Senior Operations Manager

About the role

African Parks is seeking an experienced, strategic, and results‑oriented Senior Operations Manager to join the leadership team at Kafue National Park in Zambia. The role leads the Conservation and Operations function, ensuring that operational systems, resources, and personnel effectively support the park’s conservation objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement, monitor and review the Conservation and Operations work plan and budget in line with the Park Strategy and Five‑Year Business Plan.
• Ensure the team is adequately resourced with personnel, equipment, finances and operational support.
• Oversee planning, implementation and maintenance of infrastructure projects while managing budgets and costs.
• Manage procurement processes, tendering, contractor oversight and contract administration.
• Supervise the park’s fleet of vehicles, aircraft, boats and other assets, ensuring licensing, maintenance and servicing compliance.
• Promote a strong health, safety and risk‑management culture across all operational activities.
• Oversee logistics, warehousing and inventory management for efficient, cost‑effective operations.
• Support law‑enforcement function with logistical, equipment and training coordination.
• Assist wildlife translocation programmes and other conservation initiatives.
• Coordinate operational support for research partners, scientists, film crews and approved stakeholders.
• Lead fire‑management strategy, ensuring staff training, equipment readiness and operational preparedness.
• Foster a high‑performing, values‑driven team culture that encourages accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Proven senior‑level experience in operations management, preferably within conservation, protected‑area or similar environments.
• Strategic thinker with a results‑oriented mindset.
• Strong leadership abilities to build and motivate multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large budgets, infrastructure projects and complex procurement processes.
• Commitment to health, safety and risk‑management best practices.

Required skills