Job Description

Team Leader - Essex Kennels

Hours:

Full-time, 5 days out of 7 (Remote working available)

Location:

Essex Kennels (driving licence & own transport essential)

Experience:

Kennel experience essential

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and organised Team Leader to support the day-to-day running of our Essex kennels. This role combines

operational leadership and administration with limited, supportive dog-focused duties

. While kennel hands will continue to manage the majority of daily dog care, the Team Leader will provide welfare oversight and step in where required to support the team and maintain standards.

This role plays a key part in ensuring smooth kennel operations, high welfare standards and clear communication between the kennel team and the Trustee board.

Key Responsibilities

Staff & Operational Management

Oversee staff rotas, holiday planning and daily staffing needs. Support onboarding, performance management and ongoing staff development. Ensure training, welfare and health & safety standards are consistently met. Assist with staff expense submissions where required.

Kennel & Welfare Oversight

Provide welfare oversight and support kennel staff with dog-related tasks when needed (non-primary handling role). Ensure kennels remain clean, safe and well maintained, preparing the site for inspections. Maintain positive relationships with landlords and neighbouring properties.

Dog-Based Administration & Support

Coordinate behavioural assessments and ensure accurate, timely record keeping. Support vet scheduling, vaccination tracking and medical records. Assist with adoptability grading and communicate behavioural or welfare needs to adoption and foster teams. Book and oversee adopter meet & greets, ensuring feedback is captured correctly.

Fundraising & Trustee Liaison

Support fundraising needs for kennel-related costs outside of core overheads (e.g. vet fees, transport, food and supplies). Act as a key point of contact between Essex Kennels and the Trustee board, providing regular updates and escalating concerns where appropriate.

Training & Systems (Provided)

Full training will be provided on internal systems, disclosures, ordering processes and operational procedures.

About You

Proven kennel experience with a strong understanding of dog welfare Confident leading and supporting a team in a structured, compassionate way Organised, proactive and able to prioritise in a busy environment Comfortable with limited dog handling alongside operational responsibilities Able to work independently while maintaining clear, consistent communication with Trustees
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leadership and organisation but still wants to remain

partially involved with the dogs

, supporting welfare and the kennel team without being a full-time hands-on role.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Free parking On-site parking Work from home
Work Location: In person