Events Team Lead

Zoological Society of London

Hours
37.5 hours per week

Length of contract
1st September 2027

About the Organisation

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, and our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform, and empower people to stop wild animals from 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.

About the role

Events at ZSL London Zoo are a key way for us to engage audiences, share our conservation mission, and support wider organisational goals. As Events Team Lead, you will play a vital role in the successful delivery of our seasonal events programme, providing day-to-day operational leadership and ensuring events run safely, smoothly, and to a consistently high standard.

Working closely with the Events Manager and wider teams, you will provide essential logistical and project support across a large and complex operation. You will take responsibility for the real-time delivery of events on site, using your leadership skills to problem-solve, make decisions, and respond effectively to challenges as they arise. As a lead operational role within the Events team, you will help coordinate teams, maintain high standards, and create memorable experiences for our visitors.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities:

• Event Leadership & Delivery: Provide day-to-day operational leadership for seasonal events, including supporting and guiding event teams to deliver safe, successful, and memorable visitor experiences
• Operational Decision Making: Act as the operational lead in the absence of the Events Manager, making informed decisions, managing risks, and resolving challenges to ensure smooth event delivery.
• Event Planning & Coordination: Lead the planning and delivery of seasonal events, coordinating timelines, resources, stakeholders, suppliers, and onsite teams.
• Team Support & Development: Support the management and development of event staff, promoting high standards, effective teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Live Event Management: Take ownership of live event operations, acting as the main point of contact for onsite queries and coordinating colleagues, contractors, and suppliers.
• Programme Support: Support the delivery of the wider events programme, ensuring events align with ZSL objectives and deliver against agreed outcomes.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with internal teams, including Marketing and Creative Design, to ensure event materials and visitor communications are delivered to a high standard.
• Evaluation & Improvement: Gather and evaluate event feedback, producing reports and insights to support future improvements.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Experience:

• Previous experience of working on an event from conception through to delivery 
• Strong operations and logistics experience 
• Strong demonstrable experience of managing competing priorities to strict deadlines.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft programmes such as Excel and PowerPoint 
• Organised with a methodical and thorough approach to work 
• Able to demonstrate good attention to detail 
• Flexibility and good time management 
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and problem solve efficiently 
• A great team player with excellent communication skills 
• Ability to develop networks and relationships quickly 
• Good at juggling tasks and prioritising 
• A desire to show initiative. 
• The candidate must be physically fit as this role requires outdoor working, lifting, and physical tasks regularly

Desirable:

• Line management experience 
• Previous experience within the visitor attraction industry 
• Experience of working with volunteers 
• Experience of working within a budget 
• Understanding of project plans and Gantt charts is an advantage 
• Skills in design or web software are an advantage

Required Qualifications

• Degree in an events-related subject or equivalent experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working options
• 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Access to our staff Equality Networks
• Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
• Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees) 

Conditions of employment

• You must have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Working locations

• London, England, United Kingdom

How to apply

• Apply to our website
• We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
• We anonymise applications until the interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Overreliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.
• If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at [email protected]

Interviews

• Your interview will include a variety of different types of questions. The length and number of interview stages may vary depending on the role you are applying for.

Policies

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. You can find out more about our commitment to EDI.

Return to listing