Country Director UK

FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Find out more about our sustainable campaigns and projects on https://www.four-paws.org.

Would you like to contribute to something meaningful and work with us on our mission? This is your chance. We are looking for dedicated people to enrich our team.

Your contribution will be

• Providing thoughtful and visionary leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering, leading FOUR PAWS UK in delivery of the organisation’s mission as defined by FOUR PAWS International
• Translating organisational vision and global strategy into clear UK priorities, identifying opportunities, managing risks, and delivering tangible, measurable impact for animals
• Leading and shaping the UK’s programmatic, campaigning, and advocacy work, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and high standards of effectiveness and impact
• Reporting to the UK Board and acting as company secretary for FOUR PAWS UK, providing independent governance advice and ensuring full compliance with all statutory and legal obligations, while also contributing to strategic direction and alignment of the UK entity within the global FOUR PAWS organisation
• Representing and promoting the objectives of FOUR PAWS UK externally, influencing key stakeholders and policymakers, including contributing to relevant policy development and engagement at ministerial and government department level
• Leading and developing the UK team, fostering a motivated, high‑performing, and values‑driven culture that supports engagement and long‑term retention
• Overseeing UK operations and organisational performance, ensuring operational excellence across fundraising, finance, administration, communications, and compliance
• Working closely with the Head of Finance and Administration and other senior colleagues to monitor and manage budgets and expenditure in line with agreed organisational principles, governance requirements, and financial controls
• Collaborating closely with international teams, translating global priorities into the UK context and ensuring effective delivery of fundraising operations and national communications strategies

Your profile ideally illustrates

• Proven track record in senior leadership, operational and strategic roles within NGOs, ideally in animal protection and welfare 
• Extensive knowledge in animal welfare or related areas, with a strong affinity for the FOUR PAWS mission 
• Demonstrated ability to strategically position an organisation, constructively managing the relationship and natural tension between national and international priorities 
• Strong understanding of the political landscape relevant to animal welfare, with the ability to translate insights into effective advocacy and positioning 
• Skilled in leading through change, fostering adaptability and innovation 
• Ability to move effortlessly between strategic thinking and hands-on execution, ensuring alignment between big-picture goals and day-to-day operations 
• Strong team connector, fostering collaboration and synergy across teams and departments 
• Advanced interpersonal skills, adjusting communication to diverse audiences and encouraging open dialogue 
• Exemplary in prioritsation and responsible delegation, ensuring clarity and accountability 
• Passion for animal welfare and FOUR PAWS’ vision and mission

Our offer includes

• A contract limited to 2 years, with the intention to extend 
• The opportunity to truly contribute to global animal welfare 
• Being part of a multinational team 
• Flexible working times with the option of partial remote work 
• Workplace health and wellbeing initiatives 
• Contributory workplace pension with Standard Life 
• Promoting diversity and inclusion in the office 
• PAWSdays: extra days off at the end of the year on top of your annual leave 
• Birthday leave: extra day off to use around your birthday 
• The yearly gross salary range for this position is £85,000 – £95,000 (full-time base) according to our internal compensation scheme 
   

We reveal, rescue and protect unique animals from many different species through systems change and by creating species-appropriate environments at our sanctuaries! 

We celebrate our colleagues' differences and strive to create an inclusive environment because we believe that only by working together, we can advance animal welfare worldwide. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage candidates from all diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with diverse lived experiences, racial identities, national origins, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and disability statuses to apply. We welcome everyone who wants to support our mission. Please contact careers@four-paws.org if you require assistance applying to this position. 

All interested individuals are invited to submit their applications for the position. Please note that in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, having a valid work permit for the respective country or being eligible to obtain one is a requirement for this position prior to commencing employment. 

Join our passionate team to make a difference for animals. Apply with your CV in English today.

Application deadline: 5th of May 2026