Executive Director of Global Animal Welfare Compliance

Zoetis is seeking a highly experienced and strategic leader to serve in a senior leadership position in the Zoetis Global Animal Science and Welfare organization. This individual will be responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and monitoring global standards for the care and use of animals in all Zoetis-related internal and external activities worldwide. The role demands a visionary leader with deep expertise in animal science, welfare, compliance, and operational leadership, who will safeguard Zoetis’ commitment to excellence, regulatory compliance, brand integrity, and human and animal safety.

• 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.

• 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%.

• 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.

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an…