Associate Director of Capital Development

Regent's Park, London with Hybrid Working

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is a world-renowned conservation charity working to restore wildlife in the UK and across the globe. Through science, conservation, education and engagement, ZSL is committed to creating a world where wildlife thrives. From its iconic home at London Zoo to the vast landscapes of Whipsnade Zoo, ZSL welcomes millions of visitors while delivering internationally significant conservation outcomes.

As ZSL embarks on an ambitious programme of investment and transformation, we are seeking an exceptional Associate Director Capital Development to shape and lead the next chapter in the evolution of both sites.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this newly created leadership role will provide strategic direction for a capital development portfolio expected to exceed £300 million over the next decade. The postholder will work closely with the Executive Team and Board of Trustees to develop a long-term vision for both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, translating strategic ambitions into a coherent, deliverable and investable programme of development.

This is a rare opportunity to influence some of the UK's most distinctive visitor destinations. At London Zoo, the role will play a central part in shaping a once-in-a-generation transformation of the Regent's Park estate, balancing conservation impact, visitor experience, commercial sustainability and the unique heritage context of the site. At Whipsnade Zoo, the role will help guide major investment in animal habitats, visitor attractions and supporting infrastructure, ensuring the site continues to reflect its distinctive wild character while meeting the needs of future generations.

The successful candidate will provide leadership across the full development lifecycle, overseeing strategic evaluation, masterplanning and business case development, through to design, construction and operation. They will build influential relationships with senior stakeholders, planning authorities, partners, communities and advisers, creating the support and momentum required to progress ambitious proposals from concept through to delivery.

We are seeking a development leader with a proven track record of delivering complex capital development, estate transformation, regeneration or masterplanning programmes. You will have operated at a senior level within a large and complex organisation and be comfortable advising executive teams and boards on investment priorities, business cases, commercial viability and long-term organisational value.

We would be delighted to hear from candidates who have delivered significant mixed-use development programmes such as civic developments, public landmark attractions, major destination venues or academic, science, media, arts or workplace campus-type environments. Most importantly, we are seeking individuals that demonstrate a genuine passion for the role and its impact.

This is a career-defining opportunity to create environments that inspire, educate and connect people with nature, whilst supporting ZSL's mission to restore wildlife and protect the natural world for future generations.

The candidate brochure, which includes further information about the role and application process, can be viewed here:Associate Director Capital Development - ZSL

To arrange a confidential briefing discussion, please contact our retained search advisors Nick Coppard (nick.coppard@mrgglobal.com) and Ben Duffill (ben.duffill@mrgglobal.com) at MRG.

Should you have any questions on the application process, please contact Charley McCarthy (charley.mccarthy@mrgglobal.com)

Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement and should be submitted via MRG’s website here.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 22nd November 2026

Interviews will be held: W/C 6th December 2026