At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the welcoming face and organisational backbone of our Rehoming Centre.
- Company: Join the Blue Cross family and make a difference for pets in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while providing exceptional customer service and administrative support.
- Qualifications: Experience in reception, strong communication skills, and a positive mindset.
Contract: Permanent, part-time (30 hours per week)
Salary: £19,980 (£24,976 FTE)
Location: Hitchin, SG4 8EU
Closing date: Sunday 14th June 2026
Interview date: 24th, 25th & 26th June 2026
Join our team as a Reception and Administration Assistant at our Rehoming Centre in Hertfordshire! Are you passionate about providing exceptional customer service and administrative support that makes a real difference? Here's your chance to become an integral part of our Blue Cross family, where you'll play a crucial role in delivering our mission to help more pets in need.
More about the role:
As our Reception and Administration Assistant, you'll be the welcoming face and organisational backbone of our Rehoming Centre. From greeting clients with a warm smile to ensuring our administrative processes run smoothly, you'll be at the heart of everything we do. In this role, you'll engage with clients in person, over the phone, and through digital channels, providing them with non-judgemental support and assistance. You'll maintain a clean and inviting front of house environment, ensuring all materials are up-to-date and in line with Blue Cross branding. You'll manage administrative tasks efficiently, including stock management, pet movement coordination, and cash handling.
Your collaboration with colleagues across departments will be essential as you work together to deliver outstanding client service and optimise administrative processes. Collecting and analysing visitor feedback, you'll continuously strive for excellence and contribute to the training and development of team members and volunteers, sharing your expertise and fostering growth.
If you excel in an environment where you can see the difference you make every day, then this is the role for you. Interested? Then apply and let’s work together to see if this is the role for you.
About you:
We're looking for someone who demonstrates empathy, resilience, and a positive mindset, even in emotionally charged environments. Thriving in a diverse, fast-paced environment, you enjoy taking on new challenges and excel in problem-solving, organisation, and attention to detail.
Knowledge, skills, and experience:
- Experience in delivering high level reception service in a fast paced and often emotional environment.
- Good standard of verbal and written communication.
- Experience of dealing with the public, managing enquiries by phone, email enquiries and face-to-face.
- Strong administration skills, including the use of computerised systems.
- Experience of handling and managing cash and spreadsheets.
- Current full driving licence.
It would be great (but not essential) if you also had:
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Customer Care
- Experience of working in a similar role or working in a pet welfare role/environment.
- Experience working with volunteers.
- Experience of working with the public
- Experience of public speaking
- An understanding for the voluntary sector
- Experience of working in a team and mentoring others
- Understanding of safeguarding issues.
For more information about this rewarding role, please take a look at the attached job description.
How to apply:
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on Sunday 14th June 2026. 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
Receptionist and Administration Assistant employer: Blue Cross
At Blue Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values the contributions of every team member. Located in Hitchin, our Rehoming Centre provides a unique opportunity to engage with the community while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pets in need. With generous benefits, including extensive holiday entitlement, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities, we are committed to fostering employee growth and satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist and Administration Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research Blue Cross, their mission, and values. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since you'll be the welcoming face at the Rehoming Centre, think of scenarios where you might need to handle tricky situations. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions for your interviewers. Asking about team dynamics or how they support staff development shows that you're keen on collaboration and growth, which is super important in this role.
✨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 tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital side of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist and Administration Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for customer service and animal welfare shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in reception and administration roles. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your 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 why you’d be a great fit!
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 to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Reception and Administration Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, like managing enquiries and maintaining a welcoming environment. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about providing exceptional customer service, be prepared to share specific examples from your past experiences. Think of situations where you handled difficult clients or went above and beyond to assist someone. This will highlight your empathy and resilience, which are crucial for this position.
✨Prepare for Common Interview Questions
Anticipate questions related to your experience in fast-paced environments and your administrative skills. Practice responses that reflect your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. You might also want to prepare for situational questions that assess how you would handle emotional scenarios, as this role can involve sensitive situations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
