Dog Rescue Team Leader

Dogs4Rescue; Manchester; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Dogs4Rescue is seeking a capable Dog Handler Manager to guide a small team of dog handlers in our rescue operation in Manchester. The role focuses on welfare of dogs, timely handling, and strong leadership to support volunteers.

You will coordinate priority dogs, maintain safety for all dogs and people, and work closely with behaviourists and the rehoming team to achieve the best outcomes. Weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in dog handling.
• Experience with packs of dogs.
• Experience in rescue settings is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate work/time for priority dogs and monitor welfare.
• Ensure the safety of all dogs, staff, volunteers and visitors.
• Lead the dog handlers and assist as needed with daily tasks.
• Monitor daily information boards and schedule logs for accuracy.
• Sign off maintenance tasks with safety and suitability for dogs.
• Coordinate emergency drills and safety procedures.
• Manage the team including volunteers on a daily basis.
• Maintain high standards and lead by example, fostering a positive culture.
• Collaborate with behaviourists and the rehoming team to achieve best outcomes.
• Create or help develop documents/workshops to improve rescue efficiency.
• Implement new systems and procedures after management approval.

Skills

strong communicator

dog handler

experience with dogs

rescue experience

pack work

team leadership

Job description

40 hrs per week with some weekend working

£15 per hr

MUST be a strong communicator and dog handler with experience of working with dogs (Ideally experience in rescue or with packs of dogs).

Positively lead the small team of dog handlers by example with the focus on prioritising the wellbeing and welfare of the dogs at all times.

Coordinate work / time for priority dogs (those needing immediate training/behavioural attention)
Be responsible for the overall safety of all dogs and staff/volunteers/visitors around those dogs
Collaborate with other managers regularly to achieve what is best for the dogs.
Be competent at the dog handers job and able to step in and assist as needed with regular days in the dog handler role.
Monitor all daily information boards and systems to ensure they are correct and up to date and used correctly
Review daily schedule logs in order to get a good understanding of daily work completed
Responsible for signing off relevant maintenance work, with a view to its suitability and safety for the dogs using that area, also noting any general safety concerns.
Carry out general checks of the site, raising any safety concerns
Coordinate emergency situation/code red drills
Manage the team including volunteers on a daily basis
Maintain a high standard of work and lead by example at all times
Inspire the ‘Every 5 Minutes Matters’ ethos
Empower the team to learn, develop and take ownership
Encourage staff openness and a positive team culture
Feedback to managers, behaviourists with any concerns, issues and ideas on a daily basis
Be proactive in helping with the creation of any documents/workshops etc designed to help the rescue be more efficient and grow (once all systems are learned, understood and reviewed with the management team/ behaviourists)
Implement new systems and procedures once agreed by all.
Work alongside our behaviourists and rehoming team to get the best outcomes for the dogs

Qualifications

Strong experience in dog handling. Pack work. Managing people/ teams.