Receptionist

Cats; Ferndown; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellbeing benefits

26 days’ annual leave (pro rata)

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Salary Finance

Eye care vouchers

Confidential advice services

Enhanced sick pay

Family-friendly policies

Discounted pet insurance

Job summary

Dorset Cat Centre in Wimborne, Dorset, is seeking a Receptionist on a permanent basis. The role is 20.5 hours per week over 4 days, including one weekend day and bank holidays when required. Working hours are Sun-Tues 10.15-4.15 and Wed 8.15-12.45, with breaks.

Salary is up to £14,023.76 per year. You will be the friendly first point of contact for visitors, volunteers and staff, handling multiple communication channels and providing essential administrative support to keep the centre running

Qualifications

• Previous administration or customer service experience
• A confident communicator with excellent organisational skills
• A strong, flexible team player
• Ability to work on own initiative accurately and under pressure
• Experience using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel

Responsibilities

• To play an integral role within the centre team, providing a welcoming and professional first point of contact for members of the public, volunteers and other stakeholders. The role provides information and assistance through telephone, face-to-face and digital communication, alongside essential administrative and operational support to help the centre run smoothly and effectively.

Skills

Customer service

Administration

Organisation

Communication

Team player

Work under pressure

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

Team: Dorset Cat Centre

Location: Wimborne, Dorset

Work pattern: 20.5 hours per week over 4 days including 1 weekend day and bank holidays when required. Working hours Sun-Tues 10.15-4.15, Wed 8.15-12.45 (inc breaks)

Salary: Up to £14,023.76per year

Contract: Permanent

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Receptionist:

• To play an integral role within the centre team, providing a welcoming and professional first point of contact for members of the public, volunteers and other stakeholders. The role provides information and assistance through telephone, face-to-face and digital communication, alongside essential administrative and operational support to help the centre run smoothly and effectively.

About the Dorset Cat Centre team:

• our adoption and homing centres care for thousands of cats each year until they are able to find a loving new home.
• our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work together to provide the best possible care for the cats at our centre, while supporting the many different activities that help keep the centre running smoothly.

What we’re looking for in our Receptionist:

• previous administration or customer service experience
• a confident communicator with excellent organisational skills.
• a strong, flexible team player
• ability to work on own initiative accurately and under pressure
• experience using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel

What we can offer you in a role where you make a difference to cats’ lives every day:

• Health and wellbeing benefits to help you stay well at work
• Ongoing learning and development to help you build your skills and grow your career
• 26 days’ annual leave, increasing with service (pro rata)
• A competitive contributory pension scheme and life assurance for peace of mind
• Practical financial support, including access to Salary Finance
• Everyday support such as eye care vouchers and confidential advice services
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most
• Access to discounted pet insurance to help care for your pet’s health
• Find out more about our reward package: here

Application closing date: 13October 2026

Interview date: 20 and 22 October 2026

Please note, we do not accept applications or speculative CVs from agencies.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to..

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.

Please email [e-mail] if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.