Assistant Manager - Client Services (fixed term contract) in Southampton

Join to apply for the Assistant Manager – Client Services role at Blue Cross UK .

Department: Rehoming & Fostering Services | Location: Southampton | Application Deadline: 18 January 2026

Contract: 8-month fixed term maternity cover, full time 37.5 hours per week | Salary: £25,787 – £27,886 per annum | Closing date: Sunday 18 January 2026 | Interview date: Tuesday 27 January 2026

Job DescriptionWe\’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.

Responsibilities

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.

About youYou 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.

BenefitsOur 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.

How to applyClick the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date Sunday 18th January 2026 . We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.

Seniority levelMid‐Senior level

Employment typeTemporary

Job functionBusiness Development and Sales

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