About the role and responsibilities
As Animal Centre Manager, you will be responsible for both operational excellence and transformational leadership. You will lead the day‑to‑day running of the centre while embedding sustainable change that enhances animal welfare, team experience, and service delivery.
* Lead the centre through a transformation to improve and standardise animal welfare practices.
* Champion a culture of engagement, resilience, continuous improvement, and accountability.
* Inspire, coach, and develop colleagues and volunteers through change.
* Act as a visible and credible change leader, role‑modeling values and behaviours.
* Work in close partnership with the Operations Manager to deliver strategic priorities.
Key responsibilities
* Leadership & People – Lead, support, and develop colleagues and volunteers, promoting wellbeing and performance.
* Animal Welfare & Operations – Ensure care meets RSPCA standards across intake, triage, rehabilitation, enrichment, rehoming, transfers, and end‑of‑life decisions.
* Fostering – Develop and grow fostering programmes to support capacity and care.
* Compliance – Maintain a safe, compliant, and bio‑secure environment.
* Collaboration & Improvement – Work with internal teams and external partners to share best practice and drive consistency.
Essential qualifications
* Proven operational leadership experience across a diverse range of teams.
* Evidence of driving change with positive measurable outcomes.
* Experience managing budgets and operational expenditure.
* Ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions in sensitive situations.
* Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships.
Desirable qualifications
* Knowledge of animal anatomy and behaviour.
* HNC/HND (or equivalent) in an animal‑related subject.
* NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent).
* Practical animal handling and husbandry experience.
Working hours and location
Working hours: 35 hours per week on a shift basis between 08:30 – 17:00, including weekends and Bank Holidays.
Location: Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, Hampshire, United Kingdom, BH24 2EE.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We actively encourage a wide diversity of applications – in particular from members of minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities – and are committed to supporting diverse perspectives. All applicants will receive the same consideration.
Legal and DBS Information
Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. RSPCA is unable to sponsor visas.
Contact information
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us at resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685.
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