Senior Manager - Curator (Corals)

Science-Driven. Nature-Focused. Future-Ready.

REEF, a specialized subsidiary under Red Sea Global. REEF delivers comprehensive environmental advisory services, focusing on mangrove plantation enhancement, coral management programs, and in-depth baseline environmental surveys.

With a strong commitment to responsible and science-led development, REEF drives sustainability through innovative restoration strategies and long-term solutions that benefit both nature and communities. 

Join a passionate team combining scientific rigor and creative thinking to lead the way in sustainable environmental practices across Red Sea Global’s pioneering destinations. 

Job Purpose

• Snr. Manager, Curator will provide curatorial support for day-to-day operations of the Corallium.
• The Snr. Manager will be responsible for ensuring smooth functioning of various departments, maintaining high standards of guest satisfaction, and upholding safety and regulatory compliance.

Job Responsibilities

Staff Management:

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of more junior staff across multiple departments including animal care, facilities maintenance, guest services, and administrative functions.
• Operational Efficiency: Develop and implement efficient operational procedures to optimize resource utilization, streamline workflows, and enhance productivity.
• Guest Experience: Ensure exceptional guest experiences by maintaining cleanliness, safety, and accessibility throughout the facility. Implement strategies to continuously improve visitor satisfaction and engagement.
• Animal Welfare: Collaborate with animal care professionals to uphold the highest standards of animal welfare, including husbandry practices, enrichment programs, and veterinary care.

Facilities Management:

• Oversee maintenance and repair activities for exhibits, facilities, and infrastructure. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and implement preventive maintenance protocols.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage operational budgets, monitor expenses, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay abreast of relevant regulations and standards pertaining to zoo/aquarium operations, including animal welfare laws, safety codes, and environmental regulations. Ensure full compliance and facilitate inspections and audits as required.

Emergency Preparedness:

• Develop and maintain emergency response protocols to address potential risks such as natural disasters, security threats, or animal escapes. Conduct regular drills and training sessions to ensure staff readiness.

Vendor Management:

• Coordinate with external vendors, contractors, and service providers to procure supplies, equipment, and specialized services. Negotiate contracts, monitor performance, and maintain positive relationships.

Team Development:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to departmental managers and staff. Foster a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous learning within the operations team.
• Create and institute departmental protocols including operation and maintenance of LSS equipment to maintain a high quality of life support and water chemistry to complement the efforts the husbandry staff and the goals of the animal collection plan.
• Create and execute operational plans and protocols that support animal care and welfare and guest experience.
• Train direct to use industry best practices and ensure access to the knowledge and tools needed for maintaining equipment and operational standards and efficiencies.
• Be a resource related to life support and water chemistry relationships with husbandry activities and programs to optimize animal care and welfare and guest experience.
• Oversee recordkeeping to maintain compliance with industry standards and to support proper health and behaviour of the animal collection.
• Establish standards of equipment and work area cleanliness and oversee compliance to maintain a healthy environment and a quality guest experience.
• Work in partnership with veterinarians and animal health care staff to manage and treat collection as required.
• Collaborates with other husbandry staff in overseeing the internship and volunteer programs.
• Have expert knowledge of the ecosystems and animals represented by their exhibit themes. This includes basic knowledge of animal anatomy, behaviour, environmental parameters and recognition of common heath concerns.
• Expertise in life support design, construction, maintenance and management. Skills should also include an advanced understanding of fluid dynamics, pump mechanics, advanced life support equipment technologies, and the ability to troubleshoot life support problems.
• Expert in water quality testing and an advanced understanding of water chemistry as it relates to closed aquarium systems (fresh and salt water). Skills should also include an advanced understanding water biochemistry (nitrogen cycle and nutrient loading), chemistry manipulation and its effects on aquatic organisms, and the ability to troubleshoot water chemistry health and maintenance.
• Knowledge of exhibits and systems and the specimens each supports.
• Improvement of husbandry practices, developing procedures aimed at increase efficiency and advance animal care.
• Lead and mentor direct reports, on the development of exhibit improvements, encouraging advancements in husbandry practices supported by life support and water quality operations.
• Partner with veterinarian and curatorial staff with recognizing animal health concerns and supporting treatment efforts, as necessary.
• Advise curatorial staff related to life support and water quality limitations and expectations related to the acquisition of new specimens.
• Work with curatorial staff with setting departmental goals and priorities
• Work collaboratively with curatorial staff and other departments to develop large gallery projects/ renovations; mentor aquarists through exhibit improvements and development of new exhibits based on approved timelines.
• Function as a departmental point person for renovations with other departments and outside vendors.
• Actively promote and prioritize accurate and up to date recordkeeping within the life support team to ensure quality animal and exhibit management at or above industry standards.
• Assess trends and developing improvements in life support technology and water quality management as needed.
• Purchase and maintain inventory of supplies and back-up equipment to ensure continued operations.
• Identify problems with and implement changes to system design and operation to ensure safety for guests, staff and the animal collection.
• Ensure the safe installation, maintenance and operation of all LSS equipment, while maintaining the needs of the animals in exhibits and holding systems.
• Perform inspections, preventative maintenance, routine up-keep, cleaning and repair of all equipment.
• Monitor the Life Sciences inventory and departmental expenditure as it pertains to maintenance  in order to reduce loss/waste, control costs and accurately communicate expenses.
• Manage emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals or company property.

