Animal Welfare and Husbandry Manager

Job Description

Job Description:

The focus of this role is to support the Protocol Execution Manager and ensure the safety, well-being and proper care of the pets housed at the Royal Canin Pet Center. This includes overseeing the daily operations of the facility, managing a team of caretakers, and contributing to the delivery of high quality animal care and welfare at the North American Royal Canin Pet Center.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Science or relevant is preferred or equivalent experience

• Minimum number of years – 2-5 years of leadership experience combined with 1-3 years of experience caring for and handling animals

• Experience working in an animal facility is preferred

• Proven ability to lead people

• Excellent communication and business writing skills

• Ability to lead with ambiguity and adapt quickly to change

• Working proficiency In Excel, Word and Power Point.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Leadership

• Demonstrate the ability to set clear goals and expectations within the team that align business priorities.

• Inspire and motivate teams through effective communication and accountability.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Engage a high performing team by providing coaching, feedback, and opportunities for growth.

• Support all parts of the Mars Ecosystem as it pertains to business needs.

• Drive operational excellence by identifying inefficiencies and implementing lean and efficient practices to improve productivity.

• Develop and define KPI”s to evaluate the success and efficiency of the program ensuring alignment with business objectives and welfare standards. Leverage these insights to drive decision making, improve study outcomes and influence stakeholders.

• Coordination of work schedules and day-to-day responsibilities for caretakers.

Welfare and Husbandry

• Lead and oversee the daily operations of the animals housed at the pet center to ensure pet safety, pet well-being and welfare, and efficient running of the facility.

• Implementation of the MARS Standard Operating Procedures and Animal Management Programs within the facility ensuring compliance and consistency.

• Partner with Behavior, Veterinary, and Research teams to align on welfare standards and support study execution.

• Integrate behavior and training into daily husbandry practices and ensure low stress handling and enrichment.

• Own and continuously improve the animal welfare and husbandry program, ensuring best practices and by driving actionable outcomes from audits.

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of activities within the pet center.

• Oversee inventory and procurement of necessary supplies.

• Ensure all activities align with the Mars Quality Management Systems (QMS).

• Uphold protocols and procedures to maintain compliance with IACUC and USDA regulations.

• All other activities, tasks, project work, and responsibilities as assigned.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.