Job Description
Job Title: Assistant Logistics Manager (London Zoo)
Section (optional): Logistics
Department: Facilities Management
Directorate: Zoological
Responsible to: ZSL Logistics Manager
Current job holder:
Approved by:
Head of Department/ Director:
Job Evaluation Committee Reference Number:
Grade Allocated:
Date Allocated:
Job Description
Main purpose
The post holder will work within the Facilities Management Department and be site based at ZSL
London Zoo to manage the operational needs in relation to the provision of Logistics services which
include transport, stores, animal food stores (including meat) and postal services.
Visitor experience - Plan and manage logistics activities which provides visitors with a positive
experience. Provide leadership and team supervision during projects and participate in project
planning and design.
Animal management - Plan and manage the Logistics team support of animal sections to optimise
animal transportation and animal food deliveries. Develop and provide logistical related knowledge
and expertise for the living collection.
Sustainability - Programme tasks to optimise the site’s sustainability values and function through
appropriate vehicle and logistics activity schedule management. Liaise with relevant internal
departments and external organisations where required.
Education, learning and research - Identify, provide and arrange training and further learning for the
team to comply with legislation and best practice and develop up to date skills and knowledge in
Logistics. Deliver informal training for ZSL & seasonal staff.
Operational - Ensure compliance with current legislation and best practice guidance. Identify and
make available the resources needed to meet departmental objectives and manage them
responsibly. Monitor and minimise the impact of the department’s operation on the environment.
Responsibility for Resources
People

The job holder is responsible for managing full time staff, seasonals, apprentices, volunteers,
work placements and contractors.
Other

The job holder is responsible for the safe, effective, sustainable and responsible management of
equipment, machinery, workshops, storage facilities and materials for site maintenance and
projects.

The job holder is responsible for the ordering of equipment, materials and services - subject to
authorisation by line management.

The job holder is expected to ensure confidentiality when handling sensitive information
relating to staff, budgets and other matters.

The job holder has no direct responsibility for animal husbandry but is expected to ensure the
department’s operation safeguards and actively supports animal welfare.
Main duties and key responsibilities
1. Transport
 Support the Logistics manager on a daily basis, supervise the logistics team
 Undertake transport duties as required including driving plant, machinery and
vehicles.
 Ensure the ZSL fleet based vehicles on site are fit for purpose and operational on a
daily basis
2. Utilities (Energy and Water)
 Support the Facilities Logistics manager in utilities management by being a point of
contact in the Facilities Logistics Manager’s absence
3. Stores
 Support the Facilities Logistics manager for the cost efficient operation of stores and
direct management of staff.
 Undertake stores duties as required, this will involve animal food stores, general
stores, post and stationary and includes undertaking deliveries.
4. Sustainability
 Support the effective delivery and progression of the ZSL sustainability strategies
 Support the effective operation of the Environmental management Systems for ZSL
Whipsnade Zoo site.
5. Postal Services
 Support the Logistics manager on a daily basis, supervise the team in the provision of
postal services.
 Undertake postal services duties as required to support the service provision.
 Ensure the service provision on site is fit for purpose and operational on a daily basis
 Support the Facilities Logistics manager for the cost efficient operation of postal
services and direct management of staff.
6. Manage and report on budgets associated with areas of responsibility
7. Manage a team and ensure that all work is carried out to appropriate standards, regulations
and that Health & Safety practices and procedures are adequate and adhered to.
8. Report to the Logistics Manager on matters concerning regulations, Health & Safety, cost,
service, contracts and staff issues.
9. Assist the Logistics Manager by dealing with matters in their absence, this will include
attending meetings.
10. To be part of the Visitor Experience Manager (VEM) rota, this will involve being duty
manager on a variety of weekdays, weekends and bank holidays.

Manage the Logistics operation at ZSL London Zoo to agreed professional standards and best
practice through planning, task setting, team building, prioritisation, monitoring, controlling, and
performance evaluation.

Ensure the safe, effective, sustainable and responsible management of equipment, machinery,
workshop, storage facilities and materials for site maintenance and projects by the ZSL London
Zoo Logistics team.

In conjunction with the ZSL Logistics Manager, plan and manage animal food deliveries,
transportation systems and work that is undertaken by contractors and consultants.

Develop areas and plan their maintenance to the highest possible standards in conjunction with
the ZSL Logistics Manager.

Plan and manage the logistical support of animal sections at ZSL London Zoo optimising
husbandry and welfare opportunities.

Programme tasks to optimise resource efficiency and function through appropriate management
as agreed with the ZSL Logistics Manager.

To provide support with Pest management procedures, this will involve liaison with contractors
and ZSL departments.

Monitor and minimise the impact of the department’s operation on the environment.
Building relationships

The position requires a high level of verbal and written communication with colleagues at ZSL
and other organisations, contractors, and suppliers.

The job holder is expected to act in a professional, respectful and constructive manner when
dealing with colleagues at ZSL and other organisations, contractors, suppliers, and visitors.

The job holder is expected to liaise with departmental representatives to optimise service
provision affecting that department.

The position requires effective collaboration with project teams and other stakeholders to
facilitate the successful delivery of project site boundaries and the movement of goods.
Mental Demands

The position requires a balanced, proactive and evidence-based approach to operational
planning, taking into account ZSL’s vision and immediate needs. The ability to prioritise is
essential.

The position requires creative and lateral thinking.

The position requires a forward looking, innovative and pragmatic approach to operational and
project planning.

As part of the planning process, the job holder is expected to research relevant subjects and
evaluate information from a wide range of resources.

The job holder is expected to focus on task prioritisation and completion for extended periods.
Flexibility

The job holder is expected to react to changing circumstances and the acquisition of new
knowledge by applying an adaptive approach to decision making, planning and management.

The position requires a high degree of flexibility when planned tasks are superseded by
unscheduled changes, or when tasks are interrupted by events that take priority, such as the
need to deal with enquiries, hazardous situations, or having to accommodate contractors and
suppliers.
Working Conditions

Work will be undertaken in the office, outdoors in all weather conditions and in the zoo’s indoor
exhibits. The post holder must be physically capable of carrying out the required tasks.

Working hours are on a Monday to friday basis which will include early morning, evening, bank
holidays and weekend work and occasional overtime.
Expectations of job holder

To ensure that the policy for equality of opportunity is adhered to and promoted in all aspects of
the post holder’s work.

To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and
responsibilities attached to this post.

Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.

To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to undertake
recommended Health and Safety training as and when necessary.

To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service training as
necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.

To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.
NB: This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be encountered. It is
not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in consultation with the post holder
in order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Experience

The post requires the appropriate level of logistical and management skill, knowledge and
experience.

The job holder must hold a full UK driving licence, should have relevant accredited qualifications
in the operation of telehandlers, forklift trucks and animal transportation, and must have
experience in the use of equipment and machinery.

The position requires wide-ranging practical experience of working in a logistics environment
and be able to develop processes.
Knowledge

The job holder is expected to have extensive knowledge in logistics, team management, team
building and resource allocation.

The position requires in-depth knowledge of health and safety, logistical, environmental
legislation and best practice.
Skills & Abilities

The job holder must have a proven track record of managing teams, contractors and suppliers.

The position requires excellent organisational, management and communication skills.

Good interpersonal skills are essential.

A high standard of literacy and numeracy skills are essential. The job holder is required to
understand and develop systems such as health and safety protocols and work schedules.

A good understanding of IT and the ability to use a wide range of software such as Microsoft
office applications.
Other Requirements

Full UK driving licence.

Ability to travel to attend meetings and conference in the UK.