Overview
The Assistant Manager - Off-site Services will play a key role in delivering the Blue Cross and Horse Rehoming & Fostering strategies, embedding a culture that empowers teams and drives the efficient progression of horses through off-site services, maximising the number of horses we can help. More about the role As Assistant Manager, you will support the delivery of the Blue Cross strategy by ensuring the smooth and effective running of all off-site horse care services, including Home Direct, foster yards, horses on loan and the transfer of ownership process. You will create a positive and inclusive culture that engages and motivates your team to deliver high standards of horse welfare, while ensuring services are delivered efficiently, within budget and with a focus on continuous improvement and income generation. You will play a key role in developing off-site services by identifying opportunities for growth, supporting new ways of working and strengthening partnerships to help Blue Cross support more horses. You will be accountable for achieving horse related targets, leading and motivating a regional team to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes in line with Blue Cross quality measures and national processes. Working closely with the Volunteer Coordinator, you will support the expansion of the off-site service through the development of remote volunteer networks, enabling the timely and effective progression of horses through Home Direct, foster care and into ownership. You will oversee the day to day running of operations, applying your knowledge of horse behaviour, welfare and veterinary needs to provide practical support with handling, assessment and training where required, ensuring horses are prepared for adoption as efficiently as possible. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across admissions, adoptions and onsite teams to optimise outcomes for horses, ensuring foster yards and volunteers are well supported and that horses on loan are managed effectively through to successful transfer of ownership. As a visible representative of Blue Cross, you will place client service at the heart of every interaction and deputise for colleagues when required to ensure continuity of service. This is full time permanent role based at our Rolleston site. The working hours are 37.5 per week on a rota which includes weekends and bank holidays. For a more detailed look at the role and its requirements, please see the attached job description.
Key Responsibilities & Leadership Requirements
You will be an experienced and inclusive people manager, with a background in a horse-related environment and strong practical knowledge of horse welfare and care. You will understand how to drive performance, improve efficiencies and confidently address underperformance, including having constructive and sometimes difficult conversations. You will be confident leading a regional team, including managing remote workers and volunteers, and able to develop and empower others through effective management, coaching and clear communication. You will be a positive and adaptable leader, able to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment. With strong analytical skills, you will use data and insight to monitor performance and support continuous improvement. You will demonstrate resilience and emotional intelligence, supporting your team and delivering excellent customer service. Above all, you will be motivated to continually improve off-site services and help Blue Cross achieve its ambition of helping more horses.
Skills & Experience
* Significant experience in managing a team with performance management and improvement experience.
* Experienced in delivering high level client service in a fast-paced environment.
* In depth subject matter expertise and application of horse welfare and handling of horses.
* Experience of working with horses in a range of environments including sound knowledge of horse behaviour and veterinary issues;
* High standard of verbal and written communication with IT skills.
* Experience of developing, mentoring & coaching/training operational teams.
* Proven decision‑making ability, supporting strategic development and growth of services.
* Current full driving licence.
* The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross Values.
Desirable Skills
* Managing remote teams.
* Change management experience.
* Delivering training and presenting to large groups.
* Experience working with volunteers.
* Qualifications in management, leadership or coaching.
* Understanding of safeguarding issues.
Interview Process
The interview process will consist of a competency‑based interview, a short presentation and a role play scenario.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Benefits
* 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr