Kennel Supervisor (2947)

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.

Choose a career with us and make a difference.

Are you an experienced dog handler with a calm, confident approach and a passion for animal welfare?

We're looking for a dedicated Kennel Supervisor to join our team, supporting the care and rehabilitation of dogs many of whom have come from backgrounds of cruelty, neglect, or abandonment. This is a hands-on role working with a range of breeds, including large and complex dogs who may be nervous, reactive, or struggling to trust.

This role isn't easy - but it is incredibly rewarding. Every day, you'll play a vital part in helping animals feel safe, rebuild confidence, and move closer to finding a loving new home.

Location: Southridge Animal Centre, Packhorse Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 3LZ

Term: 12 months Fixed Term contract. 

Southridge is one of the RSPCA largest centres caring for a significant number of dogs, cats and small animals along with taking a lead in holding and rehoming our farm animals in need of rehabilitation and rehoming. 

Are you ready to join our movement

Our recruitment journey 

Here's what the process looks like, no surprises, just a friendly guide:

1. Application
   Submit your interest attaching your CV and answering the application question to give us a sense of your experience, skills, and potential. D
2. Panel Interview
   If your application is successful, you'll be invited to a panel interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of our Management Team. This is a chance to:

• Share more about what you've done and what you're proud of
• Show off your skills and behaviours in a relaxed, supportive setting
• Have a tour of the site and ask questions about the role and team. We see interviews as a two-way process - just as we're assessing the right fit, it's equally important that you can picture yourself working with us

If you need any support or adjustments to help you be at your best throughout your recruitment journey please reach out to resourcingteam@rspca.org.u

For full insight please refer to the attached job description.

• Leading and supporting a team of Animal Care Assistants (ACAs) and volunteers, including allocating daily tasks, and providing coaching, guidance, and encouragement.
• Monitoring team performance and contributing to staff development through constructive feedback to Centre Management.
• Ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, hygiene, and health & safety are consistently maintained across the facility.
• Working closely with our veterinary team to support the treatment and care of animals, including the safe and accurate administration of medication.
• Carrying out health and welfare assessments of dogs entering, leaving, and residing within the centre, ensuring all records and documentation are accurate and up to date.
• Monitoring animal behaviour, wellbeing, and suitability for rehoming, escalating any concerns appropriately.
• Overseeing the cleanliness, maintenance, and security of kennels, equipment, and surrounding areas.
• Acting as a knowledgeable and approachable point of contact for members of the public, supporting enquiries and promoting responsible rehoming.
• Supporting fundraising activities, events, and educational visits to help raise awareness and support for the Centre.

Essential:

• Proven experience working with dogs, particularly large breeds and those with behavioural challenges.
• A calm, patient, and compassionate approach, with the ability to build trust with vulnerable animals.
• Strong leadership skills and experience supervising or mentoring staff or volunteers.
• Good understanding of animal welfare standards, health & safety, and kennel management.
• Pragmatic approach to animal welfare
• Confident communicator, able to engage positively with both colleagues and the public.
• Resilient, practical, and willing to work in a physically demanding environment.

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 - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

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! 

We're here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685 so we can ensure the process works for you.