Operations Manager - Dog Rescue Charity

The Labrador Rescue Trust is a small but well established animal rescue charity that promotes the welfare of labradors, principally by re-homing. Re-homing will remain its primary focus but it wishes to expand into the education of owners and would-be owners about the breed. 

The Trust also provides long term support for dogs that have been re-homed but which have specific veterinary needs.

The Trust is seeking a full time Operations Manager to implement the strategy and assist in the development of the wok of the Trust whilst dealing with the specific issues that can arise in rehoming and the Trust's support for long term conditions.

A detailed job description is set out below:

Main Purpose of Job

To lead the day-to-day operations in line with the strategy set by the Board.

Through effective leadership and management of the staff and volunteers to deliver the Trust strategy as agreed with the Board of Trustees.

The purpose of this job is to administer, control and manage operational affairs in the best interests of the Trust in compliance with regulatory and best practice procedures and long-term plans.

To act as an ambassador for the Trust.

The Operations Manager will direct all activities within the organisation, including the volunteer helpers. It will be the role of the Operations Manager to execute the goals and objectives of the Trust, and to follow and ensure others follow, the sentiments of the mission statement of the Trust wherever possible

“To alleviate suffering and distress caused to dogs and in particular Labradors which may be ill-treated, abandoned, rejected or neglected”.

Key tasks & Responsibilities

• Deliver the long-term strategy for the charity
• To develop clear and transparent communication across the Trust.
• Provide leadership for the charity
• Ensure consistency of processes and documentation throughout the charity
• Act as ambassador for the charity
• Ensure the charity has appropriate systems in place for the management and mitigation of risk.
• Operate within the financial guidelines as set by the Trustees
• Ensure the charity meets its obligations under applicable laws and regulations
• Recruit a Deputy Operations Manager to support the Operations Manager role

Working with the Board

• Ensure the Board has the information it needs to make timely and effective decisions
• Work with the Board to develop long term plans for the charity
• To support the Chair of trustees in ensuring the robust governance of the charity
• To prepare relevant papers for meetings as requested to assist trustees in making informed decisions

People Management

• To lead the team at the charity through the volunteers
• To introduce and implement an appropriate volunteer code of conduct
• Recruitment and retention of volunteers
• To ensure that communications with volunteers at all levels are delivered
• To ensure the culture of the Trust meets the needs of both people and animals
• Liaise with the Finance Administrator regarding financial operations

Trust development

• Liaise directly with the Board to revitalise communication strategy and Trust outreach
• Implement an online learning platform for volunteers
• Implement new Policies & Procedures and communicate this to the Volunteers
• To support the Activities in the development and delivery of a programme that meets the objects of the charity

Fundraising

• To work with the fundraising team on credible activities and events that generate income
• To attend events and occasions as required to promote the charity

General

• Participate in operations committee meetings to identify and resolve operational issues and undertake strategic and operational planning.
• Participate in Trustee meetings when requested to do so
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Willingness to work out of office hours when necessary, with appropriate time off in lieu
• The candidate can be based anywhere within the South West, but must be willing to travel throughout that area as necessary

Skills

The successful candidate will be a problem solver with a ‘can do’ attitude with:

• excellent communication skills
• be comfortable talking with the general public, trust volunteers, vets, behaviourists, trainers and specialist animal related organisations.
• be compassionate and understanding when dealing with difficult emotional situations,
• be a competent ambassador for the trust when dealing with animal related professionals and the media, both audio and in print.
• have the ability to set performance targets and ensure these targets are met
• have experience in producing written literature for publication and have an understanding of the power of social media and website presence.
• have good dog handling skills and have an in depth understanding of all matters relating to dog care, training and behaviour modification.

Previous experience and relevant qualifications

• The applicant should have good people skills and outcome focused approach
• Previous experience of working or volunteering in the animal rescue sector will be extremely advantageous. Qualifications allied to the animal care sector will be helpful but not essential.
• The successful candidate will have a history of good organisational skills, and a will to continually re-assess and improve systems and procedures.
• Ideally the candidate will have some local knowledge of the regions covered.

The Trust reserves the right to vary or amend the duties and responsibilities of the post-holder at any time according to its needs.  The role will naturally evolve in the short and long term to meet the day to day demands of the Trust and as the existing staff and volunteers adjust to having a full time operations manager.

Job Descriptions only reflect 80% of a role and are not an exhaustive list of duties.  The Operations Manager will be expected to carry out other activities that are within the scope of the role.