Join us as an Assistant Manager (Offsite Services) in Devon at Blue Cross UK.
This is a permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week) based in Exeter, EX2 8ED, with an interview date set for Monday, 27th October 2025.
We are recruiting an Assistant Manager to lead and streamline our home-based pet operations in Devon, ensuring every pet finds the perfect match with their new family as quickly as possible while maintaining top-quality care.
About the Role
Our Devon centre has a dedicated team with varying skills, all working together to help as many pets as possible. We provide two main services: Home Direct and a fostering network of over 80 volunteer foster carers.
In this role, you will ensure exceptional care for both pets and clients, making well-connected, efficient decisions that prioritise pet welfare. You will oversee daily activities, act as a subject matter expert in practical animal handling and assessment, and prepare pets for adoption as quickly and effectively as possible.
You will work closely with your team to ensure timely pet assessments, behaviour management, and training, while providing full support to foster carers. You will also be responsible for achieving pet-related targets and ensuring your team maintains the highest standards of animal care.
About You
You will be a great people manager with experience in an animal-related environment and expert knowledge of pet welfare and care. You will be a dynamic and innovative leader, able to inspire and motivate your team, driving continuous improvement.
You will have excellent communication skills, be able to adapt your approach for different audiences, and remain calm and organised under pressure. Your strong analytical skills will enable you to monitor and evaluate effectively, implementing meaningful improvements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
* Significant experience in managing a team.
* Significant experience in delivering high-level customer service in a fast-paced environment.
* Subject matter expertise and application of pet welfare and handling of domestic animals.
* High standard of verbal and written communication.
* Current full driving licence.
* The ability to demonstrate, understand, and apply our Blue Cross values.
It would be beneficial if you also had experience in performance management and improvement, working with volunteers, and understanding of safeguarding issues.
What We Offer
* 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.
* Enhanced family-friendly policies.
* Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible.
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