Job Description

Company:

Ridgeway Research Ltd

Job Type:

Full-time

Salary

: 28-32,000 (Depending on experience)

The Role

Join our dedicated team committed to the highest standards of animal care, welfare, and research excellence. We are seeking an experienced Animal Facilities Manager to oversee our livestock and study animals, ensuring their health and wellbeing while fostering an environment of compliance and continuous improvement.

As the Animal Facilities Manager, you will be the primary point of contact for all matters concerning the care and housing of our animals. You will lead a team of animal care technicians, manage farm operations, ensure adherence to regulatory standards (including NACWO responsibilities), and actively contribute to study planning and delivery.

Key responsibilities

Animal Welfare & Husbandry

? Ensure daily oversight of animal care, including health checks, housing conditions, and welfare monitoring.

? Maintain compliance with relevant codes of practice and internal standard operating procedures (SOPs).

? Execute NACWO duties and facilitate staff training for General Health Observations.

? Support pre-clinical and clinical studies, focusing on data collection, sample handling, and protocol-driven care.

Team Leadership

? Manage, train, and mentor the Animal Care Team (ACT).

? Maintain training records, lead bi-weekly rota planning, and ensure adequate staffing.

? Provide hands-on technical support when needed.

Compliance & Records

? Maintain meticulous records in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, covering aspects from animal movements to equipment logs.

? Assist in study planning, contribute to SOP development, and participate in research meetings.

? Ensure compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act and biosecurity standards.

Farm & Facility Management

? Oversee animal housing, feed stock, bedding supplies, and maintain site cleanliness.

? Manage machinery maintenance, pest control, and biosecurity strategies.

? Collaborate with management on land use, site security, and infrastructure improvements.

Planning & Procurement

? Source animals, feed, and equipment aligned with study timelines.

? Coordinate vaccinations, TB testing, and animal health interventions.

? Support budgeting, forecasting, and grant applications.

What we are looking for

We seek a passionate individual who thrives in a hands-on environment and has a strong affinity for animals and logistics. The ideal candidate will possess excellent leadership capabilities, meticulous attention to detail, and a solid understanding of compliance protocols.

Required

? Proven experience in managing animal care or farm facilities.

? Knowledge of animal welfare legislation.

? Strong leadership and team coordination skills.

? Exceptional administrative and organisational abilities.

? Familiarity with GLP or experience in regulated environments.

? Physical capability to work on-site with livestock and in outdoor conditions.

Preferred

? NACWO status or IAT qualifications (or willingness to obtain).

? Experience in research or veterinary studies.

? Knowledge of farm machinery operation or maintenance.

What we offer

? An opportunity to contribute to impactful work in a collaborative and friendly environment.

? Competitive salary and pension scheme

? Professional development and growth opportunities.

? Employee benefits include training support, flexible working arrangements, staff events, complimentary Thursday lunches, and occasional treats.

? A countryside setting to work in, based in the Forest of Dean.

About us

Ridgeway Research Ltd. is a UK-based contract research organisation (CRO) with over 30 years of experience supporting the livestock industry in product development and licensing. Specialising in veterinary parasitology and research and development (R&D), we offer tailored services to both small and large clients by designing, conducting, and reporting on studies involving livestock and farmed birds.

Our mission is to enhance animal health and welfare through innovative research. We uphold high standards and foster a friendly team environment, ensuring our work creates a meaningful impact. We have a responsibility to the people, organisations, and animals we work with to get it right, and that's what we do. Not only that, our research is carried out with the highest standards of ethics and welfare. We do this because we care.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 28,000.00-32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Experience:

Animal care: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person