Project Manager – Commercial Operations

Dublin Zoo holds the prestigious position of being ‘Ireland’s Number One Fee Paying Family Attraction’ having welcomed in excess of one million visitors each year.

Our purpose is to save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature – one person, one family at a time.

Dublin Zoo is seeking an experienced and highly organized Project Manager to oversee the efficient and effective delivery of Commercial projects. The ideal candidate will manage a variety of projects, including the annual Wild Lights event, seasonal exhibits, and customer experience improvement projects to a high standard, on-time and on-budget. This role requires strong leadership, multitasking abilities, and a passion for conservation and wildlife.

Reporting to the Head of Commercial Operations, this is a highly visible role, as part of a team working to grow the Zoo’s income to support the delivery of the Zoo’s conservation master plan and strategic development plan.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Management: Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of commercial, including concept development, budgeting, scheduling, and vendor and stakeholder management.
• Event Coordination: Organize and execute a diverse range of zoo events (e.g., fundraisers, themed exhibits, seasonal festivals), ensuring smooth operations from project initiation to conclusion.
• Coordinate Customer Experience working group to cascade data about customer feedback to wider team, align upon improvement initiatives and hold stakeholders to account for delivery.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal departments (e.g. marketing, conservation education, animal care, horticulture, facilities, and visitor operations) and external partners (vendors, sponsors, community organizations) to deliver successful projects.
• Budgeting & Resource Allocation: Develop and manage budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness while delivering high-quality outcomes. Allocate resources appropriately to meet project timelines and goals.
• Vendor & Contractor Management: Source and negotiate contracts with vendors, contractors, and suppliers as required.
• Permitting & Compliance: Ensure all events and exhibitions comply with safety regulations, Zoo policies, and local permitting requirements.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks associated with proposed projects (e.g., visitor experience, animal welfare etc.) and implement mitigation strategies to ensure smooth and safe execution.
• Team Leadership: Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, towards successful end-to-end project delivery.
• Demonstrable experience of preparing and presenting reports and data to Senior Management.
• Drive operational excellence, and continuously improve processes and standards.
• Post-Implementation Analysis: Conduct post-implementation evaluations to assess outcomes vs. investment cases, identify areas for improvement, and report on KPIs such as visitor volumes, cost and revenue benefits etc.

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, Event Management, Hospitality, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in project management, events, or exhibitions, ideally within a zoo, museum, or theme park setting.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of project management tools and processes.
• Strong numeracy and data management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, problem-solve, and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience with budget management and vendor negotiations.
• A passion for wildlife conservation and a positive attitude is highly preferred.
• Undertake any additional duties as determined by the Head of Commercial Operations.

This position will require some weekend, and evening work depending on the project schedule.

This is a 12 month fixed term position in support of planned departmental activity.

• Generous staff discount within Dublin Zoo
• Access to the organisations defined contribution pension scheme
• Paid Sick Leave
• Taxsaver and Bike to Work Schemes