At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to deliver exceptional care for pets and their new families.
- Company: Join Blue Cross UK, a leader in animal welfare with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pets and people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in team management and delivering outstanding customer service required.
The predicted salary is between 25787 - 27886 £ per year.
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
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.
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.
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.
How to apply
Click 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.
Assistant Manager - Client Services (fixed term contract) in Southampton employer: Blue Cross UK
Blue Cross is an exceptional employer for Veterinary Coordinators, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located in Exeter, our team enjoys generous benefits including extensive holiday entitlement, mental health support, and opportunities for continued professional development, all while making a meaningful impact on animal welfare. Join us to be part of a compassionate and inclusive environment where your expertise will help shape the future of pet care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager - Client Services (fixed term contract) in Southampton
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Blue Cross UK. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Blue Cross UK before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager - Client Services (fixed term contract) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Blue Cross UK:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Blue Cross UK specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Blue Cross UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross UK
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
