Manager, Wildlife Nutrition Center

Mandai Wildlife Group is the steward of Mandai Wildlife Reserve—an iconic wildlife and nature destination in Singapore that hosts world‑renowned wildlife parks. The Group is executing an ambitious rejuvenation plan that integrates five wildlife parks with distinctive nature‑based experiences, green public spaces and an eco‑friendly resort. Job Purpose This role will manage the operations of Mandai Wildlife Group’s Nutrition Centres, ensuring the safe, efficient, and scientifically informed procurement, preparation and distribution of diets for over 15,000 animals across five zoological parks. The position 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). Review and implement work procedures to improve productivity through mechanisation and automation. Collaborate with veterinarians, curators and the Scientific Programmes team to implement nutrition strategies and food quality control programs. 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 with animal feed budget planning, ensuring timely and compliant supply. Draft tender specifications for animal feeds and collaborate with sustainability, legal and finance departments on contract clauses. Use the online portal (SESAMi) to conduct tender exercises and manage suppliers and contractors to ensure contract compliance and fulfillment. Assist the Senior Curator in preparing and planning the annual animal feed budget and ensure economically and environmentally sustainable sourcing. Lead staff recruitment, development and performance management for Nutrition Centre personnel. Plan and recruit staff to ensure smooth operations of the Centre and set goals and development plans for staff. Establish KPIs and goals in collaboration with the Senior Curator for staff to pursue each FY, working alongside the Assistant Manager. Arrange training and staff development programs and conduct regular meetings or catch‑up sessions to monitor progress of staff goals and KPIs. Coach and guide staff to achieve their goals; when needed, assign senior staff as mentors. Requirements Minimum 5 years of managerial experience in central kitchen, commissary, wildlife nutrition, zoo or rescue centre 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 animal set‑up with a sound understanding of the relationship between diet design, preparation, provision and consumption compliance by the animal. 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 licence. Able to solve nutritional or diet challenges in the field. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities. Additional Information Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Health Care Provider Industries: Travel Arrangements #J-18808-Ljbffr