Policies, Systems, Processes, Procedures, Standards and Reports

• Follow all relevant functional policies, processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions to ensure that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
• Assist in the preparation of accurate and timely functional MIS statements and reports to meet corporate and functional requirements, policies, and standards.

Safety, Quality & Environment

• Apply safety, quality and environmental management policies, procedures, and controls to ensure employee safety, legislative compliance, delivery of high-quality products/service and a responsible environmental attitude.

Continuous Improvement  

• Contribute to the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement of department’s systems, processes and practices considering ‘international best practice’, improvement of business processes, cost reduction and productivity improvement.

Job Requirements

Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Zoology, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in operations management, preferably in a zoo, aquarium, or similar attraction.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Solid understanding of animal welfare principles, conservation practices, and regulatory requirements related to zoo/aquarium operations.
• Proven track record of managing budgets, implementing process improvements, and delivering high-quality guest experiences.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, decision-making skills, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and familiarity with relevant software applications for scheduling, inventory management, and facility maintenance.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed.
• Plumbing, construction, and exhibit renovation experience required.
• Demonstration of leadership, strong people skills, and strong communication skills.
• Strong working knowledge of project management, development, and execution.
• Proven aptitude for developing compelling exhibits.
• Working with relevant authorities and accrediting associations.
• Excellent time management as well as written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in managing a team.
• Good organizational skills. 
• Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• PADI Divemaster or equivalent (Preferred)

Skills: 

• Excellent standard of written and spoken English. 

• Excellent communicator.
• Has an aptitude and aspiration for outstanding customer service with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
• Flexible and open-minded approach to environment and tasks.
• Ability to self-motivate and deliver to agreed deadlines.
• Good timekeeping.
• Highly detail oriented.
• Demonstrate discretion and the utmost confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to produce well-structured and written emails and other documents.
• Has an interest in and an ability to build a solid understanding of marine science, research, conservation, and education

Job Context   

• This is a "Front of House" and “Back of House” position with direct guest contact and constant interaction with staff and contractors. The requirements will entail working during operating hours and occasionally outside normal facility operating hours on an as-needed basis. 
• As the facility will not be operational at time of employment, the position holder will have to implement all pre-operational requirements, including but not limited to:
• Setting up of the facility.
• Interview and recommend applicants for available positions while adhering to the local Labor Law and Equal Employment Opportunity policies in order to hire the best candidate for the job.
• Supporting the training program for team members and equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitude in order to perform their jobs effectively.
• Work with internal collaborators & external service providers to ensure operational readiness.