Yard Operations Manager

Yard Operations Manager

Join our senior leadership team and play a central role in fulfilling our mission:
to provide refuge, new beginnings, and exceptional care for donkeys and other equines in need
. As Yard Operations Manager
, you will take on a broad and influential remit—overseeing all yard operations, leading and developing a diverse team of staff and volunteers ensuring excellence in every aspect of animal care and welfare.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver our vision of being a centre of excellence in donkey welfare
, strengthening the connection between people and the equines we protect.

As Yard Operations Manager, you will:

Lead, mentor, and develop the entire yard operations team
. Create a collaborative, compassionate and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Oversee all yard operations
, managing daily and routine aspects of animal care. Ensuring exceptional standards are met and smooth day-to-day running of the yard.

Champion and continuously improve operational practices, policies and procedures. Keeping the well-being of animals at the heart of everything we do.

Managing resources effectively within the yard operations team
. Ensuring we have the required people, equipment, systems, feed stock and consumables.

Oversee new animal intake and support visitor engagement
, while providing duty management cover and responding effectively to welfare or operational emergencies.

You’ll work closely with our General Manager, Animal Welfare Committee, and cross-department colleagues to maintain exceptional care, excellent facilities, and smooth daily operations.

You will bring:

• Proven operational management experience, including team leadership and performance management.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills.
• Comfortable around large animals. Ideally, hands‑on experience caring for horses or donkeys, with a strong commitment to animal welfare.
• Confidence in collaborating with senior leaders and external professionals.

Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about delivering outstanding welfare standards and creating a positive, supportive environment for both animals and people.

• The opportunity to play a key role at the IOW Donkey Sanctuary.
• A dynamic and supportive team environment.
• The chance to make a real difference to the lives of animals in our care every day.

Please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability for the role:

Closing date: 10th March 2025