Deputy Centre Manager

Cats Protection; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animal welfare charity in Chelmsford is seeking a Supervisor to ensure the welfare of cats and provide essential management cover. This permanent role requires team leadership experience, excellent communication skills, and a driving license. The successful candidate will work 35 hours per week, including weekends, for a salary of up to £27,466.16 per year. Benefits include health perks and generous leave options.

Benefits

Range of health benefits

26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

Salary finance options

Additional benefits available

Qualifications

• Supervisor/team leader experience, ideally within an animal welfare environment.
• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of prevention and control of infectious diseases in cats.
• Driven, positive, enthusiastic individual with initiative and ability to thrive under pressure.
• Full UK manual driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Ensure continuous employee cover and provide manager cover when needed.
• Ensure welfare of cats in care and complete procedures to a high standard.
• Plan and direct cat care activities in agreement with the Centre Manager.
• Handle homing and accepting of cats, ensure required forms are completed.

Skills

Supervisor/team leader experience within animal welfare

Excellent interpersonal skills

Knowledge of infectious disease control in cats

Strong initiative and ability to thrive under pressure

Full UK manual driving licence

Job description

Overview

Team: Centre
Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Work pattern: 35 hours per week, including weekends
Salary: Up to £27,466.16 per year
Contract: Permanent
Required: Enhanced DBS check (including the Children’s Barred List)

Responsibilities

• Work with the Centre Manager to ensure continuous employee cover and provide cover in the Manager’s absence.
• Ensure the welfare of all cats in care and complete administrative and maintenance procedures to a high standard.
• Plan and direct cat care activities in agreement with the Centre Manager.
• Handle homing and accepting of cats and kittens, ensure completion of necessary forms and that minimum veterinary standards are carried out by a suitably qualified person.

Qualifications

• Supervisor/team leader experience, ideally within an animal welfare environment.
• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of prevention and control of infectious diseases in cats.
• Driven, positive, enthusiastic individual with initiative and ability to thrive under pressure.
• Full UK manual driving licence, as occasional driving of centre vans may be required.

Benefits

• Range of health benefits.
• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Salary finance options to take control of financial wellbeing.
• Additional benefits available; learn more on the website.

Application Process

Applications close on 15 October 2025, with an interview scheduled for 29 October 2025. We do not accept applications or speculative CVs from agencies. Applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. If you are enthusiastic but your experience does not align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply and demonstrate transferable skills.

Recruitment journey includes an anonymised application form and an in‑person interview at the centre. Please email [e-mail] if you require any adjustments for applying or participating in the recruitment process.