Winnipeg Humane Society – Job Posting #2026-05-15
Position Title: Manager Behaviour & Animal Care
Department: Behaviour and Animal Care
Reports To: Director Behaviour & Animal Care
Classification: Non-Union
Hours: 40 hours/ week
Days/times of shifts may vary/change
Start Date: ASAP
Closing date for applicants: Open until filled
Position Summary:
The Manager Behaviour and Animal Care will work closely with the Director Behaviour and Animal Care to facilitate and ensure the successful operation of the Behaviour and Animal Care departments. This will include assisting the Director with administrative and employee functions, including overseeing staff as well as responsibility for monitoring and ensuring compliance of programs, training, and protocols. The Manager is a member of the management team and is required to regularly interact with management, staff, and volunteers in all departments, as well as external clients, including other agencies.
Who we are:
· One of the oldest registered Non-Profit charities in Manitoba funded primarily by donations and events.
· An innovative community service organization committed to protecting animals from suffering, and to promoting their welfare and dignity.
· A team of generous partners, donors, hardworking volunteers and committed staff united in the belief that every animal deserves dignity and love.
· One of the largest and more recognized animal shelter and welfare organizations in Canada.
· Always growing, changing, and adapting to meet the expectations of the community and the needs of Winnipeg’s animal population.
RESPONSIBILITIES SPECIFIC TO THE JOB LEVEL
Leadership
· Provide team members with positive coaching and feedback, building a work environment which reflects the WHS values and culture.
· Create a friendly and professional environment to enhance courteous service; ensure clean, attractive, and organized work areas.
· Train, direct, and supervise staff; delegate duties to assistant managers (if applicable) and staff.
· Provide coaching to develop staff, using clear and constructive feedback and additional training as needed to enhance each individual’s performance.
· Schedule staff and ensure accurate record keeping for payroll purposes.
· In collaboration with Director, coordinate and facilitate performance conversations for all employees within the team, per established standard.
· Support team members through positive coaching and feedback, building a work environment which reflects the WHS values and culture.
· Support the Director with recruitment, interview, and selection of new employees.
· Provide input, participate, and make recommendations on corrective actions, as requested, for performance-related issues.
· Take responsibility to ensure training plans are developed and play a strong role to support training and staff development.
- Be guided by and guide by empathy and being trauma informed with a harm reduction lens for true community service.
Management
o Lead the daily operations and ensure ongoing alignment with departmental workplan and WHS priorities.
o Provide daily and regular oversight and feedback to team members, ensuring that work responsibilities are well understood, and requirements are met.
o Provide direction on potential need to shift priorities or deal with emerging or emergent needs.
o Seek guidance from Director or direct report to confirm recommendations or decisions related to operations, where clarification may be required.
o Schedule and facilitate regular team meetings to encourage feedback and drive initiative for continued improvement, aligned with WHS values and culture.
o Provide regular reports, per established schedule, to the Director or direct report on department activities and needs.
o Display initiative through recommendations and enhancements for consideration.
o Attend and co-facilitate Management meetings, ensuring comprehensive record keeping per established standards.
o Oversee training, direct, and supervise staff, delegate duties to supervisors, staff, and volunteers.
o Monitor completion and accuracy of daily tasks.
Financial
o Provide input into the budgeting process.
o Diligently manage expenses according to the budget.
o Proactively report on any suspected anomalies, inconsistencies, or potential deviations from the budget.
o Provide input on asset management including maintenance of inventory, storage, handling, and documentation of all supplies as well as proper functioning and lifecycle management of all equipment within the department.
o Ensure that all records are accurate and complete.
o Approve payroll and time off requests
Business Development
o Support business development activities and initiatives as directed.
o Provide input and recommendations into existing or new business development activities and initiatives.
RESPONSIBILITIES SPECIFIC TO THE ROLE
Behaviour
o Communicate with Director to identify deficiencies in training and related performance issues; coaches as required.
o Oversee creation of individual animal training plans to address behavioural challenges and enrichment needs
o Oversee creation, communication, and implementation of departmental policies & protocols to Behaviour and/or affected WHS departments.
o Purchase, maintenance, and distribution of departmental equipment and supplies as required; maintain records.
o Develops and maintains behaviour programs such as training classes, behaviour helpline, and other enrichment programs.
o Ensure all staff and volunteers are properly trained to identify behaviour and welfare concerns.
o In conjunction with Behaviour staff, make recommendations and behaviour plans for animals with behavioural concerns.
