Sanctuary Care Operations Manager

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for equine welfare? The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is seeking a Sanctuary Care Operations Manager to oversee the care, rehabilitation, and sustainable management of our sanctuary sites. If you have a strong background in multi-site operations, equine welfare, and land management, we want to hear from you! About The Mare and Foal Sanctuary The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is the largest equine welfare charity in the South West peninsula, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of horses and ponies who have experienced neglect, abuse, and trauma. We also deliver a range of Equine Assisted Services with our rescued horses and ponies. With five sites across Devon, a clear five-year strategy, and an ambitious vision for the future, we are a trusted sanctuary for equines and a valued resource for the community. This is a hybrid role based at Honeysuckle Farm, with travel required to all other sanctuary locations. As the Sanctuary Care Operations Manager, you will lead and support Sanctuary Managers, ensuring the highest standards of equine welfare, holistic land management, and operational efficiency. Your role will be key in developing sustainable grazing strategies, maintaining safe and well-managed facilities, and fostering a collaborative team culture across our sanctuary sites. What You Will Be Doing • Leading and supporting Sanctuary Managers to ensure high standards of site operations and equine welfare. • Implementing and monitoring holistic grazing strategies to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable pasture management. • Managing operational needs, including the supply of forage, feed, bedding, and veterinary supplies. • Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards across all sites and providing staff training. • Collaborating with internal teams (Welfare Outreach, Fundraising, Estates, and Equine Expertise) to support sanctuary initiatives. • Acting as a point of escalation for complex operational challenges and equine welfare concerns. • Overseeing equine care, rehabilitation, and training across multiple sanctuary sites. • Contributing to research initiatives and providing data for internal and external reporting. What You Will Bring • Proven experience in multi-site operations management, ideally in farm, estate, or sanctuary settings. • Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams in a dynamic environment. • Knowledge and experience in sustainable land management, rotational grazing, and biodiversity enhancement. • A solid understanding of equine care, welfare, and training principles. • A proactive approach to problem-solving, decision-making, and operational planning. • Excellent communication and mentoring skills, with the ability to engage and inspire teams. • Competence in record-keeping, budgeting, and compliance management. • Experience in community engagement or volunteer management. Values and Attitude At the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, we are guided by Kindness, Care, and Knowledge. These values shape our work, empower our teams, and ensure that every decision we make is rooted in compassion and expertise. We are looking for a leader who shares these values and is committed to delivering the best possible care for our horses, ponies, and the people who support them. Why Join Us? By joining the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, you will be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in equine welfare. We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to contribute to a cause that changes lives every day. Ready to apply? If you are passionate about equine care, sustainable land management, and operational leadership, we’d love to hear from you! Please apply with CV and cover letter by Friday 21st February. Please note this role is subject to a DBS check, and you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK. Salary: £42,111 per annum Hours: 37.50 Closing Date: 21.02.25 Interview Date: TBC