Purpose of the role

Overview of the role

The purpose of this role is to take responsibility for all procurement activity (excluding retail) across ZSL’s UK footprint. The role will directly manage large, high value, and complex procurements, as well as overseeing the development and implementation of the organisation procurement policy and procedures to ensure that all procurement is carried out in a consistent and compliant manner. 

The post-holder will also play an important role in the procurement of capital projects started as part of the implementation of ZSL’s multi-year Strategy and Masterplan for our London and Whipsnade sites (currently in development).

Key responsibilities

  • Ensure that ZSL’s Procurement Policy and Procedures are adhered to across the organisation, and ensure continuous improvement and updating of relevant template documentation.
  • Act as the procurement lead on large capital projects and long-term masterplans for our two UK conservation zoo sites
  • Maintain and update a five-year procurement pipeline for significant requirements
  • Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships both within ZSL (e.g. with client teams and central service departments) and externally (e.g. with consultants and framework operators).

About You

This role requires
 
  • Considerable experience of developing and implementing procurement strategies at organisational and project level
  • Proven experience in consistently achieving procurement and contracting, including via direct basis and third party frameworks
  • Excellent communication skills, with evidence of effectively engaging a range of colleagues and partners through written reports, strategic documents, policies and procedures.
  • Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate, inspire and support ZSL’s shared mission, vision, and values
  • Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through relevant and practical work 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

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 do we offer?  

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

  • Our vision and purpose - you’ll 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 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 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.

What our team say...

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