General Manager Animal Operations
Job description
Every day, thousands of animals rely on the care, expertise and compassion of RSPCA Queensland. Behind every rescue, rehabilitation and adoption is a dedicated team working tirelessly to give animals the life they deserve.
RSPCA Queensland is seeking an exceptional General Manager – Animal Operations to lead one of Queensland’s most important animal welfare portfolios, guiding veterinary, shelter and wildlife services across the state and helping shape the future of animal care.
This is more than an operational leadership role. It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, inspire people, and deliver meaningful outcomes for animals and communities.
RSPCA Queensland exists for animals to live better lives.
Its vision is a world where animals and people live together with dignity, respect, and compassion, and its mission is to improve the lives of animals through care, education and evidence-based welfare advancements that influence attitudes, behaviours, practices and laws.
With 200+ employees and more than 1,300 volunteers, Animal Operations delivers life-saving services across domestic animal shelters, veterinary services, wildlife hospitals, foster networks and community programs.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the General Manager – Animal Operations provides strategic and operational leadership across RSPCA Queensland’s animal care services.
The role leads statewide domestic animal and wildlife operations, ensuring animals receive the right care at the right time while driving service innovation, operational excellence and cultural leadership across a passionate workforce.
This is a role that requires sound judgement, emotional intelligence and the ability to balance compassion with operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
RSPCA Queensland is seeking an experienced veterinary leader who is comfortable operating at executive level, leading through complexity, and inspiring high-performing teams.
The successful candidate will bring both clinical credibility and strong operational leadership capability, supported by a genuine commitment to animal welfare.
To be successful in this role, candidates will demonstrate:
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most impactful animal welfare operations in Australia.
The successful candidate will join an organisation where purpose drives performance and where leadership decisions directly influence the lives of animals across Queensland every day.
Lead with compassion. Deliver impact. Shape the future of animal welfare.
Troocoo Executive Search is delighted to partner with RSPCA Queensland to manage this recruitment process. For enquiries or to request an executive candidate pack, email executive@troocoo.com
To apply, submit your application online and include your resume and a 1-2 page cover letter outlining your relevant experience, suitability and interest in the position.
RSPCA Queensland is seeking an exceptional General Manager – Animal Operations to lead one of Queensland’s most important animal welfare portfolios, guiding veterinary, shelter and wildlife services across the state and helping shape the future of animal care.
This is more than an operational leadership role. It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, inspire people, and deliver meaningful outcomes for animals and communities.
RSPCA Queensland exists for animals to live better lives.
Its vision is a world where animals and people live together with dignity, respect, and compassion, and its mission is to improve the lives of animals through care, education and evidence-based welfare advancements that influence attitudes, behaviours, practices and laws.
With 200+ employees and more than 1,300 volunteers, Animal Operations delivers life-saving services across domestic animal shelters, veterinary services, wildlife hospitals, foster networks and community programs.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the General Manager – Animal Operations provides strategic and operational leadership across RSPCA Queensland’s animal care services.
The role leads statewide domestic animal and wildlife operations, ensuring animals receive the right care at the right time while driving service innovation, operational excellence and cultural leadership across a passionate workforce.
This is a role that requires sound judgement, emotional intelligence and the ability to balance compassion with operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership to veterinary, shelter and wildlife operations across Queensland
- Deliver annual operating plans and budgets aligned to the Strategic Plan 2026–2030Lead and inspire a large multidisciplinary workforce of employees and volunteers
- Optimise animal intake, capacity and care models to maximise welfare outcomes
- Strengthen partnerships across government, veterinary bodies, universities and wildlife organisations
- Drive continuous improvement, safety and operational excellence
- Represent RSPCA Queensland with key stakeholders, media and the broader community
- Ensure governance, compliance and clinical excellence across all services
RSPCA Queensland is seeking an experienced veterinary leader who is comfortable operating at executive level, leading through complexity, and inspiring high-performing teams.
The successful candidate will bring both clinical credibility and strong operational leadership capability, supported by a genuine commitment to animal welfare.
To be successful in this role, candidates will demonstrate:
- A Degree in Veterinary Science (essential)
- Postgraduate qualifications in management or leadership (desirable)
- Significant experience leading multi-site operational teams
- Experience managing or leading veterinary or clinical services
- Proven ability to manage large budgets and operational performance
- Experience leading organisational change and building high-performing cultures
- Strong stakeholder engagement capability across government and industry
- A demonstrated passion for improving animal welfare outcomes
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most impactful animal welfare operations in Australia.
The successful candidate will join an organisation where purpose drives performance and where leadership decisions directly influence the lives of animals across Queensland every day.
Lead with compassion. Deliver impact. Shape the future of animal welfare.
Troocoo Executive Search is delighted to partner with RSPCA Queensland to manage this recruitment process. For enquiries or to request an executive candidate pack, email executive@troocoo.com
To apply, submit your application online and include your resume and a 1-2 page cover letter outlining your relevant experience, suitability and interest in the position.