Scientific & Policy Manager (1736)

Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.

We are looking for a new team member as a Scientific and Policy Manager - Major projects. You will be working as part of the companion animals science and policy team reporting into our Head of Companion Animals.

Our team uses robust evidence to advocate, campaign and influence attitudes, behaviour, policy and laws which effect positive change for companion, sporting and working animal welfare. 

During this fixed term contract, which will run to February 2026, you will be using your scientific knowledge and influencing skills to drive some of our key strategic objectives including the breeding of animals to ensure health and welfare. 

Fixed Term contract until February 2026.

Working hours: 35 hours per week; Monday - Friday. 

Hybrid role: Your base will be at Blackfriars, London or Horsham West Sussex. Hybrid working isn't a tick exercise for us - we live the values. The expectation for this role will be 2 days per month and this is open to flex around you and the operation.

We role model our values through our people culture and keep connected through regular/daily check-in's and team meetings, your colleagues are always on hand to support or chat. It's important to us that you feel part of our team from the get go! 

Are you ready to be part of our journey and make a difference? 

Here at RSPCA we know it's a cliche but no two days are the same; we've added a short summary of what the role entails, for a full insight please refer to the attached job description.

You will:

• Support the Head of Companion Animals with strategy development and implementation as necessary. 
• Deputise for the Head at internal and external meetings.
• Assist with the preparation of departmental budgets, and make decisions on behalf of the Head in their absence.
• Lead the management of multiple projects which align with the extreme breeding strategy, allocating tasks to assigned resources in order to ensure that all projects meet agreed quality, cost and timescale parameters.
• Create a strong evidence base for the RSPCA's work on extreme breeding and other welfare issues affecting companion animals, including relevant scientific, legislative, ethical and animal welfare issues and developments in the UK and internationally. 
• Monitor, review, analyse, report on and where appropriate respond to, reports and announcements from relevant bodies on proposed EU directives, domestic UK legislation, and the work of parliamentary select committees, Defra, and other governmental and NGO working groups relevant to extreme breeding.
• Be a lead representative for the Society at meetings on extreme breeding to promote its objectives to key stakeholders and target audiences up to the highest levels including government ministers, MPs and senior civil servants, industry and other external bodies, committees, working groups, government representatives and working groups and think tanks and produce associated briefing papers and reports.
• To produce reports on extreme breeding and other companion animal issues, and contribute to departmental newsletters and information sheets and material for RSPCA publications.

To succeed within this role, it is essential that you have: 

• A degree level qualification in a relevant biological discipline, plus relevant experience.
• Specific and extensive expertise relevant to animal welfare and companion animals specific to the post.
• A broad knowledge and understanding of animal welfare issues.
• An excellent knowledge and understanding of legislation, regulations and relevant organisations in government, industry.
• Proven experience of developing and implementing successful theories of change and impactful strategies with clear outcomes and objectives. 
• Proven experience of high level influencing.
• The ability to build and utilise networks of contacts effectively and to work in coalition with others.
• Proven expertise in developing policy positions, shaping agendas and working in coalition to achieve change.
• Demonstrable research and writing skills with the ability to effectively condense, summarise and make sense of large amounts of information quickly, pulling out salient points and spotting potential weaknesses or problems.
• Strong project management skills, along with great influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven line management experience.
• You must also be aligned to our vision and values.

This role is both rewarding and challenging and it is a very exciting time to join the RSPCA, so if you have the skill set we are looking for, please apply! 

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

Interviews will take place on the 20th of November and will be held remotely.

Due to high interest in some of our roles, we review applications as they are received. This can occasionally result in positions closing earlier than advertised. Therefore, we strongly recommend submitting applications early. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications after the posted closing date.

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 recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core 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.

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