Director of People & Culture Chester, England
Job description
The most visited zoo in the UK, Chester Zoo is an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction, working hard to provide unique and inspiring visitor experiences. What’s more, we are a leading conservation and education charity too, helping to prevent the extinction of threatened species and having a positive impact on wildlife, globally. As the world faces a biodiversity crisis, the role of large charity zoos is vital to the future of wildlife on our planet.
With a mission to prevent extinction, it’s no surprise that we have been at the forefront of conservation for many decades. Our team of over 1,000 talented people and experts, cares for more than 20,000 animals and 128 acres of zoological gardens. We run conservation projects all over the world and ensure that all of our guests experience an inspirational day out.
To support the delivery of its next phase of development, we are now seeking to appoint a forward thinking and operationally capable Director of People & Culture. The role is pivotal to the delivery of the strategic vision and will be accountable for leading a talented team across HR, learning and development and occupational health in partnering with the business to ensure that the function is both supportive and aligned to business needs.
You’ll bring inspirational HR leadership expertise with experience of bringing new ideas and creating a great place to work, building on the Zoo’s fantastic reputation. HR strategy and organisational development will be familiar territory, as will the ability to deal with change and complexity. Acting as an ambassador and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders you’ll translate HR strategy into clear actions and execution. Critically, to be successful, you’ll have a collaborative, people centric approach and an affinity with Chester Zoo’s purpose, its culture and values.
As the zoo heads towards its 100th birthday there are ambitious plans ahead, including being the best zoo in the world; opening new habitats; and delivering our first overnight stay proposition. Indeed, it’s an ideal time for a dynamic people leader to join the Operating Board and be part of the thrilling journey ahead, whilst making a positive impact on our planet.
We welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds and are looking for candidates who can contribute diversity of representation and thinking to the Operating Board of Chester Zoo.
Please apply by emailing [email protected], submitting a CV and short covering letter addressed to Nicola Kenyon detailing current salary and quoting reference number 7229. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)845 261 0600 and ask to speak with Emily Cross.
All third party and direct applications will be forwarded to Warren Partners.
