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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to provide exceptional care for pets and their owners.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a compassionate organisation dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, health cash plan, and wellbeing support.
- 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 development.
The predicted salary is between 25787 - 27886 £ per year.
Contract: 8-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: 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. 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 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 license.
- 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:
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement: 30 days plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- Health cash plan
- Life assurance
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
- Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
- Free access to GP via MetLife
- Recognition scheme
- Annual volunteer days
- Claim for professional fees
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 in Manchester employer: Blue Cross
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager - Client Services in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Blue Cross and its values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach during interviews and show how you align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to client services and team management. Role-play with a friend or use our resources to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share personal stories that highlight your love for animal welfare and customer service. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and appreciate the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager - Client Services in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for animal welfare shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in customer service and team management. We’re looking for someone who can lead our client services team, so show us how your background fits the bill!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, as we appreciate high standards of written communication.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website before the closing date! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Assistant Manager - Client Services role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as leading the client services team and ensuring exceptional care for pets and their owners. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine passion for animal welfare.
✨Showcase Your People Management Skills
As a people manager, it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've supported and coached team members in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve had to manage challenges or improve team performance, as this will show your ability to lead effectively in a busy environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Expertise
Since delivering outstanding customer service is a key part of this role, be ready to discuss your previous experiences. Share stories that illustrate your ability to handle enquiries, match pets with adopters, and guide clients through their journey. This will showcase your commitment to providing a positive client experience.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. Ask about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how success is measured in this position. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if the company is the right fit for you.
