Rehoming Centre Manager - Fixed Term Contract

Blue Cross For Pets; Exeter; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK animal welfare organization is seeking a Rehoming Centre Manager in Devon. This full-time, fixed-term role involves managing all aspects of the centre, including team leadership, animal welfare, and financial compliance. The ideal candidate will possess strong operational management skills, experience in animal welfare, and the ability to motivate a team in a fast-paced environment. Competitive salary of £28,481 - £33,118 per year, with numerous employee benefits available.

Benefits

38 days holiday rising to 43

Health cash plan

Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution

Recognition scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading and supporting people in high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrated experience in animal welfare and operational management.
• Full driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Devon rehoming advice and behaviour unit.
• Ensure compliance and high welfare standards for pets.
• Develop and inspire staff while meeting centre objectives.

Skills

Motivating high-performance teams

Animal welfare knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Financial awareness

Job description

Rehoming Centre Manager - Fixed Term Contract

Application Deadline: 18 January 2026

Department: Rehoming & Fostering Services

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Devon (Exeter, EX2 8ED)

Reporting To: Rehoming Operations Manager

Compensation: £28,481 - £33,118 per year

Description

Contract: Full time, fixed term until 16 February 2027

Salary: £28,481 to £33,118 per annum

Closing date: Sunday 18 January 2026

Interview dates:

• 1st stage interview – Monday 26 January 2026
• 2nd stage discovery session – Monday 2 February 2026

Are you an experienced operational manager, who relishes a challenge, with a passion for pets and people?

We’re recruiting a Centre Manager with strong leadership, organisational and communication skills to lead our Devon rehoming advice and behaviour unit in all pets, people, financial and compliance matters!

This is a dynamic role and a fixed term contract until 16 February 2027.

More about the role

At our rehoming, advice & behaviour unit in Devon, our foster‑based care and Home Direct Scheme ensures animals find loving homes without the stress of kennels. Pets are not kept overnight, so the role involves varied daily tasks.

As Centre Manager, you’ll be responsible for all aspects of the Centre – pets, people, compliance and finances. Working closely with your Assistant Managers, you’ll inspire and empower your team, embed a culture of continuous improvement and ensure the highest welfare standards.

The role is about leading people and delivering the strategy for the Devon centre. You will build great relationships and continue to meet the objectives of the centre.

As the public face of Blue Cross, you will ensure customer service is at the heart of every interaction. The work carried out by our Centres is key to achieving our strategy.

The standard hours are 37.5 per week on a locally agreed rota, including weekends. Working hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday‑Friday, with 1 in 3 weekends and bank holidays. Flexibility is required where business need arises.

Want to know more detail? The full job description is attached for your reference.

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, setting direction and empowering others to deliver improvements.

Alongside your leadership strengths, you’ll have in‑depth knowledge of animal welfare and operational excellence from a similar environment. You are confident, decisive and balance the needs 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, and experience

• Significant experience of successfully motivating, leading and developing high‑performance teams, including setting clear objectives and managing performance in an animal welfare setting.
• Strong knowledge of animal welfare and care, ensuring operational excellence in a similar animal welfare environment.
• Experience of embracing change by identifying, leading and managing change in line with organisational objectives.
• Financially aware and numerate.
• Proven experience of working constructively and collaboratively with colleagues across different teams.
• Interpersonal and consultative skills, including the ability to communicate, present, negotiate, influence and build credibility with colleagues and external parties.
• Experience of working in a commercial environment where controlling costs and delivering high levels of service are important.
• Significant experience of working in an emotionally charged environment, showing empathy and demonstrating resilience under pressure and dealing with distressed people and animals.
• The 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 on Sunday 18 January 2026.

The process will include:

• First stage interview and site tour
• Online Discovery Session – scenario‑based exercises and group discussions to demonstrate your leadership style and approach to change while meeting colleagues.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive an overwhelming response.

Blue Cross benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. …

• Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
• Programme 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

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.