Site Manager – Edinburgh Zoo

Company: The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland
Apply for the Site Manager – Edinburgh Zoo
Location: Edinburgh
Job Description:

Job Description

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About us 

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The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

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Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.  

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Purpose of role:

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To lead and manage the day-to-day operational activities of the Property and Estates team at Edinburgh Zoo in support of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)’s vision and mission as a leading wildlife conservation charity. Reporting to the Head of Estates and Development, you will coordinate subcontractors, manage site teams, oversee health and safety compliance, and drive programme performance throughout the construction phase.

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Some of the things you’ll do:

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  • Managing external sub-contractors, ensuring productivity and a good standard of workmanship.
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  • Directly responsible for multiple projects throughout the year, ranging in value from £5k to £10k. 
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  • Lead, supervise and coordinate the Works and Gardens teams.
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  • This is a site-based operational role requiring a consistent and visible presence on site. The postholder is expected to be actively engaged with the Works and Gardens teams, contractors and wider site operations, providing effective supervision, coordinating activities and monitoring health, safety and quality standards.
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  • Oversee the continued development and management of the RZSS track-plan CAFM system.
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  • Lead procurement exercises and tenders in accordance with agreed standards.
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  • Coordinate and oversee the compliant delivery and development of external contractors for maintenance, ensuring they are managed in a professional manner.
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  • Take day-to-day responsibility for ensuring facilities, gardens and maintenance activities comply with organisational health and safety policies, procedures, risk assessments, safe systems of work and relevant legislation.
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  • Promote high standards of health and safety practice and intervene promptly where unsafe conditions or behaviours are identified.
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  • Review and implement risk assessments, method statements (RAMS) and safe systems of work, ensuring controls are appropriate, communicated, understood and followed.
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  • Coordinate and manage specialist contractors and subcontractors.
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  • Review contractor RAMS and issue and manage permits to work where required.
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  • Manage the process of carrying out feasibility studies into new sustainable technologies and buildings.
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  • Supervise resources within agreed limits and assist in the refurbishment of buildings, hard landscaping, and other associated services.
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What we are looking for:

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  • Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent experience in Construction Management 
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  • Relevant site safety qualifications, including CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) or equivalent, with appropriate CSCS and First Aid certification.
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  • Strong knowledge and understanding of relevant contract law, building and health & safety legislation/regulations, together with site management procedures and safe working practices.
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  • Good working knowledge of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM).
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  • Experience of managing maintenance, refurbishment and minor works projects.
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  • Strong people management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead, motivate and manage individuals and teams effectively.
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  • Solid understanding of sustainability and environmental performance. 
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  • Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders
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  • Significant practical experience in the construction and maintenance of buildings, fencing and infrastructure
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  • Demonstrable experience of managing health and safety within an operational facilities, maintenance, estates or similar environment,
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 What you’ll get in return: 

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  • Starting salary of £48,453 to £49,665 based on experience with the opportunity to progress to £54,007 per annum 
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  • 37.5 hours working week (may require some evening/ weekend working and emergency phone cover on occasion)
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  • 34 days annual leave 
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  • Discount in both retail/catering
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  • Access to a healthcare plan
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  • Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
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  • Employer contributory pension scheme
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  • You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK. 
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If this role excites you and aligns with your career aspirations, click APPLY now. 

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This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK and Basic Disclosure check for the role. 

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The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010.

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Please note that shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found.

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Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications, as soon as possible.

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Posted: October 24th, 2026