Assistant Manager Client Services (maternity cover): Southampton
Assistant Manager Client Services (maternity cover): Southampton

Assistant Manager Client Services (maternity cover): Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 25787 - 27886 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to provide exceptional care for pets and their owners.
  • Company: Join Blue Cross, a compassionate organisation dedicated to animal welfare.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, wellbeing support, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of pets and their adopters every day.
  • Qualifications: Experience in client services and team management is essential.
  • Other info: This is a 12-month maternity cover role with a supportive team culture.

The predicted salary is between 25787 - 27886 £ per year.

Assistant Manager Client Services (maternity cover): Southampton

Application Deadline: 6 July 2025

Department: Rehoming & Fostering Services

Employment Type: Fixed Term – Full Time

Location: Southampton

Reporting To: Centre Manager

Compensation: £25,787 – £27,886 / year

Description

Contract: 12-month fixed-term maternity cover, full time – 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £25,787 – £27,886 per annum
Location: Southampton, SO30 2HL
Closing date: Sunday 6 July 2025
Interview date: 15 & 16 July 2025
Planned start date: Monday 18 August 2025
We’re looking for a passionate and driven Assistant Manager – Client Services to join our team at the Southampton rehoming centre and help lead our work supporting people and pets. If you have a talent for delivering outstanding client care, strong people management skills, and a genuine love for animal welfare, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

More about the role

Our Southampton Rehoming Centre plays a vital role in supporting animals and their people, with on-site kennels and a cattery providing direct care and rehoming services. As part of a compassionate and dedicated team, you’ll help oversee day-to-day operations, support our clients, and ensure we’re making a positive difference in the lives of pets and their owners every day.
As Assistant Manager – Client Services, you’ll be at the forefront of this work. You’ll:
  • Lead and line manage the client services team to deliver exceptional care from first enquiry through to adoption or other support
  • Work closely with the team to assess and admit pets, match them with the right adopters, and guide clients through every step of their journey
  • Use data and insights to shape services and continuously improve client experience
  • Collaborate with the local leadership team to meet targets and drive pet welfare outcomes
  • Be hands-on with day-to-day operations including managing enquiries, prioritising admissions and promoting pets in our care
This is a 12-month maternity cover position, working full time at 37.5 hours per week on a rota that includes 1 in 3 weekends and bank holidays. The working day is from 8.30am to 5.00pm.

About you

You understand what it takes to match pets with new homes and are passionate about delivering an outstanding client experience. With a sharp eye for detail and a drive for improvement, you know how to assess what’s working – and what’s not.
As a people manager, you\’re confident in leading by example, setting expectations, and ensuring your team has the support they need to succeed.
A natural leader, you bring out the best in your team, supporting and coaching them to grow. You\’re calm under pressure, thrive in busy environments, and communicate clearly with people from all walks of life.
Your resilience and empathy shine through in emotional situations, helping you build trust, handle challenges with care, and create a compassionate, high-performing team.
Knowledge, skills, and experience:
  • Experience of working in a rescue welfare environment.
  • Significant experience of managing a team.
  • Experience in delivering high level client service.
  • Experience of working in a fast-paced environment.
  • High standard of verbal and written communication.
  • Proven decision-making ability.
  • Current full driving licence.
  • The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross Values
It would be great (but not essential) if you also had:
  • Performance management and improvement experience.
  • Understanding of safeguarding issues.
  • Experience of admission and adoption processes in a rescue environment.
Want to know more detail? Great! We have attached the job description which hopefully gives you everything you need.
How to apply
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date Sunday 6 July 2025.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.

Blue Cross benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.
In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.
Our generous benefits package includes:
  • Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
  • Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
  • Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
  • Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
  • Health cash plan
  • Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
  • Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
  • Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
  • Life assurance
  • 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
  • Enhanced family friendly policies
  • Recognition scheme
  • Annual volunteer days
  • Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the \’why work for us\’ page on our website.

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Assistant Manager Client Services (maternity cover): Southampton employer: Blue Cross For Pets

At Blue Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both our employees and the animals we serve. Located in Southampton, our Rehoming Centre provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their owners, while enjoying generous benefits such as extensive holiday entitlement, professional development support, and a strong focus on mental and physical wellbeing. Join us to lead a dedicated team in delivering outstanding client services and experience personal growth in a fulfilling environment.
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Contact Detail:

Blue Cross For Pets Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager Client Services (maternity cover): Southampton

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the Southampton Rehoming Centre. Understanding their operations and the challenges they face will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to contribute effectively during the interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to discuss how you can motivate and support your team to deliver exceptional client care, as this is a key aspect of the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Research the latest trends in animal welfare and client services. Being knowledgeable about current best practices will not only impress the interviewers but also show that you're proactive and passionate about the field.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the organisation, and it gives you a chance to assess if the position aligns with your values and career goals.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager Client Services (maternity cover): Southampton

Client Care Excellence
Team Management
Animal Welfare Knowledge
Data Analysis and Insights
Communication Skills
Decision-Making Ability
Resilience in Emotional Situations
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Experience in Fast-Paced Environments
Understanding of Admission and Adoption Processes
Performance Management
Empathy and Compassion
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Full Driving Licence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in client services and team management. Emphasise any previous roles in animal welfare or rescue environments, as well as your ability to deliver high-level client service.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal welfare and your leadership skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to the Southampton Rehoming Centre's mission.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in communication, decision-making, and team management. Mention any experience you have with performance management and improvement, as these are valuable for the role.

Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the online application process as outlined in the job description. Double-check that all required documents are included and that you submit your application before the deadline of 6 July 2025.

How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross For Pets

✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare

Make sure to express your genuine love for animal welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have had in rescue or fostering environments, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation's mission.

✨Highlight Your People Management Skills

As an Assistant Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous management experiences, focusing on how you've supported and developed your team members. Use specific examples to illustrate your leadership style and how you handle challenges.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions or manage difficult situations, especially in a fast-paced environment. This will showcase your resilience and ability to thrive under pressure.

✨Demonstrate Your Client Service Experience

Since delivering exceptional client care is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your experience in providing high-level client service. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to meet client needs and improve their experience, particularly in a welfare context.

Assistant Manager Client Services (maternity cover): Southampton
Blue Cross For Pets
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