Manager, Wildlife Nutrition Center

Mandai Wildlife Group is the steward of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a unique wildlife and nature destination in Singapore that is home to world-renown wildlife parks. The Group is driving an exciting rejuvenation plan at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, adjacent to Singapore's Central Catchment Nature Reserve, that will integrate five wildlife parks with distinctive nature-based experiences, green public spaces and an eco-friendly resort.

Job Purpose

This role will be managing the operations of Mandai Wildlife Group's Nutrition Centers, ensuring the safe, efficient, and scientifically informed procurement, preparation, and distribution of diets for over 15,000 animals across five zoological parks. The role supports MWG's commitment to animal welfare, sustainability, and operational excellence.

• Oversee the smooth and efficient operations of the Wildlife Nutrition Centre and Avian Nutrition Centre to ensure optimal nutrition for MWG animals.
• Manage daily operations including ordering, receiving, storing, preparing, and distributing animal diets.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene, safety, and regulatory standards (e.g., HACCP, AVS).
• Review and implement work procedures to improve productivity using mechanisation and automation.
• Collaborate with Veterinarians, Curators to implement nutrition strategies and food quality control programs.
• Work with veterinarians, curators, and the Scientific Programmes team to refine and implement evidence-based diets.
• Work with curators on methods of feeding and food presentation to encourage natural feeding behaviours and food consumption.
• Support nutrition-related research and contribute to MWG's role as a living laboratory.
• Manage animal feed procurement and assist in animal feed budget planning, ensuring timely and compliant supply.
• Oversee drafting of tender specifications for animal feeds and coordinate with sustainability, legal and finance departments to draft contract clauses.
• Engage with procurement and use online portals (SESAMi) to perform tender exercises.
• Manage suppliers and contractors to ensure contract compliance and fulfilment.
• Assist Senior Curator in preparing and planning the annual animal feed budget.
• Ensure economically and environmentally sustainable sourcing of animal feed.
• Lead staff recruitment, development, and performance management for Nutrition Centres personnel.
• Plan and recruit staff to ensure smooth operations of the Center.
• Plan goals and development of Wildlife Nutrition and Avian Nutrition Centre for staff.
• Establish KPI and goal setting with Senior Curator for staff in each fiscal year, coordinating with the Assistant Manager.
• Arrange training and staff development programs to ensure continuous progress.
• Assess staff performance jointly with the Assistant Manager in Wildlife Nutrition Centre and Avian Nutrition Centre.
• Arrange regular meetings or catch-up sessions to monitor progress of staff goals and KPIs.
• Coach and guide staff to achieve goals, and assign senior staff as mentors when needed.

Experience

Minimum 5 years of managerial experience in central kitchen, commissary, wildlife nutrition, zoo or rescue center operations, or animal feed management.

Experience Must Include

• Procurement and contract management for feed and supplies.
• Quality control and inventory systems.
• Leading and developing operational teams in a high-compliance environment.
• Worked in a zoo or similar animal setup with understanding of diet design, preparation, provision and consumption compliance by animals.

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, including recruitment, coaching, and performance evaluation.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Veterinary, Animal Care, Procurement, Finance, Legal, and external vendors.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Technical knowledge of kitchen equipment and facility maintenance relevant to feed preparation operations.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards related to food safety, animal welfare, and operational compliance. Proficiency in using procurement and inventory management systems.
• Possess a valid Class 3 or 4 manual driving license.
• Able to solve nutritional or diet challenges in the field.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Health Care Provider

• Travel Arrangements

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