Assistant Manager Client Services (maternity cover): Southampton

Contract:  12-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:  Thursday 12 June 2025 

Interview date:  Thursday 19 & Friday 20 June 2025 

Planned start date: Monday 18 August 2025 

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 client care, strong people management skills, and a genuine love for animal welfare, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 

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 a 12-month maternity cover position, 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 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:

• Experience of working in a rescue welfare environment. 
• Significant experience of managing a team. 
• Experience in delivering high level client 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. 

Want to know more detail? Great! We have attached the job description which hopefully gives you everything you need.  

How to apply  

Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date Thursday 12 June 2025. 

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   
• Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention  
• 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