Assistant Project Manager Apprentice in London

Working at ZSL is a unique opportunity where no two days are the same, and every project you contribute to helps support our global wildlife conservation mission. As an Assistant Project Manager Apprentice, you'll join our Estates team and support the delivery of a diverse portfolio of capital projects across both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. From £100,000 refurbishments to major developments worth more than £5 million, you'll gain hands-on experience at every stage of the project lifecycle while helping to shape the future of our conservation zoos. Over the course of this two-year apprenticeship, you'll build a rewarding career in project management through a combination of hands-on experience and external study. Supported by our experienced Capital Projects Team, you'll work towards a Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship, developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence to successfully manage projects in a truly unique environment. This role is primarily based at Whipsnade Zoo, with some regular travel to London Zoo to support projects across both sites.

Key responsibilities:

• Project Coordination: Support the project team in coordinating and delivering all stages of the project lifecycle, ensuring tasks are carried out efficiently and in line with agreed processes.
• Project Documentation: Prepare clear documents, diagrams, and visual aids that set out project milestones, stages, and delivery requirements for use by the wider project team.
• Resource Planning: Support the planning of resources required to deliver project activities, including coordinating information from internal teams and external partners.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Contribute to stakeholder engagement activities, helping to communicate project intentions, gather input, and maintain positive working relationships throughout delivery.
• Risk Management: Identify, log, and monitor risks and opportunities, escalating issues appropriately and contributing to mitigation plans.
• Project Evaluation: Contribute to post-project reviews, documenting lessons learned and supporting continuous improvement for future project delivery.

About You

• 3 A-Levels Grade C or above (or equivalent UCAS points).
• 5 GCSEs Grades 5 - 9, including Maths and English.
• A passion for design and project management.
• Adaptable, with the ability to manage changing priorities and respond positively to new challenges.
• Able to manage your own workload and commit to independent study alongside practical work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. 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 underrepresented 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.

About Us

We’re 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 we’re 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 We Offer?

Alongside the opportunity to do purpose-driven work that helps create a world where wildlife thrives, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working options
• 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Access to our staff Equality Networks
• Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
• Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees)

You can find the full details of our benefits in the attached Benefits Guide. We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important 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. If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you!