Centre Manager

Position OverviewBelow covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.Centre Manager - fixed term contract role at Blue Cross UK, leading the Devon rehoming advice and behaviour unit.Contract & CompensationContract: Full time, fixed term until 16th February 2027Salary: £28,481 to £33,118 per annumLocation: Exeter, EX2 8EDInterview dates:2nd stage discovery session – Tuesday 16th December 2025Location & HoursLocation: Exeter, EX2 8EDStandard hours: 37.5 hours per week on a locally agreed rota to include weekends and bank holidays. The rota: 8:30 – 5:00 Monday – Friday, working 1 in 3 weekends, with flexibility where there is a business need.ResponsibilitiesAs 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.This role focuses on leading people and delivering the strategy for the Devon centre. You’ll build great relationships and continue to meet the objectives of the centre, ensuring excellent customer service and supporting Blue Cross’s strategy.About YouYou 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.Alongside your leadership strengths, you’ll also possess in‑depth knowledge of animal welfare and operational excellence from a similar environment. Confident and decisive, you’ll balance the needs of pets, people, and resources to achieve outstanding results.Resilient, empathetic and emotionally intelligent, you’ll thrive on challenge and approach every situation with a positive, problem‑solving mindset.Knowledge, Skills, and ExperienceSignificant experience of successfully motivating, leading, and developing high‑performance teams, including setting clearly defined objectives, and managing performance in an animal welfare setting.Strong knowledge of animal welfare/care, ensuring operational excellence in a similar animal welfare environment.Experience of positively embracing and adapting to 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 from 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 the need to control costs and deliver 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 our Blue Cross values.Current full driving licence.How to ApplyClick the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on Sunday 30th November.The process will include:First stage interview and site tour – Wednesday 10th December 2025Online Discovery Session – Tuesday 16th December 2025. xpwpeyx This will include scenario‑based exercises and group discussions, giving you the chance to demonstrate your leadership style and approach to change while meeting colleagues.BenefitsPro rata full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing supportFree access to GP via MetLife - 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your familyHealth cash planUnlimited access to an employee assistance programmePension scheme with enhanced employer contributionProfessional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and Personal development supportLife assuranceEnhanced family friendly policiesCharity worker discounts across a variety of retailers#J-18808-Ljbffr