o Advocate for respectful consideration and least averse/stress handling for all animals in our care.
o Develop and implement protocols and programs for community and shelter pets.
o Work with specialists to review periodically the behaviour protocols and procedures to assure we are implementing industry best practices aligned to organizational policies.
o Provide training to improve the knowledge base of the staff and utilize cross training methods to maintain productivity.
o Responds to customer complaints and comments, train and model high service standards.
o Initiate and support respectful relationships with community partners, other agencies and rescues, work to promote the mission, goals, and objectives of WHS.
o Participate in the Protecting Animal Welfare (PAW) Committee and Population Rounds engaging in thoughtful discussions and comprehensive analysis of cases involving animals with barriers to adoption. Making behavioural plans and recommendations for these cases and supporting all departments in addressing barriers.
o Ensure optimal customer service for all clients. Empathy, trauma informed, and harm reduction lenses are key in optimal customer service for all departments.
Other management duties that arise in the course of leading, organizing, controlling the operations of the team, or assigned by the Director or direct report.
Animal Care
o Oversee creation, communication, and implementation of departmental policies & protocols to Animal Care and/or affected WHS departments.
o Development in monitoring and evaluation measures to always maintain humane care of all shelter animals.
o Ordering of all animal care materials and supplies (food, litter, cleaning supplies etc.).
o Ensure kennels, runs, and cat cages are kept in a manner that is best suited for the animal’s health and welfare.
o Monitor the health and welfare of the animals through the maintenance of up-to-date files and logs.
o Coordinating grooming or additional required care as needed for the animals in our shelter.
o Collaborate with all operational departments to ensure the optimal welfare of animals is maintained in their housing.
Other management duties that arise in the course of leading, organizing, controlling the operations of the team, or assigned by the Director or direct report.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
The following are mandatory qualifications for this role:
o Post-Secondary education in relevant field(s)
o Valid Class 5 Driver’s license and a reliable vehicle
o Clear Criminal Record Check
o Minimum two-years successful management experience, preferably in a unionized environment
o Demonstrated experience in delivering quality customer care
o Proven track record leading/mentoring staff and volunteers
o Professional animal handling – Relevant rescue animal handling experience considered.
The following qualifications are desired and would be considered assets:
o Experience running multiple departments and staff teams
o Management course or program certificate an asset
o Conflict resolution experience preferred
o Education in animal care or related experience in a clinic or shelter environment preferred
o Professional Certification in Animal Behaviour Training and/or Counselling
o Fear Free Force Free certification
o Experience working in a non-profit environment
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLSThe following are mandatory knowledge and skills for this role:
o Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective tools and techniques
o Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; must communicate effectively with management, staff, volunteers, and clients
- Ability to respond to concerns, problem solve and take corrective action to ensure customer satisfaction.
o Ability to maintain the utmost confidentiality on all matters pertaining to the Society
- Performance management and mentorship
- Ability to understand and work within a budget
- Ability to motivate staff
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Outlook, Word, Power Point and Excel)
o Excellent problem-solving abilities
o Exceptional organizational, research, and program development skills
o Ability to manage numerous projects and timelines
o Demonstrated leadership abilities
The following knowledge and skills are desired and would be considered assets:
· Knowledge of domestic animals, their care and animal welfare issues.
Exemplifies Winnipeg Humane Society’s Core Values:
- We let empathy guide our commitment to animal welfare and approach to all individual beings, people, and animals alike.
- We value and accept each other.
- We are committed as an organization to lead with integrity and accountability.
- We are guided by innovation and remain open to change.
- We foster an inclusive, purposeful, and safe communication space.
Participates in creating a thriving Culture of Philanthropy at Winnipeg Humane Society by:
· Being knowledgeable and supportive of WHS programs
· Sharing their passion for service to animals, people, and our community with our guests
· Serving as an inspiration to all guests by providing an exemplary level of animal care and guest service
· Being able to communicate a compelling case for support that demonstrates the impact of philanthropy on Winnipeg Humane Society
How to apply:
Please forward your resume and cover letter to:
Attention: Yvonne Coe
[email protected]
Please quote the job posting number in your email or cover letter subject line.
The WHS is committed to providing accessible employment, and ensuring that our recruitment, assessment and selection process is barrier free. If a candidate requires accommodation during the hiring process, Human Resources Services will work with the individual to meet their needs.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
The WHS values diversity and equality in its team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information and other employment opportunities, visit https://winnipeghumanesociety.ca/about-us/careers
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
