Jobs in Walnut Tree

Operational Standards and Performance Manager
Location: Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire / Hybrid working as agreed
Salary: £37,000 - £45,000 DOE
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.
We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease. We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.
MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE:
The Operational Standards and Performance Manager will lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of operational standards, quality assurance processes and performance reporting across Medical Detection Dogs. The postholder will help ensure that services, systems and ways of working are consistent, evidence-based, efficient and aligned with the charity’s mission to train dogs to save lives. Working across canine training and client services, the role will oversee the training and development of all operational staff in Training and Partnership Services.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
You will act as the central point for operational standards and performance across Training and Partnership Services, ensuring consistency in how services are delivered, measured and improved.
Working across training and client delivery functions, you will provide oversight of processes, support staff development and ensure that quality and compliance requirements are met.
You will design and embed performance frameworks, using data and insight to inform decision-making and support service improvement.
This role requires strong analytical capability, attention to detail and the ability to influence and support colleagues across a specialist, multi-disciplinary environment.
Responsibilities of the Role:
Operational Standards & Staff Development
* Develop, review and embed operational standards, procedures and service frameworks
* Ensure ways of working and competencies are clearly defined, documented and consistently applied
* Responsible for staff induction, training and ongoing development of operational staff
* Provide coaching and guidance to promote best practice across teams
* Maintain training materials and manuals, ensuring alignment with ADUK / ADI standards
* Promote a culture of learning, accountability and continuous improvement
Quality Assurance & Compliance
* Support ADI accreditation requirements and inspection readiness
* Monitor adherence to operational standards and identify areas for improvement
* Ensure appropriate documentation, record-keeping and process consistency
Performance, Data & Reporting
* Design and implement performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting tools
* Analyse operational data to identify trends, risks and opportunities
* Produce clear, concise reports and performance summaries for the Head of Training and Partnership services
* Provide actionable insights to support service improvement and decision-making
Operational Development & Projects
* Contribute to process redesign and efficiency improvements
* Identify gaps or inefficiencies and recommend practical solutions
* Support wider organisational projects where operational input is required
Essential
* Extensive experience within the assistance dog sector
* Strong knowledge of puppy development, training and socialisation
* Experience with performance reporting, KPIs and operational processes
* Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills
* Commitment to the values and mission of Medical Detection Dogs
Desirable
* Project management experience
* Coaching and people development skills
* Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused
Comfortable working in a growing charity environment
First-stage interviews will take place on Thursday 20th August 2026
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Medical Detection Dogs, please do not hesitate to apply