Centre Manager
ECPL is a small independent registered Scottish charity established nearly 80 years ago. Our cat shelter premises and office are based in the Leith area of Edinburgh. The sole purpose of the charity is to provide care, comfort, shelter and veterinary attention to stray and unwanted cats and kittens and we undertake to re\-home these cats to the most suitable owners. On 1 May 2026, following a constitutional and governance review, we appointed a new Board of Trustees and became a company limited by guarantee with charitable status.
The new Board are now looking for a passionate and experienced Centre Manager to lead our cat shelter, ensuring effective day\-to\-day operations, oversee animal welfare, and manage team performance.
About the role
You will:
- Lead and manage staff and volunteers
- Ensure the highest standards of care and welfare for all cats
- Oversee HR, financial management, and compliance
- Drive team engagement, training, and performance
- Support fundraising, community engagement, and income generation
- Deliver operational excellence aligned to our strategic vision
You should have proven leadership and people management experience; have strong organisational and operational skills; have experience in HR, budgets, and governance. You should also have background in animal welfare, veterinary, or customer\-focused environments and be a collaborative, values\-driven leader with a love of cats.
Key elements of the role
Manage
All employees and volunteers within the centre, ensuring the required level of employees during working and public opening hours.
The reporting of all accurate and up to date information including financial information to the charity trustees.
Annual leave, sickness absence and performance of staff.
Relationships and communications, including regular meetings with the staff team to ensure the smooth running of the shelter.
The support and co\-ordination of volunteer foster carers.
The delivery of the strategic vision, set with the Board in consultation with professional advisers, staff and volunteers.
Be responsible for
The high standard of care given to the cats within the centre, ensuring welfare and veterinary procedures are adhered to.
The administration of all veterinary legal requirements surrounding cat care including the handling of drugs and disposal of waste.
All day\-to\-day HR related processes e.g. wellbeing of staff, team communications; staff support; recruitment, induction and development of all employees at the centre.
Ensuring that all relevant personnel within the Centre are legally entitled, are certified and are trained to a competent level on equipment within the centre including microchipping.
Oversea the work of the Treasurer to ensure working within agreed budgets, ensuring compliant financial management.
Resilience planning and risk assessments.
Regular reports to the Board on agreed operational and strategic matters.
Actively promote
The values and aims of the Edinburgh Cat Protection League to all employees and volunteers as well as the local community. Focusing on homing, neutering and education/information within the centre you will lead and motivate all employees and volunteers.
The importance of donations, fundraising and other income within the centre and to the general public.
The generation of income from available sources.
Systems and protocols which work for the day to day running of the charity.
Experience required
Previous line management experience
Team development/transformation
Budget management
Administration and financial procedures
Vet Nurse/Practice Manager experience or customer care experience or animal welfare experience
Desirable qualifications
Animal care/management
Management course/business course
Skills and attributes
Strategic Leadership – ability to set direction, align teams to organisational priorities and deliver results through others.
Effective leadership – ability to engender a supportive and cooperative work environment.
People Performance \& Accountability – Confidently manage performance, set clear expectations and address issues constructively.
Operational Excellence –strong organisational capability in running complex, fast\-paced services while maintaining high standards.
Health, Safety \& Risk Leadership – Champion a proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with safe systems of work.
Collaborative Working – Build strong relationships and encourage teamwork, knowledge sharing and inclusion.
Organisational skills – establish what is required and makes it happen by taking the team on the journey.
Communication \& Influence – Communicate with clarity and empathy, adapting style to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
Governance \& Attention to Detail – Ensure processes, documentation and controls are consistently followed and improved.
Change \& Improvement Mindset – Lead change confidently, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.
Emotional Intelligence – Demonstrate self\-awareness, empathy and sound judgement in complex situations.
Values \& Behavioural Role Modelling – Consistently demonstrate positive ways of working through actions, decisions and leadership style.
A love of cats
How to apply
Send your CV and a brief cover letter to:
ecpltrustees@gmail.com
FAO: Annabel Bates, Chairperson
Closing date: midnight, 29 May 2026
*Early applications encouraged – we may interview before the closing date.*
Pay: £35,000\.00 per year
Work Location: In person
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