Animal Care Lead / Whangarei

ABOUT THE TEAM
Our Centres are a hive of activity, where every day is focused on animal welfare, community connection, and making a real difference. From Centre Managers and Vets to Animal Attendants, Foster Coordinators, and Customer Service Officers, our team is passionate, resilient, and calm under pressure. Sound like your kind of team?

ABOUT THE ROLE
We have an exciting opportunity for an Animal Care Lead to join our SPCA Whangarei Centre

• Permanent, full-time role
• Rostered between Monday – Sunday, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

This role is rewarding, challenging, and essential. You’ll see the best and worst of animal care which can be heartbreaking at times, but equally fulfilling. It takes a special kind of person to thrive in this role, and the rewards are deeply satisfying.

As Animal Care Lead, you will:

• Lead from the front, supporting, mentoring, and developing the Animal Care team to provide high-quality, consistent care
• Roll up your sleeves, get stuck in with day-to-day animal care, including handling and caring for canines
• Recruit, mentor, and manage performance to maintain a high-performing, motivated team
• Collaborate with the Centre Manager on budgets, rosters, operational improvements, and capacity planning
• Support volunteers and foster carers, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and supported
• Maintain high standards in animal care, including behavioural assessments, medical care, and husbandry
• Tackle multiple challenges and adapt to change while making timely, informed decisions
• Build strong relationships with community stakeholders, fundraising partners, and the wider SPCA network

ABOUT YOU
You are a strong, hands-on leader who thrives on team development and leads by example. You are adaptable, resilient, and ready to tackle multiple challenges while supporting your team. Our vision, purpose, and values resonate with you, and you enjoy working with both humans and animals.

You will also bring:

• Proven leadership skills with experience in team development and people management
• Strong canine handling skills and deep understanding of dog welfare
• Ability to roll up your sleeves and get involved in hands-on animal care
• Excellent communication, influencing, and conflict management skills
• High empathy, resilience, and professionalism
• Experience in busy, fast-paced, community-facing environments
• Strong organisational skills, including budgeting, rostering, and reporting
• A positive, approachable attitude with staff, volunteers, customers, and animals

OUR PURRKS
Join a team of passionate, purpose-driven people who love animals and strive to make the world a kinder place. Benefits include:

• Making a real difference in animal welfare across New Zealand
• Ongoing support, learning, and development opportunities
• Opportunities to contribute ideas and participate in meaningful projects
• Working alongside like-minded, passionate people
• Paid day off on your birthday (permanent roles)
• On-site parking (where available)
• Exclusive discounts and benefits, including pet insurance and retail offers. 
• Access to 24/7 confidential wellness support. 

If you’re ready to lead a team that makes a real difference for animals, apply now! 

Want more details? Just click Apply now, and you’ll be taken to our SPCA careers portal where you can open the Position Description link to view the full PD.

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