At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a doggy daycare centre, manage a team, and ensure exceptional care standards.
- Company: Join Bruce's, the UK's leader in Doggy Day Care since 2008.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, pension scheme, and employee perks.
- Other info: Enjoy ongoing training, a fun environment, and the chance to bring your dog to work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in dogs' lives while building your own thriving business.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management, strong leadership skills, and a love for dogs.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 £ per year.
Lead your own doggy daycare centre with complete autonomy while building a thriving business in the UK's fastest-growing pet industry.
About Bruce's: Founded in 2008, we have become the UK's recognised leader in Doggy Day Care and are fluent in dog. Our purpose at Bruce's is to unleash happiness and enrich the lives of more dogs and their families through our values P.A.W.S (Pawsitivity, All fur one, Wag for it and Sniff out the new stuff).
At Bruce's, we're passionate about providing the very best day care experience for dogs and their owners. We're looking for an experienced and driven Centre Operations Manager to take ownership of one of our centres, leading a team of 8–15 people while delivering exceptional standards of care, customer service and operational excellence. You'll report to the Operations Manager.
This is more than a management role. We're looking for someone with an owner-operator mindset who thrives on accountability, enjoys leading people, and takes pride in delivering outstanding results. This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll be visible every day; supporting your team, engaging with customers and leading from the front to ensure consistently exceptional standards of care, professionalism and service.
Your centre's success rests on three things: commercial performance, regulatory compliance, and customer experience.
- Commercial Performance: Full P&L responsibility for your centre — budgets, profitability and cost control. Building strong relationships within the local community and supporting sustainable occupancy growth. Driving occupancy growth through local marketing and community engagement. Managing day-to-day operations including staffing, transport, facilities and fleet.
- Operational Excellence & Compliance: Ensuring exceptional operational standards, full compliance with licensing, health & safety and animal welfare legislation, and creating a culture where doing the right thing is simply how your team works. Upholding exceptional standards of dog welfare.
- People & Culture: Creating a culture of professionalism, accountability, continuous learning and high standards.
- Customer Experience & Trust: Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing team. Building strong relationships with customers, suppliers and local stakeholders. Delivering a customer experience that keeps owners coming back and drives brand advocacy.
What we're looking for: You'll be a confident and hands-on leader with proven experience managing a multi-functional operation or site. Strong people leadership and coaching skills. Commercial awareness with experience managing P&L, budgets and performance. Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities. A relentless focus on standards, accountability and continuous improvement. Confidence in making decisions and taking ownership. A full UK driving licence (essential) — you'll occasionally need to drive our “doggy bus.” Experience working within a regulated environment is desirable. A genuine passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences. A love of dogs certainly doesn't hurt!
Why Bruce's? We're proud of the standards we set for dog care, customer service and team development. We offer a competitive salary (£36,000–£42,000) + 10% performance bonus, 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), pension scheme, access to Wisdom Wellbeing, our Employee Assistance Programme, Wagestream, ongoing training and development, company benefits and discounts, and the chance to spend your days surrounded by dogs!
Ready to join us? If you're an experienced operational leader who loves developing teams, enjoys taking ownership, and wants to be part of a company that's passionate about making every dog's day, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us deliver the Bruce's difference.
Centre Operations Manager in Ditchling employer: Bruce's Doggy Day Care
At Bruce's, we pride ourselves on being the UK's leader in Doggy Day Care, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates passion for pets and exceptional customer service. As a Centre Operations Manager, you'll enjoy complete autonomy in leading your own centre, with competitive salary packages, generous holiday allowances, and ongoing training opportunities to foster your professional growth. Join us in a rewarding environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their families while working alongside a dedicated team that shares your love for animals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Operations Manager in Ditchling
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Bruce's Doggy Day Care. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Bruce's Doggy Day Care
Don't be shy about reaching out to Bruce's Doggy Day Care directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Centre Operations Manager in Ditchling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Bruce's Doggy Day Care and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bruce's Doggy Day Care
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
