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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to deliver exceptional care for pets and their owners.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a compassionate organisation dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pets and their adopters every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in team management and delivering outstanding customer service.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 25787 - 27886 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 18 February 2026
Department: Rehoming & Fostering Services
Employment Type: Contract / Temp
Location: Southampton
Reporting To: Centre Manager
Compensation: £25,787 - £27,886 per annum
Description: Contract: 8-month fixed term maternity cover, full time - 37.5 hours per week
Closing date: Wednesday 18th February 2026
Interview date: Thursday 26th February 2026
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 customer service, strong people management skills, and a genuine love for animal welfare, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. This is a fixed term role until 30th September 2026.
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.
- 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 an 8-month maternity cover position until 30th September, 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. At our Southampton rehoming centre, we provide onsite accommodation for pets in our care 24/7. Overnight shifts are usually undertaken by team members who live on site. Occasionally, you will be expected to carry out night checks when the resident team members are either not working or away for a period of time.
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:
- Significant experience of managing a team.
- Experience in delivering high level customer 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.
How to apply:
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date Wednesday 18th February. 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.
- 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.
Assistant Manager - Client Services (fixed term contract) in Southampton employer: Blue Cross For Pets
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross For Pets Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager - Client Services (fixed term contract) in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their values and mission, especially around animal welfare. This will help you connect your passion for pets with what they stand for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people management skills! Think of examples where you've led a team or resolved conflicts. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to show you're the right fit for leading the client services team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your customer service experience! Prepare to discuss how you've gone above and beyond for clients in the past. This role is all about delivering exceptional care, so let that shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Southampton rehoming centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager - Client Services (fixed term contract) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for animal welfare shine through! We want to see your genuine enthusiasm for helping pets and their owners. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to this cause.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your customer service skills and people management experience, as these are key for the Assistant Manager role. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross For Pets
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Assistant Manager - Client Services role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around client services and team management. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves leading a team and delivering exceptional customer service, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or handled challenging client situations in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and build trust.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Animal Welfare
This position is all about making a positive impact on pets and their owners. Be ready to discuss your love for animal welfare and any relevant experiences you've had in this area. Showing genuine enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, challenges they face, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
