Suffolk East and Ipswich Branch Job Description BRANCH MANAGER Employer: Location: Responsible to: Responsible for: Hours: Salary: RSPCA Suffolk East and Ipswich Branch (Reg. Charity No: 206269) Martlesham Animal Centre Board of Trustees Centre Deputy Managers, Shop Managers, Clinic Administrator, Branch Administrator 37.5 hours per week (including some evenings and weekends) Up to 35,000 pa depending on experience 1. Purpose of the job The Branch Manager will have the responsibility to develop, maintain and ensure the smooth running of all activities of the branch with overall responsibility for the management and administration of all branch affairs and the delivery of animal welfare services. The Branch Manager is expected to work closely with the Trustees to provide the strategic direction, planning and leadership necessary to develop the charity and create a sustainable future for the branch. The Branch Manager is expected to provide the necessary leadership to motivate the staff and volunteer team and lead by positive example through achievement of personal targets and workload. The branch manager will at all times carry out the duties allocated in accordance with RSPCA Rules for Branches and guided by the policy decisions of the branch trustees. 2. Dimensions Establishment of around 22 people Turnover of around 685,000 pa. Animal centre Clinic Currently 3 charity shops 3. Principal Accountabilities Management of staff and volunteers Provide leadership to branch staff; manage and provide them with guidance and direction as appropriate.
Carry out regular reviews of performance and ensure that annual written appraisals are completed for all members of staff. Ensure that the animal centre maintains adequate staffing levels to meet animal care requirements and licensing conditions including night cover requirements. Ensure Animal Centre Deputy Managers also conduct reviews and appraisals of their direct reports to a high standard. Ensure Animal Centre Deputy Managers, Branch Administrator, Shop Managers, and Clinic Administrator communicate to volunteers the appropriate standards required. Ensure that appropriate and timely induction and training are provided to all staff and volunteers. Foster the highest standards of performance, development, discipline and honesty from branch staff and volunteers. Ensure that appropriate HR policies and procedures, risk assessments, health and safety standards are in place and are regularly reviewed, to comply with relevant employment legislation. Income generation and public relations Work with the Trustees to develop strategies in relation to income generation, looking at new income streams, to ensure the long-term viability of the branch; and volunteer recruitment and retention across the branch. Oversee all charity shop activities. Expand and develop the charity shop network as appropriate, in conjunction with the Trustees and the Shop Managers. Support the fundraising subcommittee to produce an annual programme of fundraising activity. In liaison with the Branch Administrator, Animal Centre Deputy Manager, regional press officer, and Branch Support Specialist (BSS), facilitate good media coverage regarding the work of the branch. Animal Welfare Produce a branch business and development plan, setting out future strategy particularly in relation to animal welfare operations. Ensure that the animal centre and clinic are staffed and managed by appropriately trained staff and volunteers. Ensure the Branch is compliant with current legislation and RSPCA policy on safe handling and storage of drugs by visiting vets and other appropriate personnel. Ensure compliance with RSPCA standards and policies, relevant legislation and best practice in the provision of animal welfare services. Maintain close relationships with other RSPCA animal centres to ensure that best practice, new ideas and processes are shared. Communication and administration Maintain close liaison with appropriate RSPCA colleagues, including the inspectorate and the BSS regarding all relevant matters. Foster and maintain good working relations within the branch and across the wider Society and community, as appropriate.
Monitor, develop and maintain all necessary operational and administrative systems, to ensure that the branch is always operating within current legislation, Society policy and best practice. Ensure that all changes and amendments to Society policies or rules are brought to the attention of the Trustees and that all decisions made by the Trustees are carried out and reported appropriately. Arrange that all Trustees meetings are serviced as required. Ensure that on occasions you are unable to attend, an appropriate deputy attends all Trustees meetings. Be responsible for the arrangement of, attendance and servicing of the branch annual general meeting (AGM) and any extraordinary general meetings (EGM) as required, in accordance with the Branch Rules, through delegation to the Branch Administrator and in liaison with the BSS. Attend any training courses as required by the Trustees. Attend RSPCA and other functions as considered appropriate by the Trustees (some of which may be at weekends or in the evenings). Record and deal promptly with complaints through the appropriate procedures, reporting or referring such matters to the Trustees as appropriate. Financial Ensure the safe handling and storage of equipment and secure storage of money. Monitor performance in all areas and seek continual improvements in the delivery and cost efficiency of branch services. Work with the Branch Financial Administrator to produce the annual branch budget and oversee and manage it in conjunction with branch Trustees. Work with the Branch Financial Administrator to produce long term financial plans in conjunction with branch trustees. In liaison with the Branch Financial Administrator and Branch Administrator, ensure suitable financial reports are produced for Trustees meetings and that audited annual accounts and the Annual Report are produced on time. Ensure and supervise the ordering of all materials, supplies and equipment as may be required for the effective operation of the branch, ensuring budgetary controls are maintained always. General Ensure the maintenance and repair of all buildings, grounds and equipment (including vehicles) owned or leased by the branch, ensuring regular inspections take place and all necessary work is completed. Carry out any other tasks as directed by the Board of Trustees.
4. Person Specification Essential EDUCATION & TRAINING Good general level of education, at least to A-level standard or equivalent EXPERIENCE Proven leadership role within a diverse team Line management experience handling challenging and complex management issues Proven ability to identify, develop and deliver strategic objectives project management managing budgets and accounts SPECIAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE PERSONALITY & DISPOSITION Excellent communication skills both written & oral Competent in analysis and use of statistics Ability to meet tight deadlines Ability to use IT to research, analyse and present information to others. Ability to motivate and influence others Understanding of the basic application of employment law A proven leader with the drive and enthusiasm to Desirable Recognised management qualification Previous charity employment working with trustees/manageme nt boards and groups of volunteers Involvement in major building & development projects Training, coaching and mentoring skills managing a changing organisational environment Understanding of charity law Knowledge of health and safety legislation liaising and negotiating with public officials and politicians
motivate staff and create a positive and cohesive team Calm under pressure Ability to relate well to people from all backgrounds Sympathy with the RSPCA s aims and policies SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Willing and able to work flexibly according to the needs of the Branch Willing and able to travel outside the Branch area occasionally Able to work at the Animal Centre and visit other sites in a timely and costeffective manner UK Driving licence