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-renowned wildlife parks connecting visitors to the fascinating world of wildlife. The Group is driving an exciting rejuvenation plan at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, adjacent to Singapore's Central Catchment Nature Reserve, integrating five wildlife parks with distinctive nature-based experiences, green public spaces, and an eco-friendly resort.

Job Purpose

This role manages 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.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Oversee the smooth and efficient operations of the Wildlife Nutrition Centre and Avian Nutrition Centre to ensure optimal nutrition for MWG animals.
2. Manage daily operations including ordering, receiving, storing, preparing, and distributing animal diets.
3. Ensure compliance with hygiene, safety, and regulatory standards (e.g., HACCP, AVS).
4. Review and implement work procedures to improve productivity through mechanisation and automation.
5. Collaborate with Veterinarians and Curators to implement nutrition strategies and food quality control programs.
6. Work with veterinarians, curators, and the Scientific Programmes team to refine and implement evidence-based diets.
7. Work with curators on feeding methods and food presentation to encourage natural feeding behaviors and food consumption.
8. Support nutrition-related research and contribute to MWG's role as a living laboratory.
9. Manage animal feed procurement and assist in feed budget planning, ensuring timely and compliant supply.
10. Draft tender specifications for animal feeds and coordinate with sustainability, legal, and finance departments to draft contract clauses.
11. Coordinate with procurement department and use online portal (SESAMi) to perform tender exercises.
12. Manage suppliers and contractors to ensure contract compliance and fulfillment.
13. Assist Senior Curator in preparing and planning the annual animal feed budget.
14. Ensure economically and environmentally sustainable sourcing of animal feed.
15. Lead staff recruitment, development, and performance management for Nutrition Centres personnel.
16. Plan and recruit staff to ensure smooth operations of the Center.
17. Set goals and develop staff at Wildlife Nutrition and Avian Nutrition Centres.
18. Establish KPIs and goals with Senior Curator for staff performance and work with the Assistant Manager.
19. Arrange training and staff development programs for continuous progress.
20. Assess staff performance regularly and monitor progress of goals and KPIs.
21. Coach and guide staff, assigning senior staff as mentors when needed.

Job Requirements

• Experience

Minimum of 5 years managerial experience in central kitchen, commissary, wildlife nutrition, zoo, 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.
• Experience in a zoo or similar setup with understanding of diet design, preparation, and consumption compliance.

Skills

• Strong leadership, team management, recruitment, coaching, and performance evaluation skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments such as Veterinary, Animal Care, Procurement, Finance, Legal, and external vendors.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Technical knowledge of kitchen equipment and facility maintenance relevant to feed preparation.
• Familiarity with food safety, animal welfare, and operational compliance standards.
• Proficiency in procurement and inventory management systems.
• Valid Class 3 or 4 manual driving license.
• Ability to solve nutritional or diet challenges in the field.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.