Service Improvement Manager in Battersea, London

Battersea is seeking a Service Improvement Manager for a one-year opportunity leading meaningful change in our London cattery. This is an ideal role if you’re ready for a career change and want to make a real difference. Our London cattery cares for over 130 cats every day, supported by a dedicated team of more than 45 colleagues working seven days a week across intake, welfare, and rehoming.

Working closely with behaviour, clinical, and foster teams, the centre successfully rehomes at least 1,000 cats each year, offering a rewarding environment for anyone who wants to see the direct impact of their work. We are now looking for an experienced leader to review how our service operates and improve the flow and efficiency of our processes. You’ll lead a programme of service evaluation and continuous improvement, driving practical changes that deliver better outcomes for cats and a more engaging experience for our teams.

This role could be a great fit if you’re motivated by making a difference through improvement. Reporting to the Head of Centre Operations and working closely with the London Centre Manager, you’ll shape and deliver improvements that align with Battersea's culture and long-term ambitions. This role combines strategic thinking with operational leadership, requiring someone who can bring people on the journey and embed lasting change.

You don’t need an animal welfare background; we welcome candidates from sectors such as health and social care, retail, or customer service. What matters is your ability to lead change, improve services, and your enthusiasm for making a positive impact. This role is a great opportunity for someone who loves animals and is looking for something more meaningful in your next role.

What we can offer you: In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:

• 36 days of annual leave (inclusive of 8 days Bank Holiday leave allowance) per year for full-time employees (pro-rated for part-time employees).
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes.
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
• Generous pension contributions - up to 10% employer contribution.
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.

We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.

Working with our rescues is a very rewarding experience. Your work plays a vital role in giving our dogs and cats a chance at finding their forever home. Every day will be different and will come with its own unique challenges. We are looking for people with the resilience and adaptability to handle all aspects of this role. It is important to note that the role does involve a lot of physical tasks which are required to provide the exceptional standards of care to our animals.

Diversity and inclusion: We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all. We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.

More about us: At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.

Closing date: 18th June 2026. Shortlisting will take place on 19th June. All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. Interview date(s): First Stage Interview (Online): 23rd June 2026. Second Stage Interview (In-Person): 30th June 2026.