Animal Centre Deputy Manager (2602)

Do you want to help create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe animal welfare is everyone's welfare. Join us in creating a better world for every animal. We can do it if we work together, everyone for every animal.

We are looking for a new Deputy Centre Manager at our Millbrook Animal Centre to help our day-to-day operations run smoothly. This is a Fixed Term Contract ending 30th June 2026

At Millbrook we find new homes for hundreds of neglected dogs, cats, horses and small companion animals each year. 

• Working hours: 35 hours per week on a shift basis including bank holidays and alternative weekends.
• Contract: Fixed Term Contract - Ends June 30th June 2026 
• Salary: £30,991 to £36,461 per annum (pro rata). 

We think this role's going to be popular and are expecting to attract high interest so we strongly encourage early applications to avoid missing out - closing date is the 20th of October 2025.

Are you one of our kind? 

The role of Deputy Manager is a site based role where no two days are ever the same. Set in approximately 70 acres of fields, meadows and woodlands we care for over 125 animals at any given time. You will be working in conjunction with the Centre Manager to oversee the staff and daily operations of the centre, ensuring the highest possible health and safety and animal welfare standards are adhered to by all staff, volunteers and contractors. The role requires a hands- on approach to people and animal management alike, leading from the front with a positive ‘can-do' attitude is essential. 

We've added a short summary of what a typical day might look like:

• Animal Welfare:. Ensuring adherence to animal welfare standards and RSPCA procedures for intake, assessment and rehoming.
• Health and Safety: Overseeing the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and the public, conducting inductions, and addressing safety incidents or concerns. Maintain the drug dispensary to comply with legislation.
• HR and Recruitment: Recruitment, training and supervision of staff including implementing HR policies. You'll also ensure staff are supported through regular one to ones and personal development plans.
• Administrative Duties: Managing paperwork, invoicing, records, and external correspondence as well as the security and maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Fundraising and Publicity: Collaborating with the Centre Manager to promote fundraising opportunities and engage with the media.
• Fostering Management: Recruiting and supporting animal fosterers.

For more information please refer to the job description attached to this advert. Some of our job descriptions are in an old-style format and therefore under review, so there may be sections which are out of date. We have highlighted these for your information.

• Full manual driving licence and willingness to drive RSPCA vehicles up to transit-sized vans (subject to reasonable adjustments).
• Proven experience in managing and leading teams, including supervising day-to-day operations, setting performance goals, providing coaching and feedback, and fostering a positive and productive work environment
• Skilled at navigating challenging situations and maintaining effective working relationships
• Exceptional communication skills with the capacity to remain effective in demanding situations
• Practical animal handling and husbandry experience ideally obtained in a rescue environment or similar setting

Desirable

• NVQ Diploma level 2 or equivalent or equivalent qualification in animal care or similar

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles may need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK as the RSPCA is unable to sponsor visas.

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed  to our mission.  For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family! 

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect