Assistant shop manager

Could you be our next Assistant Shop Manager?

We're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Shop Manager to join our Sense charity shop in Margate, helping to deliver excellent customer service, support our volunteers and raise vital funds for people with complex disabilities.

This is a permanent, part-time role working 22.5 hours per week, with a salary of £13.00 per hour. You'll need to be flexible to work varied shifts, including weekends and bank holidays, depending on the needs of the shop.

As Assistant Shop Manager, you'll work alongside the Shop Manager to support the day-to-day running of the shop, ensuring it remains a welcoming, well-organised and successful part of the local community.

You'll help create an enjoyable shopping experience for customers, maintain attractive displays and support the effective management of donated stock. You'll also play an important role in encouraging and supporting our volunteers, helping to create a positive environment where everyone feels valued.

The duties are varied and no two days will be the same. From serving customers and sorting donations to supporting sales targets and helping with shop administration, you'll have the opportunity to develop your retail skills while contributing to a meaningful cause.

Some of your key responsibilities will include

Supporting the Shop Manager with the day-to-day running of the shop

Delivering excellent customer service and creating a welcoming shopping environment

Helping to achieve sales targets and maximise income through effective stock management

Sorting, pricing and displaying donated items to maintain attractive shop displays

Supporting, motivating and guiding volunteers in their daily activities

Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, presentation and organisation throughout the shop

Assisting with cash handling, administration and stock control procedures

Helping to promote Sense and encourage donations, volunteering and community engagement

Following Sense policies and procedures, including health and safety and safeguarding requirements

Taking responsibility for the shop when required, ensuring it continues to operate smoothly in the Shop Manager's absence

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who is friendly, organised and enthusiastic, with a passion for delivering excellent customer service and supporting the work of Sense.

You'll need

Experience of working with customers and providing excellent customer service

The ability to work independently and as part of a team

Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage positively with customers, colleagues and volunteers

Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively

Good numeracy skills and confidence handling money and completing basic administrative tasks

An interest in fashion, retail and creating attractive shop displays

A positive, proactive approach with the ability to motivate and support others

The ability to maintain confidentiality and represent Sense in a professional and respectful manner

The willingness to undertake relevant training and support other shops when required

Flexibility to work across a seven-day trading week, including weekends and bank holidays when required

Previous experience working in a retail environment, particularly within charity retail, would be an advantage, as would experience of merchandising, stock management or supporting volunteers.

About our Margate shop

Our Sense charity shop in Margate plays an important role in raising vital funds to support people with complex disabilities.

As Assistant Shop Manager, you'll help create a welcoming shopping environment, build positive relationships with local customers and donors and support a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

You'll be part of a team that works together to maximise donations, promote sustainable shopping and make a positive contribution to the local community.

The shop is located at 126 High Street, Margate, Kent, CT9 1JW.

Working at Sense gives you a wide range of benefits including

24 days' holiday + bank holiday entitlement, increasing with length of service

Free leadership and management development

Free access to over 100 online and face-to-face training opportunities

Ongoing development opportunities

Flexible working and family-friendly policies

Employee referral scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Pension Scheme

Discount scheme

About Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose.

We're proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and a charity where people can grow their skills and careers in a supportive, flexible environment.

As part of our new three-year strategy, we're delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future.

For further information, visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers

We're creating change

We're always learning

We're better together

Ready to make a difference?

To apply

If you're looking for an opportunity to develop your retail skills while contributing to a charity making a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Please complete your application, ensuring your supporting statement demonstrates how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification. We recommend reading the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification before applying.