Position: Senior Operations Manager
Reports To: Park Manager
Location: Kafue National Park, Zambia
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract

About African Parks

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that assumes full responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments, local communities, and other stakeholders. We currently manage 24 national parks and protected areas across 13 African countries, covering more than 20 million hectares of exceptional biodiversity, including significant conservation landscapes in Zambia.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and results-oriented Senior Operations Manager to join our leadership team at Kafue National Park.

Position Purpose

The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for leading the Park’s Conservation and Operations function by overseeing operational planning, infrastructure development and maintenance, fleet management, logistics, procurement, law enforcement support, and other operational programmes. The role ensures that operational systems, resources, and personnel effectively support the delivery of the Park’s conservation objectives.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and review of the Conservation and Operations work plan and budget in alignment with the Park Strategy and Five-Year Business Plan.
• Ensure the Conservation and Operations team is appropriately resourced with personnel, equipment, finances, and operational support.
• Oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of infrastructure projects while ensuring sound budget management and cost control.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures, including tender processes, contractor management, and contract administration.
• Manage the Park’s fleet, including vehicles, aircraft, boats, and other operational assets, ensuring all licensing, permits, maintenance schedules, and preventative servicing requirements are met.
• Promote and maintain a strong culture of health, safety, and risk management across all operational activities.
• Oversee logistics, procurement, warehousing, and inventory management to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.
• Support the effective management, development, and operational readiness of the Law Enforcement function by ensuring appropriate logistical support, equipment, and operational resources are available.
• Coordinate and support law enforcement training programmes, including refresher, advanced, and in-house training, in collaboration with the Law Enforcement Advisor.
• Support wildlife translocation programmes and other conservation initiatives as required.
• Coordinate operational support for research partners, visiting scientists, film crews, and other approved stakeholders.
• Lead the Park’s fire management strategy by ensuring staff are appropriately trained, equipment is maintained, and operational readiness is sustained.
• Foster a high-performing, values-driven team culture that promotes accountability, collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all operational activities are implemented in accordance with African Parks policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepare and submit accurate operational reports and performance updates to the Park Manager within agreed timelines.
• Act on behalf of the Park Manager during periods of absence or as delegated.
• Manage and provide leadership to a team of eight managers, overseeing operational activities to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of organizational objectives.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should possess the following:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Conservation Management, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, Project Management, Operations Management, or a related discipline. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• A minimum of 10 years’ progressively responsible experience, preferably in protected area management, conservation operations, or large-scale project management.
• Demonstrated experience in conservation law enforcement, including operational planning, security management, and personnel development.
• Experience working within conservation, non-governmental, or public sector organisations will be an added advantage.
• Proven experience working effectively in remote, rural, and multicultural environments.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organisational levels.
• Sound financial management skills, including budgeting, cost control, and resource planning.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and multidisciplinary teams simultaneously.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging government agencies, local communities, tourism operators, and development partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure in a dynamic and challenging environment.
• Good physical fitness and willingness to work in remote field conditions.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, self-discipline, and sound judgement.
• Strong leadership skills with a collaborative management style and commitment to staff development.
• Excellent decision-making and tactical judgement in complex operational situations.

What We Offer

This position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of Africa’s leading conservation organisations and to play a key leadership role in the management of one of the continent’s largest protected areas.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit their application through the designated application link, together with the following supporting documents:

• Cover letter
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications
• Copy of National Registration Card (NRC) or Passport
• Contact details of at least three professional referees

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

African Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

African Parks is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Employment decisions are made based on merit, qualifications, and organisational needs. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, ethnic or social origin, nationality, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, marital status, HIV status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates.