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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 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 required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and a supportive work environment.
Contract: 8-month fixed term maternity cover, full time - 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £25,787 - £27,886
Location: Southampton, SO30 2HL
Closing date: Sunday 18th January 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 27th January 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 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 Sunday 18th January 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
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website. If you’d like to learn more about Blue Cross, our mission, and the work we do to support animals and people, take a look at our About Us page.
Assistant Manager - Client Services (fixed term contract) in Southampton employer: Blue Cross
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross 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, do a bit of research on Blue Cross and their mission. This will help you connect your passion for animal welfare with their values, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on showcasing your people management skills and customer service experience, as these are key for the Assistant Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share examples! Think of specific situations where you've led a team or improved client experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager - Client Services (fixed term contract) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in customer service and team management. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of supporting people and pets!
Show Your Passion: Let your love for animal welfare shine through in your written application. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of pets and their owners.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate strong communication skills in our team members.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website before the closing date! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you one step closer to joining our compassionate team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of an Assistant Manager in Client Services, especially around customer service and team management. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Since this role is all about supporting pets and their owners, be ready to share your experiences or stories that highlight your love for animal welfare. Whether it's volunteering at a shelter or simply having pets of your own, let your passion shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like managing a difficult client or leading your team during busy times. Think of examples from your past experience that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to lead under pressure.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have a chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the team's dynamics, the challenges they face, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
