ZSL Head of Capital Projects

HEAD OF CAPITAL PROJECTS CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ZSL is seeking to appoint a Head of Capital Projects.

We’re ZSL - an international conservation charity driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world by protecting critical species, restoring ecosystems, helping people and wildlife live together and inspiring support for nature. We run two conservation zoos – London and Whipsnade, we are doing conservation in over sixty countries, and we are at the leading edge of conservation biology through our Institute of Zoology. As we approach our 200th anniversary in 2026, we have developed a vision for how ZSL will lead that journey and make conservation more effective. A key part of that is our ambition for our estate. We want to cre- ate a biodiversity and nature campus, in partnership with universities and others; a new home for our own science and conservation work; a centre for native species recovery; and new accommodation offers on both sites. These plans represent a root-and branch rethink of what a 21st century sci- entific Zoo should and could be and sets a strategic direction of travel for ZSL that will enable us to use our considerable physical assets much more effectively to achieve our goals.

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Executive Summary About Us The Masterplan Job Description Person Specfication Working at ZSL How to Apply

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ABOUT US

We're ZSL - an international conservation charity driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world by protect- ing critical species, restoring ecosystems, helping people and wildlife live together and inspiring support for nature. We’ve been building stronger connections to wildlife for 200 years. Through our leading Zoos, our innovative conservation work in the field and through the Institute of Zoology, a centre of research excel- lence, we are passionate advocates for nature and won't stop until we have created a world where wildlife thrives. Climate change and human activity have pushed our precious planet to its limit causing devastating habitat and species loss. When nature loses, we all do. Urgent action to help people and wildlife live better together, is the only way to save the natural world we love and depend upon. We be- lieve nature can recover - that’s where ZSL comes in, and where you can play your part.

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London Zoo will be recast as a ‘wildlife campus’, recapturing a true sense of destination that at tracts and inspires visitors from all over the world and the UK. The design seeks to maximise the site’s unique opportunities and overarching regeneration potential, to create a visionary and sustainable framework for the future. LONDON ZOO A transformed landscape puts animals first in complex mixed-species habitats that mim- ic their natural biogeographical zones. Historic listed structures will be reimagined and repur- posed as visitor destinations that elevate the Zoo experience. A new memorable entrance

square is envisioned to the north east corner, creating a more prominent and generous welcome to the Zoo. Barclay Court will become the first impression, with an active cluster of buildings offering a renewed level of intensity. There is scope for extended opening hours and evening events here, creating a true destination for London. The ambition is to consolidate conservation, science, veteri- nary and wildlife health facilities to allow these functions to be part of the visitor experience, offering glimpses of the many activities that currently happen

behind the scenes. Additional commercial buildings, as part of a commercial Multi-Univer- sity Hub, can offer partnership opportunities with educational, tech and finance companies right on the doorstep of Lon- don’s Knowledge Quarter. A diversified commercial mix will attract new audiences and providing a more sustainable, stable and diversified income to support ZSL’s global conser- vation mission. Proposed along side the new workspaces are a wider range of accommodation options, enabling students, researchers and visitors alike to stay longer and engage with ZSL on a deeper level.

THE MASTER PLAN

THE ZSL VISION ZSL is a global science-led conservation charity helping people and wildlife live better together, to restore the wonder and diversity of life everywhere. Through our leading Zoos, we bring people closer to nature in shared spaces of wonder and unique centres of learning, advancing knowledge to better protect wildlife today, while inspiring a lifelong love of animals in the conservationists of tomorrow. As we approach our 200th anniversary in 2026, we have developed a 10-20 year vision for our estate across our how our two UK centres of excellence: ZSL Regent’s Park and ZSL Whipsnade. The framework plans represent a root-and branch rethink of what a 21st century scientific Zoo should and could be, and sets a strategic direction of travel for ZSL that will enable us to use our considerable physical assets much more effectively to achieve our goals. A mix of projects will combine to strengthen ZSL’s offering and amplify our impact as a global conservation organisation and centre of excellence in wildlife science and conservation. At the future Zoo, the visitor will be invited to engage more vividly and deeply with wildlife, and learn about the work that ZSL does in-situ through immersive environments which alllow for different

individual projects to evolve over time. Each of the projects will require further detailed design, planning approval and public consultation as part of its realisation. The plans identify opportunities for consolidation of uses as well as repurposing and restructuring of the Zoos’ sites. New opportunities for infrastructure and the built environment are highlighted, as well as the potential to reuse buildings that are unused, underused or not fit for purpose. Many of the unused ‘legacy’ buildings no longer meet animal husbandry welfare standards, and could become spaces for people instead. Often, facilities are scattered across the site, and there is an opportunity to bring these together in purpose- built and more efficient buildings or clusters of buildings. The scale of the vision at both Zoos is significant, and changes will take place over several decades. It is therefore important to allow for sufficient flexibility in the plans to ensure that they can withstand the test of time, and adapt with changing needs and regulations, market forces and financial realities. In this context, the plans provide the backbones of the place, with options and variables possible for many of the buildings and sites across the two Zoos.

