Location: Homebased with regular nationwide travel
Work pattern: 35 hours per week
Salary: Up to £75,884.23 per annum
Contract: Permanent
We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.
Will you join us and make life better for cats?
Responsibilities of our Associate Director of Community & Retail
This role leads the strategic development of Cats Protection’s community, events, retail and e-commerce functions, all of which are undergoing significant transformation. It is responsible for delivering the vision of maximising grassroots community engagement while improving retail profitability, customer experience and overall value.
The successful candidate will ensure these income-generating activities strengthen regional presence, align closely with service delivery teams and increase visibility in areas where the charity is less established. The role is accountable for realising both the financial and brand value of these activities, ensuring they work effectively together.
As a senior position within the Marketing and Income Generation (MIG) Leadership Team, the role works closely with the MIG Director and peers to drive high performance, collaboration and excellence across the directorate. It also leads and supports cross-directorate initiatives to improve impact, integration and organisational outcomes for Cats Protection.
About the Community & Retail team:
We run a diverse portfolio of third party challenge events, mass participation events, a DIY fundraising programme and a sizeable community based income generation programme spanning both on and offline presence,
We have a large network of versatile charity shops covering England, Wales and Scotland and a growing and diversifying ecommerce operation
What we’re looking for:
Significant experience of the range of community fundraising disciplines and/or charity retail and trading
Experience of working as part of a senior leadership team and a thorough understanding of how to develop strong and effective collaboration with a range of stakeholders
Significant team management experience of large teams and ability to inspire and develop staff to achieve ambitious targets and overcome challenges
A tenacious, confident and capable leader, able to deliver ambitious targets and work effectively
Thorough understanding of strategy, planning, risk management and dependency planning
Appreciative of Cats Protection’s vision, mission and values
What we can offer you:
range of health benefits
26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing
Second stage in person interview (location TBC): 7th July 2026
Please email recruitment@cats.org.uk if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey
We operate a bias-free application process in our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. To assess your application quickly, fairly and objectively, please fully complete the qualifications and work history sections of our online application form.
Redacted CVs may be accepted by exception.
We believe being an inclusive, diverse organisation - where we welcome diversity of thought, value individuals' experience and can reach and partner all areas of society - is crucial if we're to help more cats. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.
There’s a place for everyone at Cats Protection and we encourage applications from talented people across all communities.
Cats Protection is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and protecting anyone that comes into contact with us from harm. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. You may be subject to a criminal record check if required for the role.
