Rehoming Operations Manager (Horse Care & Welfare Specialist)

Contract:  Permanent, full time 

Salary:  £35,550 - £45,000 per annum 

Location:  Home-based within Burford or Rolleston area with travel to our Blue Cross sites 

Closing date:  24 October 2024 

Interview date:  4 & 5 November 2024 

Second interviews:  13 November 2024 

Are you passionate about horse welfare and ready to lead a team dedicated to improving the lives of horses across the UK? We are seeking a Rehoming Operations Manager – Horse Care & Welfare Specialist to join our mission at Blue Cross, driving the development of our essential horse services within our integrated rehoming network. 

More about the role

As a Rehoming Operations Manager, you will provide direct line management and leadership to our Centre Managers, fostering a culture of performance improvement, development, and empowerment. Your hands-on approach will ensure that quality and standards of pet care are upheld across both on-site and off-site services through regular site visits and data assessment. By identifying potential issues and implementing effective solutions, you’ll drive the highest standards of care for our horses. 

In this dynamic role, you’ll drive continuous improvement in the throughput and turnaround of horses in our centres while maximising service quality and efficiency. You will facilitate the development of horse-centred care and exceptional customer service, working collaboratively with other Rehoming Operations Managers to enhance our foster and home-to-home services. Your innovative mindset will be crucial in implementing exciting new rehoming opportunities that align with our strategic goals. 

This is a full-time position, working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. As the role involves frequent travel, candidates must live within a one-hour commute of either our Burford or Rolleston-on-Dove sites, and be able to travel to other sites as needed.

If you're excited to learn more about this role, take a look at the attached job description and addendum! The addendum highlights the additional duties and experience required for the Operations Manager role which has the specific focus on Horse Care & Welfare Specialist responsibilities part of the role. 

About you

We’re looking for a dynamic, innovative leader who’s as passionate about driving results as they are about animal welfare. You’ll have a sharp business mind and exceptional interpersonal skills, making you adept at connecting with team members at all levels. As a natural leader, you’ll inspire and guide a diverse team across multiple locations, empowering them to reach their full potential through effective coaching and management. 

Your ability to drive performance improvements will be second nature, and you’ll know how to address challenges head-on, ensuring swift and positive outcomes. With strong analytical skills, you’ll approach problems with a clear, methodical mindset, delivering tangible improvements in both operations and team performance. 

Knowledge, skills, and experience  

• Significant and varied experience of practical horse management 
• Horse management / welfare qualifications (BHS stages 4 / Pony club A test / Degree or relevant equivalent experience) 
• Significant experience in leading and coaching small and large teams 
• Significant operational leadership experience gained in an animal welfare or care environment 
• Proven experience in leading teams to drive performance improvements and service development 
• Demonstrable experience of leading teams to deliver high standards of customer experience  
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence teams at all levels 
• Current full manual driving licence 
• The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values  

Although not essential, it would be great if you also had: 

• Media experience and public speaking skills 

How to apply  

Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on 24 October 2024. Our recruitment process will consist of two parts with a competency-based interview on either 4th or 5th November. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a second stage assessment centre approach on 13th November 2024. 

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

Blue Cross benefits   

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.  

In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.  

Our generous benefits package includes:  

• 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   
• Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention  
• 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.