NorthBank

SouthBank

Snowdon Aviary

Conservation TechQuarter/ Multi-University Hub

New Entrance

ZSL Institute ofBiodiversity

Asian Forest

African Forest

Mappin Terraces

Casson Pavilion

African Savannah

Whipsnade Zoo is a vast rural site. By am- plifying and wilding the site’s natural fea- tures, we can create a more stimulating and authentic environment for the animals, and a more adventurous and exciting Zoo for vis- itors to explore. Distinct landscape character areas will differentiate between key zones, to create variety on the journey. Access and distance is one of the major challenges at Whipsnade Zoo, and networks of site-wide trails and routes combined with a choice of sustainable transport modes will open up the site for all visitor groups independent of mobility and capacity. The ambition is to immerse the visitor in na- ture and wildlife from the point of arrival. The entrance journey will be redirected via the ancient woodland, guiding the visitor to the centre of activity - the Whipsnade Zoo hub

which will offer a range of activities. The existing elephant enclosure is proposed to be expanded to meet the needs of a herd of circa 10 animals. Several watering holes across the site will be- come a focal point where the animals will natural- ly gravitate, encouraging play and movement. Other early projects will be a UK conservation and breeding centre, the just completed ma- caques Monkey Forest and the potential for on-site renewable energy for ZSL’s operations will be explored. The overnight stay offer will be expanded with a range of different short term staying options: a cluster of guest houses with serviced rooms as well as cabins and treehous- es, presenting a unique opportunity to stay with the animals. As we introduce more options for moving around, parts of the site that are currently out of sight can offer a more wild and off-track Zoo experience for the intrepid visitor, with opportuni- ties to stay overnight, sleep under the stars and safari after nightfall.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key responsibilities Strategic leadership • Using the Estates Transformation guiding prin- ciples and strategy, provide leadership and expertise in delivering our goals and ambitions in providing excellence in sustainable design, reaching net zero by 2035, developing whole life cost and carbon analysis initiatives, and driving forward ZSL value for money agenda in projects. • Responsible for ensuring the effective delivery, coordination, and budget management of the portfolio of capital projects to the highest qual- ity standards, managing the project delivery from inception to completion. • Working in collaboration with the energy and sustainability manager to set the strategy for future projects to achieve net zero by 2035 • Providing cooperation and partnership work- ing with the Head of Facilities Management and Technical Design to build an impactful ap- proach that ensures life cycle costing analysis is carried out on all proposed schemes across the department’s portfolio of projects. • Lead, motivate, and manage external teams and provide direct support to senior project managers to performance manage consultants and contractors Masterplan and capital projects • Provide strategic leadership for the develop- ment and implementation of the long-term site masterplans, with overall responsibility for the delivery of the masterplan capital projects, with a portfolio of circa £300m over the next ten years. • Lead and maintain the portfolio programme, ensuring works are coordinated across sites and departments to minimise disruption to animals and visitors • Oversee the capital project risk register, using strategic expertise to identify and mitigate high-level risks within the departmental risk register • Oversee and be responsible for collaboration

in the management of buildings between prac- tical completion and public opening, ensuring that the team have effective project handover procedures between internal departments and the wider estates team Stakeholder management • Strategically partner with internal service deliv- ery teams and enabling functions, such as HR communications, finance, legal, and procure- ment to ensure effective partnership working between departments where relationships are strengthened based on trust and added value • Build and maintain relationships with high-lev- el internal and external stakeholders, including donors, funding partners, executive project members, trustees, local authorities and land- lords. • Act as the principal consultee on planning-re- lated matters, lease deeds, and covenants with local authorities. Values and behaviours for people management • Collaborative: creates an engaging environ- ment where people feel comfortable asking for help or support • Impactful: delivers results on time and to the agreed standards • Inclusive: makes decisions that promote trans- parency and inclusion • Innovative: is forward thinking and able to see the broader picture when planning and organ- ising work

JOB TITLE:

HEAD OF CAPITAL PROJECTS

GRADE:

JOB LEVEL:

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

DIRECTORATE: BUSINESS SERVICES FUNCTION: REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF ESTATES TRANSFORMATION DIRECT REPORTS: 3 FINANCIAL RESOURCES:

