Kennels Manager

The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of animals through rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible rehoming.

AWSS seeks to appoint a Kennels Manager based in Stellenbosch. Suitably qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements below are invited to apply.

The Kennels Manager is responsible for the overall management and performance of the Kennels department, ensuring high standards of animal welfare, operational efficiency, and successful long-term adoptions. This senior operational role forms part of the AWSS leadership structure and reports directly to the General Manager, with full accountability for the daily running of the department.

Minimum Requirements (Essential)
* 3 years proven experience working in a kennels environment (essential)
* 3 years proven management experience (essential)
* Matric (Grade 12) or equivalent qualification
* Valid, unendorsed South African driver’s licence
* Strong knowledge of canine behaviour, health care, and welfare practices
* Experience supervising staff and managing performance
* Computer literacy (MS Office, email, administrative systems)
* Strong organisational and administrative skills
* Strong communication skills (verbal and written) in English and Afrikaans
* Leadership ability with emotional resilience and conflict-resolution skills
* Ability to work under pressure and make welfare-focused decisions
*Willingness to work weekends, Public Holidays, and after-hours when required
* Clean police and credit record

Key Responsibilities Include:
* Overseeing daily care, feeding, health monitoring, enrichment, and wellbeing of all dogs
* Managing admission of all dogs on arrival, including medication, vet checks, and behavioural assessments
* Managing all dogs in camps and kennels, including introductions and camp moves
* Supervising, training, and developing kennel staff to maintain high welfare and hygiene standards
* Ensuring compliance with AWSS policies and animal welfare legislation
* Managing adoptions, matching dogs to suitable homes, and overseeing the full adoption process
* Managing foster placements for adult dogs and puppies, including recruitment and support of foster carers
* Coordinating volunteers and ensuring adherence to kennel protocols
* Monitoring canine behaviour in collaboration with the Kennels team
* Managing stock control (food, medication, cleaning supplies, parasite control, equipment)
* Ensuring accurate record-keeping, statistics, and administrative compliance
* Maintaining kennel facilities, reporting maintenance issues, and ensuring safety standards
* Working collaboratively with Clinic, Inspectorate, Fundraising, and the General Manager
* Supporting promotional events and promoting dogs in AWSS care on social media and the website

This role requires a hands-on leader passionate about animal welfare, confident in managing people, and committed to high standards of care and successful long-term placements. Emotional maturity, accountability, and integrity are essential.

By accepting this role, the Kennels Manager assumes full responsibility for the department and for ensuring that all standard operating procedures and organisational policies are upheld.

If you meet the above requirements, please send your CV and a one-page letter of motivation to jessica@awss.co.za.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

AWSS reserves the right not to make an appointment. By applying, you consent to AWSS processing your personal information for recruitment purposes.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday, 4 March