Police Dog School Manager

This role is within a unit where Surrey Police and Sussex Police work in collaboration, whilst remaining two separate legal entities/employers with different terms and conditions.

Both Surrey Police staff and Sussex Police staff are employed in this unit on their own force terms and conditions.

Successful candidates may be appointed on the terms and conditions of employment of either Surrey Police or Sussex Police, depending on organisational requirements. A discussion will be held with the successful candidate to confirm the details of location, salary, allowances and hours.

Division / Department - Operations Command
Grade - Surrey Police Level 1 / Sussex Police M1
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - Surrey Police £44,053 - £57,478 / Sussex Police £49,716 - £54,696
Working Hours - 36.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - No
Politically Restricted - No
Location - Surrey Police Headquarters, Guildford

The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.

We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

We wish you all the very best with your application.

From your first day with us you will be part of a policing family making a real difference.

It is our mission to identify and protect vulnerable people, prevent and respond to harm and keep people safe.

Shape the future of policing excellence - through world class dog training.

Do you have the leadership confidence, commercial mindset, and passion for policing standards needed to drive one of the UK's most respected Police Dog Training Schools? Surrey & Sussex Police are looking for an exceptional manager to lead our Dog Training School ensuring it remains a viable, high performing, and nationally reputable centre of excellence.

Unique opportunity to combine operational policing support with strong business acumen, customer engagement, and strategic influence across the wider policing landscape.

About the Role

As the Police Dog Training School Manager, you will lead the day to day operations of the School, ensuring that every element of training delivery is NPCC compliant, customer focused, financially sustainable, and aligned to the needs of our operational Dog Unit.

Working closely with the Operational Dog Unit Inspector and national policing partners, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining the School's reputation for exceptional training standards, innovation, and ethics while also driving income generation and sound commercial decision making.

What We're Looking For

• A confident leader with experience managing specialist training, or commercial services.
• Strong business acumen and a track record of income generation and service development.
• Excellent communication and partnership building skills.
• Passion for high standards and continuous improvement.
• Ability to influence nationally, innovate locally, and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.

Candidates must have the Skills and Experiance to Deliver:

Leadership & Business Management

• Ensure the Dog Training School remains a viable and sustainable asset for Surrey and Sussex Police.
• Oversee course pricing, commercial opportunities, and income generation to support long term financial stability.
• Engage with customers and partner organisations to maintain high quality training provision and respond proactively to feedback and improvement opportunities.

Excellence & Compliance

• Manage day to day activity, ensuring full compliance with:

National Training Standards

Surrey & Sussex Police policies and procedures

• Prioritise training for Surrey & Sussex operational dog teams in partnership with the Dog Unit Inspector, ensuring a cohesive and efficient course programme.
• Act as the SPOC for all matters relating to Police Dog training and licensing for both forces.
• Ensure Compliance with animal welfare standards and care

Partnerships, Quality & National Influence

• Actively contribute to the NPCC Police Dog Working Group and implement new recommendations to keep the School at the forefront of national best practice.
• Promote the work of the Dog School and Dog Unit through corporate communications and media engagement.
• Ensure all dog breeding and procurement processes are ethical, transparent, and legitimate.

Culture, Learning & Innovation

• Work with operational colleagues to ensure real world learning informs future training delivery.
• Champion a positive, progressive culture within the School and wider Dog Unit.
• Support consistent delivery of NPCC compliant,…