Centre Operations Manager - Dog Daycare in Reading

Centre Operations Manager - Dog Daycare in Reading

Reading Full-Time 35000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dog daycare centre, manage a team, and ensure exceptional care for our furry friends.
  • Company: Join Bruce’s, the UK’s leader in Doggy Day Care, where positivity and passion thrive.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days holiday, pension scheme, and bring your dog to work!
  • Other info: Enjoy ongoing training and development in a fun, dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their families every day.
  • Qualifications: Experience in management, strong leadership skills, and a love for dogs.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.

Here at Bruce’s we are looking for a Centre Manager to join our Wellington Country Park centre!

About Us: 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 and we achieve this through our values P.A.W.S (Pawsitivity, All fur one, Wag for it and Sniff out the new stuff). We believe that Paw-sitivity rocks! When it comes to our team, our dogs and our customers we’re caring and All fur one. We work hard, are passionate and Wag for it because we love what we do. And, like our doggy friends, we’re forever curious to Sniff out new stuff.

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.
    • Building lasting customer confidence through exceptional service, proactive communication and consistently high standards.
    • 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!

About You: It goes without saying you will be someone who is flexible with great communication skills and be able to build important rapports with your team and customers. You are a multitasker as well as being a creative problem solver and confident decision maker with a full UK manual driving licence should you be needed to help chauffeur our daycare dogs. You will have previous HR and managerial experience and have strong time management. You are someone who meets targets and helps those in your team to work towards our business goals. Your expertise will extend to budgeting and planning with an ability to manage internal and external stakeholders.

Why Bruce's? We're proud of the standards we set for dog care, customer service and team development. We're looking for leaders who share those values and want to make a genuine difference every day. We offer:

  • Competitive salary (£35,000, with an OTE of £40,000)
  • 31 days holiday (including bank holidays)
  • Pension scheme
  • Access to Wisdom Wellbeing, our Employee Assistance Programme
  • Wagestream, giving you flexibility and control over how you access your pay
  • An industry-leading rewards and recognition scheme — Employee of the Month, regular competitions and discounts with quality retailers
  • Bring your dog to work (some restrictions apply)
  • Ongoing training and development, gaining genuine business management skills in a fun, dynamic, fast-growing business
  • Company benefits and discounts
  • The chance to spend your days surrounded by dogs!

Centre Operations Manager - Dog Daycare in Reading 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.

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Contact Details:

Bruce's Doggy Day Care Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Centre Operations Manager - Dog Daycare in Reading

✨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 - Dog Daycare in Reading

People Leadership
Coaching Skills
Commercial Awareness
P&L Management
Budgeting
Operational Excellence
Regulatory Compliance

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!