Deputy Shelter Manager

Deputy Shelter Manager (Live-in)

Location: Exeter, Devon
Salary: £28,500 per annum (live-in) + on-site accommodation (total package worth over £40,000)
Hours: Full time – 42 hours per week
Employer: Little Valley Animal Shelter (RSPCA Devon Branch)

About Us

Little Valley Animal Shelter is an independent, self-funded branch of the RSPCA, based just outside the beautiful city of Exeter. For over 180 years, we’ve been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need across Devon.

We’re proud to provide a compassionate, professional, and positive environment for both animals and people. With around 50 dedicated staff and over 100 volunteers, we work together to ensure every animal gets the best chance of a happy new life.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Deputy Shelter Manager to join our friendly leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the daily running and continuous improvement of our busy Shelter.

You’ll support the Shelter Manager in overseeing animal welfare, team management, and day-to-day operations — helping us deliver the highest standards of care and ensure every animal’s journey is positive from arrival to adoption.

As a live-in role, you’ll also be part of our out-of-hours cover team, ensuring the Shelter runs smoothly around the clock.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Duty Manager, supporting the Shelter’s day-to-day operations.
• Lead on animal intake, ensuring high welfare standards and efficient use of space.
• Supervise and support staff and volunteers, encouraging development and teamwork.
• Work closely with our veterinary partners and the Animal Behaviour team.
• Uphold health and safety, animal welfare, and data protection standards.
• Support fundraising, public engagement, and community relations.

About You

You’ll be an empathetic, organised, and proactive leader who’s passionate about animal welfare and supporting people to do their best work.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Experience in animal welfare, shelter management, or a related supervisory role
• Strong people management and communication skills
• Excellent organisation, decision-making, and IT abilities
• Calmness and confidence under pressure
• A full UK driving licence

Desirable: Animal Care qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3), experience in animal behaviour or veterinary work, or leadership training.

What We Offer

• On-site accommodation
• 29 days annual leave (including bank holidays and your birthday off), increasing with service
• 5% employer pension contribution (NEST scheme)
• Occupational sick pay
• Health Assured wellbeing support
• Training and development opportunities
• Use of company vehicle for Shelter business
• A supportive, passionate team making a real difference every day

 How to Apply

If you’re ready to take the next step in your animal welfare career and help lead a compassionate, high-performing team, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 5pm on Monday 3^rd November 2025

To apply: Please send your CV and a detailed cover letter telling us why you’d be a great fit to fgofton@rspca-littlevalley.org.uk

Click to download the full Job Description – Word | PDF
Click to download the Application Form – Word