Chief Executive Officer

If you’re a purpose‑driven CEO with a deep passion for animal welfare, this is your opportunity to steer a trusted charity as it transforms for a sustainable future.Are you ready to apply Make sure you understand all the responsibilities and tasks associated with this role before proceeding. Margaret Green Animal Rescue is embarking on an exciting phase of strategic revitalisation. As a leading animal welfare charity with a proud history since 1965, we are seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead us into our next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity and ensuring the animals in our care receive the very best support. As Chief Executive of Margaret Green Animal Rescue, you’ll lead a proud organisation delivering rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming, and providing lifetime care for animals with complex needs across Dorset and Devon since 1965. You’ll harness the charity’s tangible local footprint across three rescue centres and a network of retail shops to elevate outcomes, scale supporter engagement, and embed operational excellence. You’ll be the catalyst for significant strategic change—partnering closely with the Board of Trustees to set bold transformational objectives and KPIs. You’ll transform our operating model to meet current and future needs, oversee a data and IT modernisation programme to strengthen insight, efficiency and compliance (from donor management and welfare tracking to retail operations), steward budgets and risk with rigour, and act as the charity’s primary spokesperson to media, partners and the wider community. The role is full‑time, based at Head Office in Church Knowle, Dorset, with regular travel across centres and shops, and offers a competitive package including 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays. We welcome experienced CEOs and senior leaders who bring strategic planning, change delivery and inclusive leadership. The Role As CEO, you will provide inspirational leadership and strategic direction, working closely with the Board of Trustees to deliver our mission and vision. You will be responsible for: Leading the development and implementation of a revitalised strategic plan, ensuring alignment with our values and ambitions Driving operational excellence across all areas, including animal welfare, fundraising, retail, and administration Championing a ‘One Charity’ culture, embedding consistent ethics and best practices across all teams and locations Acting as the primary spokesperson, enhancing our profile and engagement with supporters, partners, and the wider community Overseeing financial stewardship, risk management, and the effective use of data and technology to support organisational goals Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and charity governance requirements About You We are looking for an exceptional leader who is passionate about animal welfare and ethical leadership. The ideal candidate will have: Proven senior leadership experience, ideally within the charity, animal welfare, or related sectors Demonstrable experience in strategic planning, organisational development, and change management Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and income generation Experience in data and IT management, including digital transformation Excellent communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills A commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare Experience in retail operations, fundraising, and working with Boards of Trustees is desirable. xsabvtc What We Offer Full-time role (37.5 hours per week) with flexibility for additional hours as required Competitive salary (£65-80k depending on experience) and benefits, including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), business expenses, and mobile phone provision The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of animals and the communities we serve Join us at this pivotal moment and help shape the future of Margaret Green Animal Rescue. If you are ready to lead with vision, compassion, and drive, we would love to hear from you.