At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and improvement of operational standards and performance reporting.
- Company: Join a world-leading charity dedicated to training dogs that save lives.
- Benefits: Be part of a mission-driven team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role in a growing charity with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by ensuring quality and efficiency in life-saving services.
- Qualifications: Experience in the assistance dog sector and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
The Operational Standards and Performance Manager will lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of operational standards, quality assurance processes and performance reporting across Medical Detection Dogs. The postholder will help ensure that services, systems and ways of working are consistent, evidence-based, efficient and aligned with the charity's mission to train dogs to save lives. Working across canine training and client services, the role will oversee the training and development of all operational staff in Training and Partnership Services.
You will act as the central point for operational standards and performance across Training and Partnership Services, ensuring consistency in how services are delivered, measured and improved. Working across training and client delivery functions, you will provide oversight of processes, support staff development and ensure that quality and compliance requirements are met. You will design and embed performance frameworks, using data and insight to inform decision‑making and support service improvement. This role requires strong analytical capability, attention to detail and the ability to influence and support colleagues across a specialist, multi‑disciplinary environment.
Responsibilities of the Role- Operational Standards & Staff Development
- Develop, review and embed operational standards, procedures and service frameworks
- Ensure ways of working and competencies are clearly defined, documented and consistently applied
- Responsible for staff induction, training and ongoing development of operational staff
- Provide coaching and guidance to promote best practice across teams
- Maintain training materials and manuals, ensuring alignment with ADUK / ADI standards
- Promote a culture of learning, accountability and continuous improvement
- Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Support ADI accreditation requirements and inspection readiness
- Monitor adherence to operational standards and identify areas for improvement
- Ensure appropriate documentation, record‑keeping and process consistency
- Performance, Data & Reporting
- Design and implement performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting tools
- Analyse operational data to identify trends, risks and opportunities
- Produce clear, concise reports and performance summaries for the Head of Training and Partnership services
- Provide actionable insights to support service improvement and decision‑making
- Operational Development & Projects
- Contribute to process redesign and efficiency improvements
- Identify gaps or inefficiencies and recommend practical solutions
- Support wider organisational projects where operational input is required
- Extensive experience within the assistance dog sector
- Strong knowledge of puppy development, training and socialisation
- Experience with performance reporting, KPIs and operational processes
- Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills
- Commitment to the values and mission of Medical Detection Dogs
- Comfortable working in a growing charity environment
- Project management experience
- Coaching and people development skills
- Resilient, adaptable and solutions‑focused
We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life‑saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease. We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.
Operational Standards and Performance Manager in Newton Longville employer: Medical Detection Dogs
Medical Detection Dogs is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to life-saving initiatives in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a strong focus on employee development, the charity promotes a culture of continuous improvement and excellence, ensuring that staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive. Located in Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire, the hybrid working model allows for flexibility while being part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those with complex health problems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Standards and Performance Manager in Newton Longville
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Medical Detection Dogs.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Medical Detection Dogs.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Medical Detection Dogs.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Medical Detection Dogs. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Standards and Performance Manager in Newton Longville
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Medical Detection Dogs. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Operational Standards and Performance Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medical Detection Dogs
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Medical Detection Dogs. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
