Executive Director – Global Animal Welfare Compliance
Zoetis
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: Kalamazoo • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteJob Level
Lead
About the role
- Develop, harmonize, and oversee global animal care and use policies and practices aligned with Zoetis’ mission and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable local, national, and international guidelines, policies and laws governing animal care and use including but not limited to, USDA Animal Welfare Act 9 CFR, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals 8th edition, The Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching, 4th edition, and ETS 123.
- Lead efforts to achieve and maintain AAALAC accreditation for all internal Zoetis animal care sites.
- Monitor and enforce Zoetis Brand Protection standards related to animal science and welfare.
- Prepare and deliver high-impact presentations and reports to the Zoetis Executive Team and Board of Directors on animal welfare status, compliance, and strategic initiatives.
- Manage and develop a high-performing team of direct and indirect reports, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee a significant budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet organizational goals.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with all divisions of Zoetis and nurture key internal relationships with supporting functions such as regulatory, legal, corporate communications, public affairs, human resources, and external partners to integrate animal welfare standards into all relevant business processes.
- Support and promote all Zoetis sustainability and animal welfare objectives with special emphasis on the 3R’s of animal research and methods to reduce the use of animals in research and testing.
- Travel globally up to 25% to oversee operations, engage with stakeholders, and support strategic initiatives.
Requirements
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an AVMA-accredited institution or equivalent international credential.
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in animal science, welfare, or research compliance, including at least 5 years in a senior executive or global leadership capacity.
- Demonstrated success shaping and executing global animal welfare and compliance strategies across complex, multinational organizations.
- Proven ability to influence executive leadership, boards, and external stakeholders through data-driven insights, clear communication, and sound judgment.
- Demonstrated expertise in global regulatory compliance related to animal care and use.
- Track record of achieving and maintaining AAALAC or equivalent international accreditations across diverse operational environments.
- Strong executive leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing boards and regulatory bodies.
- Skilled in strategic planning, operational oversight, and fiscal management of large, complex programs.
- Commitment to ethical standards, animal welfare, and human safety.
- Ability to travel globally up to 25%.
Benefits
- Opportunity to lead a critical function impacting animal welfare and scientific integrity worldwide.
- Collaborative and innovative corporate culture.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Support for professional development and global engagement.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
animal careanimal welfareresearch complianceglobal regulatory compliancestrategic planningoperational oversightfiscal managementdata-driven insightsAAALAC accreditation3R's of animal research
Soft skills
executive leadershipcommunicationstakeholder engagementinfluencingcollaborationaccountabilitycontinuous improvementclear communicationsound judgmentteam development
Certifications
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)AVMA-accredited credential