ESTATE TRANSFORMATION

PROJECT PORTFOLIO OF CIRCA £300MILLION OVER 10 YEARS

Our vision and mission The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an inter- national conservation charity, driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and every role, every person in every corner of ZSL has one thing in common – we are all conservation- ists, and passionate about restoring wildlife. Purpose of the Role The Head of Capital Projects is critical to the trans- formation of the zoo’s estate cross both its sites. With expertise and innovative approach to project management, there is an opportunity to shape capital project delivery across zoo, commercial and strategic sectors in order for ZSL to meet its vision to ensure people and wildlife thrive. The post-holder provides effective leadership and management of large, multi-functional capital projects across the London and Whipsnade sites, working closely with internal teams to ensure realis- tic budgets, timelines and objectives are met, deliv- ering projects in line with the plan by implementing best practice governance and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, regulatory standards and ZSL policy.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience Essential

challenge at the strategic level • Excellent communication skills, with the proven ability to effectively engage a range of colleagues and partners in the department’s work. • Proven ability to write reports, strategic documents, policies and procedures for audiences at all levels in an organisation • Strong time management and prioritisation. • A degree in a design, engineering or construction related field is desired. Other qualifications may be considered based on experience and strength of application. • Professional qualification to reflect the seniority of the role is highly desirable eg Qualified Architect, Chartered Surveyor, Chartered Engineer, Chartered Project Manager, Corporate member of a relevant professional body in the built environment industry. Desirable • CSCS card, CDM training and/or Project Management Qualification Additional requirements • This post is a blended role for office and home working; regular travel to Zoo sites will be required. • Strong commitment to creating a culture that lives ZSL values and commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

OUR VALUES & BEHAVIOURS

• Significant prior experience of large scale masterplanning and budget development and management, and wider operational leadership in a complex and diverse organisation • Demonstrable experience in managing multi- sites, listed buildings and large mixed-use estates • Significant experience in contract management and negotiation, including JCT and NEC forms • Experience of managing projects intending to reduce environmental impacts • Experience in managing construction budgets of over £50m Desirable • Experience of liaising with local authorities • Experience of Health & Safety management • Advanced skills in project management, able to oversee multiple projects with the ability to prioritise as necessary. • A solution-focused approach, the ability to make objective decisions under pressure, and structured, evidence-based decision-making. • Proven ability to lead senior colleagues and teams across various disciplines and locations, able to influence, engage and constructively Knowledge and skills Essential

Our values underpin everything we do. As a leader and manager, you have an important job in setting the behav- ioural standards for everyone across the society through role modelling and encouraging positive behaviours:

COLLABORATIVE we bring people together to share expertise

ETHICAL we make the right choices

IMPACTFUL we focus on activities that make a positive difference INCLUSIVE we value ouWr differences and foster belonging

INNOVATIVE we find new ways to solve problems

INSPIRING we encourage people to take positive action

WORKING AT ZSL “WORK YOUR WAY”

• A generous stakeholder pension (em- ployer contribution is matched up to 12%) • A regular allocation of complimentary zoo tickets • 30% discount in our shops and online • A subsidised canteen offering a vari- ety of delicious light and more hearty meals • Enhanced paternity and maternity leave • Season ticket loan • Cycle to work scheme • Subsidised gym membership • Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities, and ZSL's historic library. Ultimately, by choosing to join us in any role, you’ll be helping us to inspire, inform and empower people, and to stop wildlife going extinct.

We empower people to work from where they work best. We believe work is some- thing we do and not a place we go. Our offices have become important places for collaboration and social connection but are no longer our main place of work. Throughout your ZSL career, you'll have access to a blended program of Wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme as well as regular webinars and activities around mental, physical, social and finan- cial wellbeing. The opportunity to be part of an organisation that is committed to improving diversity and inclusion. Other benefits for our UK-based staff include: • 25 days paid annual leave • Life assurance

HOW TO APPLY For a confidential discussion to learn more about the role and opportuni- ty, please contact ZSL’s appointed recruitment partners Ben Duffill and Nicholas Coppard of The Manage- ment Recruitment Group. Ben Duffill, Managing Director ben.duffill@mrgglobal.com m: 07976 125 010 | t: 020 3962 9900 Nicholas Coppard, Business Director nicholas.coppard@mrgglobal.com m: 07896 079 495 | t: 020 3962 9900 Applications should consist of a CV and covering letter and should be sent to: nicholas.coppard@mrgglobal.com Closing date for applications is 16th June 2024. Interviews are scheduled to take place in late June.

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