Animal Care Lead

ABOUT US

The SPCA helps protect over 30,000 animals every year. By rescuing, rehabilitating, sheltering and advocating for animals, we are directly improving their lives. Our Animal Services teams run our 28 Centres, from Kerikeri to Invercargill and they are essential in us being able to do the work we do.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Our Centres are a hive of activity where every day is dedicated to animal welfare, community connection and making a real difference. We have Centre Managers, Vets, Vet Nurses, Animal Attendants, Foster Coordinators, Customer Services Officers and everything in between. Our people are kind, resilient, customer centric and calm under pressure. Sound like your team?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We have an exciting opportunity for an Animal Care Lead to join our SPCA Whangarei Centre.  

This role is:

• Permanent - Full time
• Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Whangarei Based

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop the Animal Care team to deliver high standards of animal welfare and wellbeing in line with SPCA policies and procedures.
• Recruit, train, mentor and manage staff and volunteers to build a positive and high-performing team.
• Work closely with the Centre Manager on rosters, budgets, capacity management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee volunteer engagement and ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
• Support the development of Foster and Volunteer networks to strengthen community connections.
• Collaborate on fundraising and community engagement activities to raise SPCA's local profile and support animal welfare outcomes.
• Monitor team performance, operational reporting and data accuracy to ensure compliance with SPCA standards and the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
• Contribute to animal welfare decision-making and uphold best practice standards in care, health, and behavioural management.
• Ensure safe and efficient daily operations, meeting all health, safety and compliance requirements.

ABOUT YOU

This is more than just a leadership role, it's an opportunity to make a real impact. You'll lead by example, support your team, and ensure animals in our care receive the highest level of welfare.

Skills & Experience

• Proven leadership or supervisory experience, ideally in an animal-related environment.
• Experience with animal handling, care, and behaviour.
• Strong communication, influencing and conflict management skills.
• Resilient, calm under pressure, and able to make sound decisions in challenging situations.
• Organised, adaptable, and confident managing multiple priorities.
• Empathetic and supportive when working with people and animals alike.
• Computer literate with solid reporting and record-keeping skills.
• Full, clean driver's licence.

SPCA PURRRKS

If you're looking for a role where your values, wellbeing, and contributions truly matter, here's what we offer:

• Enjoy a paid day off for your Birthday, it's our way of celebrating you
• A workplace culture where collaboration, development and kindness are key.
• Exclusive discounts and benefits, including pet insurance and retail offers.
• Access to 24/7 confidential wellness support.
• Feel good knowing your work is improving the lives of animals in need.

HOW TO APPLY

Click Apply Now to visit our careers portal and submit your application. Please note that emailed CVs will not be accepted. Applications are reviewed as they're received, so don't wait, apply today

Want more details? Just click Applynow, and you'll be taken to our SPCA careers portal where you can then click here to view the Position Description.

We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.All candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.