Manager, Wildlife Nutrition Center

Overview

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 which connect 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, 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.

Responsibilities

• 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).
• Reviewing and implementing work procedures to improved productivity by using mechanisation and automation.
• Collaborate with Veterinarians and 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 animal feed budget planning, ensuring timely and compliant supply.
• Oversee drafting of the tender specifications of animal feeds and work with sustainability, legal and finance departments to draft contract clauses.
• Work with procurement department and use online portal (SESAMi) to perform tender exercises.
• Manage suppliers and contractors to ensure compliance and fulfilment of contracts.
• 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 KPIs and goals with Senior Curator for staff in each FY and work alongside the Assistant Manager.
• Arrange training and staff development programs, ensuring continuous progress and development.
• Assess staff performance in Wildlife Nutrition Centre and Avian Nutrition Centre, alongside the Assistant Manager.
• Arrange regular meetings to monitor progress of staff goals and KPIs.
• Coach and guide staff to achieve their goals, with senior staff as mentors when needed.

Job Requirements 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 a sound understanding of the relationship between diet design, preparation, provision and consumption compliance by the animal.

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, including recruitment, coaching, and performance evaluation.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with departments such as 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.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Health Care Provider

Industries

• Travel Arrangements

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