Yard Operations Manager - Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Job Posted: 20 February 2026

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Wroxall, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: Competitive rates of pay
• Industries: Charity / Voluntary Management & Executive Veterinary

Yard Operations Manager

Join our senior leadership team and play a central role in fulfilling our mission: to provide refuge, new beginnings, and exceptional care for donkeys and other equines in need. As Yard Operations Manager, you will take on a broad and influential remit—overseeing all yard operations, leading and developing a diverse team of staff and volunteers ensuring excellence in every aspect of animal care and welfare.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver our vision of being a centre of excellence in donkey welfare, strengthening the connection between people and the equines we protect.

About the Role

As Yard Operations Manager, you will:

Lead, mentor, and develop the entire yard operations team. Create a collaborative, compassionate and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Oversee all yard operations, managing daily and routine aspects of animal care. Ensuring exceptional standards are met and smooth day-to-day running of the yard.

Champion and continuously improve operational practices, policies and procedures. Keeping the well-being of animals at the heart of everything we do.

Managing resources effectively within the yard operations team. Ensuring we have the required people, equipment, systems, feed stock and consumables.

Oversee new animal intake and support visitor engagement, while providing duty management cover and responding effectively to welfare or operational emergencies.

You’ll work closely with our General Manager, Animal Welfare Committee, and cross-department colleagues to maintain exceptional care, excellent facilities, and smooth daily operations.

About You

You will bring:

• Proven operational management experience, including team leadership and performance management.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills.
• Comfortable around large animals. Ideally, hands-on experience caring for horses or donkeys, with a strong commitment to animal welfare.
• Confidence in collaborating with senior leaders and external professionals.

Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about delivering outstanding welfare standards and creating a positive, supportive environment for both animals and people.

Why Join Us?

• The opportunity to play a key role at the IOW Donkey Sanctuary.
• A dynamic and supportive team environment.
• The chance to make a real difference to the lives of animals in our care every day.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability for the role:

Closing date: 10^th March 2025