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- Tasks: Lead and manage a team to ensure the smooth running of our kennels.
- Company: Passionate organisation dedicated to dog welfare and rehoming.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and a fulfilling work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their future families.
- Qualifications: Experience in team leadership and strong dog handling skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 33417 - 46783 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 4 March 2026
Department: Rehoming
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Basildon
Compensation: £33,417 per year + benefits
Do you have a wealth of experience in kennel management and dog welfare with a passion for seeing every dog thrive? We are looking for an Operations Manager to join our team, responsible for ensuring the daily running of our kennels, ensuring that all interactions with our dogs contribute to their development and progress.
What does this role do? As Operations Manager, you will:
- Lead, manage and develop the team, delivering high performance and meeting all objectives.
- Optimise kennel occupancy by supporting the intake process and work with the Welfare Manager to ensure fast, effective assessments of dogs.
- Be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the kennels, including ensuring all procedures are followed by the team such as checking for microchips and checking paperwork is completed accurately.
- Maintain effective contact time between colleagues and dogs, focusing on rehabilitation to move all dogs towards rehoming.
Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 9th March 2026.
Could this be you? To be successful in this role, you'll need some experience of leading a high-performing team, coaching them to ensure they deliver their outputs effectively and on time, underpinned by excellent communication skills. You'll have strong dog handling skills, comfortable handling dogs of various breeds and characteristics. You'll be confident working alongside other management colleagues to deliver great outcomes for the centre, ensuring as many dogs as possible are rehomed.
Operations Manager in Wickford employer: Dogs Trust Company Limited
Contact Detail:
Dogs Trust Company Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Wickford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the animal welfare sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common interview questions for management roles in animal care, and practice your responses. We want you to showcase your leadership skills and passion for dog welfare with confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past successes in kennel management and team leadership. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a difference in dog welfare.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and making a positive impact on the lives of dogs.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Wickford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in kennel management and dog welfare, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can lead a high-performing team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for dog welfare and explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to optimise kennel operations.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t hesitate to share examples of how you’ve effectively communicated with teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dogs Trust Company Limited
✨Know Your Kennel Management
Brush up on your kennel management experience and be ready to discuss specific examples. Think about how you've optimised operations in the past and how that can translate to this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience leading teams. Have a few stories ready that highlight how you’ve coached team members to achieve their goals and how you’ve handled any challenges that arose.
✨Understand Dog Welfare
Familiarise yourself with dog welfare practices and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure the well-being of the dogs in your care. This shows your passion for the role and commitment to the dogs' development.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication is key, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain how you would maintain effective contact time between colleagues and dogs, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
