants.
- Supply Chain Development: Develop supply chains with contractors and consultants.
About You:
- Proven experience delivering capital projects in complex operational or heritage environments (e.g. cultural, educational, public realm or zoological settings).
- Strong understanding of design and construction processes, including the use of JCT or NEC contracts.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
- Track record of raising professional standards and implementing governance and delivery frameworks.
- Ability to lead and coordinate multiple capital projects simultaneously in a live, operational environment, while balancing competing demands and stakeholder priorities.
- A relevant degree in architecture, engineering, surveying, construction or project management (or equivalent experience).
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate\'s right to work in the UK.
We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.
About Us:
Were ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and were working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
What do we offer?
At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:
- Our vision and purpose - youll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct
- 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
- 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 ZSLs 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 eligibly 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
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.
Its important to personalise your application to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over-reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.
Seniority level- Seniority levelDirector
- Employment typeFull-time
- Job functionManagement and Project Management
- IndustriesNon-profit Organizations
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#J-18808-LjbffrHead of Capital Projects (London) employer: Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
At the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful capital projects that directly contribute to global conservation efforts. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, while our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and a robust pension scheme. Join us in a vibrant London setting where your expertise will not only shape our infrastructure but also inspire a world where wildlife thrives.
Contact Details:
Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Capital Projects (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with ZSL's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to conservation and sustainability will help you align your experience and vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the conservation and project management sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people who work at ZSL or similar organisations, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past project management experiences, especially those that demonstrate your ability to handle complex projects in operational environments. Tailoring your anecdotes to reflect ZSL's focus on animal care and visitor experience will be beneficial.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current and past capital projects undertaken by ZSL. Being knowledgeable about their initiatives will not only show your interest but also allow you to suggest innovative ideas that could enhance their future projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Capital Projects (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in delivering capital projects, particularly in complex operational or heritage environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets, risks, and timelines.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for conservation and your understanding of ZSL's mission. Discuss how your skills align with the role's requirements, especially your experience with sustainability and stakeholder engagement.
Highlight Leadership Experience:Since this is a senior leadership role, emphasise your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully led teams in project delivery. Include any frameworks or governance structures you've implemented to raise professional standards.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications:Mention your relevant degree or equivalent experience in architecture, engineering, surveying, construction, or project management. If you have additional certifications related to project management or sustainability, be sure to include those as well.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
✨Understand ZSL's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of ZSL's mission to restore wildlife and create a thriving natural world. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their conservation goals and how you can contribute to their projects.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Highlight your proven experience in delivering capital projects, especially in complex environments. Be ready to provide specific examples of past projects where you managed budgets, timelines, and stakeholder engagement effectively.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Given the role's focus on sustainability, come equipped with ideas on how to champion net zero goals and whole-life costing in project design. Discuss any relevant experiences where you successfully integrated sustainable practices into your projects.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about how you build collaborative relationships with internal teams and external partners. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders, showcasing your communication and negotiation skills.
