National Animal Welfare Trust

Head of Centre Operations We are seeking an experienced senior leader to drive operational excellence across multi-site services, ensuring high standards, efficiency and impact. Position: Head of Centre Operations Salary: Circa £60,000 plus £5,000 car allowance Location: Watford with hybrid working and regular travel Hours: 35 hours per week Contract: Permanent Closing Date: 29th April 2026 About the role This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing operations across multiple sites, leading large teams and ensuring high standards of service delivery. You will be accountable for delivering strategic objectives through operational excellence, strong leadership and effective performance management across a geographically dispersed workforce. Key responsibilities include: Developing and delivering operational strategy aligned to organisational goals Leading and managing multi-site teams through direct reports Driving performance through data analysis, KPIs and continuous improvement Overseeing day to day operations to ensure consistency, quality and compliance Managing budgets, financial controls and identifying efficiencies Ensuring high standards of customer service and stakeholder engagement Leading on health and safety across all sites and ensuring full compliance Overseeing facilities, estates and maintenance planning Building partnerships with external organisations and stakeholders Supporting organisational development through coaching, training and leadership You will play a key role in shaping operational systems, improving efficiency and ensuring services meet both current and future needs. About you We are looking for a confident and experienced leader with a strong track record of managing large, multi-site teams. You will have: Significant experience in multi-site operational management Strong leadership skills with a focus on coaching and team development Experience driving performance, analysing data and improving systems Knowledge of health and safety management and compliance Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complex workloads Confidence using IT systems including Microsoft Office A full driving licence and willingness to travel regularly Experience within a relevant sector is beneficial, but not essential. More important is your ability to lead complex operations and deliver results. About the organisation The organisation is a rescue and rehoming charity with four rehoming centres and six charity shops operating across the south of England. They are a charity that never stops caring for its animals and people, working towards a world where every pet thrives in a loving home. Other roles you may have experience of could include; Operations Director, Head of Operations, Regional Manager, Area Manager, Service Director, Head of Service Delivery, General Manager, Operations Manager Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting on behalf of the client, Not For Profit People.