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- Tasks: Support daily operations and ensure high standards of animal welfare at our busy Shelter.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Little Valley Animal Shelter, making a real difference for animals.
- Benefits: Enjoy on-site accommodation, generous leave, pension contributions, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Lead a dedicated team and positively impact the lives of animals in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal welfare and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment with training opportunities and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Description
We’re looking for a Deputy Shelter Manager to join our friendly leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the daily running and continuous improvement of our busy Shelter.
You’ll support the Shelter Manager in overseeing animal welfare, team management, and day-to-day operations — helping us deliver the highest standards of care and ensure every animal’s journey is positive from arrival to adoption.
As a live-in role, you’ll also be part of our out-of-hours cover team, ensuring the Shelter runs smoothly around the clock.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Duty Manager, supporting the Shelter’s day-to-day operations.
- Lead on animal intake, ensuring high welfare standards and efficient use of space.
- Supervise and support staff and volunteers, encouraging development and teamwork.
- Work closely with our veterinary partners and the Animal Behaviour team.
- Uphold health and safety, animal welfare, and data protection standards.
- Support fundraising, public engagement, and community relations.
 About You
You’ll be an empathetic, organised, and proactive leader who’s passionate about animal welfare and supporting people to do their best work.
We’re looking for someone with:
- Experience in animal welfare, shelter management, or a related supervisory role
- Strong people management and communication skills
- Excellent organisation, decision-making, and IT abilities
- Calmness and confidence under pressure
- A full UK driving licence
Desirable: Animal Care qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3), experience in animal behaviour or veterinary work, or leadership training.
What We Offer
- On-site accommodation
- 29 days annual leave (including bank holidays and your birthday off), increasing with service
- 5% employer pension contribution (NEST scheme)
- Occupational sick pay
- Health Assured wellbeing support
- Training and development opportunities
- Use of company vehicle for Shelter business
- A supportive, passionate team making a real difference every day
About Us
Little Valley Animal Shelter is an independent, self-funded branch of the RSPCA, based just outside the beautiful city of Exeter. For over 180 years, we’ve been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need across Devon.
We’re proud to provide a compassionate, professional, and positive environment for both animals and people. With around 50 dedicated staff and over 100 volunteers, we work together to ensure every animal gets the best chance of a happy new life
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If you’re ready to take the next step in your animal welfare career and help lead a compassionate, high-performing team, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date: 5pm on Monday 3rd November 2025
Deputy Shelter Manager employer: RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Shelter Manager
✨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 lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local events or volunteer at shelters. This not only boosts your CV but also helps you meet people in the industry. Plus, it shows your commitment to animal welfare, which is a big plus for roles like Deputy Shelter Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to shelter management and animal welfare. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills, as these will be key in your role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates who are ready to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Shelter Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in animal welfare and team management. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Little Valley Animal Shelter!
Show Your Passion: Let your love for animals shine through in your written application. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare and how you can contribute to our friendly leadership team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. This helps us get a quick sense of what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity as Deputy Shelter Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter
✨Know Your Animal Welfare Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal welfare standards and practices. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure high welfare standards in the shelter, as this is a key part of the role.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As a Deputy Shelter Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or supported staff and volunteers in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you encourage teamwork.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
The role involves making decisions in a busy environment. Think of situations where you've had to stay calm and make quick decisions. Share these experiences to demonstrate your ability to handle pressure effectively.
✨Engage with the Community
Since fundraising and public engagement are part of the job, come prepared with ideas on how to enhance community relations. Discuss any previous experience you have in engaging with the public or fundraising initiatives.