Job Description

Purpose of the role

The Head of Capital Projects will lead the delivery of a dynamic portfolio of capital projects across ZSL's two conservation zoo sites, overseeing an annual programme valued at 6-9 million.



This senior leadership role is key to shaping the future of ZSL's 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 ZSL's 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

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.

It's 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.