Rehoming Centre Manager – fixed term
Join Blue Cross UK as the Centre Manager for our Devon rehoming advice and behaviour unit. This is a fixed‑term contract position until 16 February 2027.
Base pay range
We’ll offer a competitive package based on your skills and experience – talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Role Overview
As Centre Manager you will be responsible for all aspects of the centre – pets, people, compliance and finances. You will inspire and empower the team, embed a culture of continuous improvement and ensure the highest welfare standards. Your key tasks include:
* Lead the Devon rehoming advice and behaviour unit.
* Work closely with Assistant Managers.
* Embed a culture of continuous improvement.
* Maintain high welfare standards.
* Ensure the centre’s compliance and financial performance.
Working hours: 37.5 hours per week on a locally agreed rota, including weekends and bank holidays. Standard hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday, with 1 in 3 weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
About You
You will be an inspirational leader with a proven track record of motivating, developing and supporting people in a fast‑paced environment. You’ll bring strong operational and people management skills – able to set direction, take action and empower others to deliver improvements.
You possess in‑depth knowledge of animal welfare and operational excellence from a similar environment, are confident and decisive, and have the balance of pets, people and resources to achieve outstanding results.
Resilient, empathetic and emotionally intelligent, you thrive on challenge and approach every situation with a positive, problem‑solving mindset.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
* Significant experience of successfully motivating, leading and developing high‑performance teams, setting clear objectives and managing performance in an animal welfare setting.
* Strong knowledge of animal welfare/care, ensuring operational excellence in a similar environment.
* Experience of embracing change, leading and managing change in line with organisational objectives.
* Financial awareness and numeracy.
* Proven experience of working constructively and collaboratively with colleagues from different teams.
* Excellent interpersonal and consultative skills – communication, presentation, negotiation, influence and ability to build credibility with colleagues and external parties.
* Experience of working in a commercial environment where cost control and high service levels are critical.
* Experience of working in an emotionally charged environment, demonstrating empathy, resilience under pressure and dealing with distressed people and animals.
* Ability to demonstrate, understand and apply Blue Cross values.
* Current full driving licence.
How to apply
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date – Sunday 18th January 2026.
The process will include:
* First stage interview and site tour.
* Online Discovery Session – scenario‑based exercises and group discussions to demonstrate leadership style and approach to change.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Blue Cross benefits
* Pro rata full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including bank holidays).
* Programmes for physical and mental well‑being 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr