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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to maximise shop performance and manage daily operations.
- Company: Join the UK's largest cat welfare charity, dedicated to improving lives for cats and their owners.
- Benefits: Enjoy health benefits, 26 days annual leave, and financial wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a fun, unique retail environment with passionate colleagues.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management and a knack for achieving sales targets is essential.
- Other info: Applications close on 7th April 2025; apply early to secure your chance!
The predicted salary is between 19600 - 24648 £ per year.
Team: Retail
Location: Hitchin
Work pattern: 37.5 hours on a rota basis (to include weekends)
Salary: Up to £24,648 per annum
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 Shop Manager:
- To lead, manage, coach and develop a shop team of employees and volunteers to be the best they can be, maximising shop performance through the safe day-to-day operational management of shop activity.
- To take ownership for the delivery of shop income, expenditure and operating profit budgets and other key measures of performance and activity as defined in the Retail Performance framework.
- To support the work of Cats Protection, acting as brand ambassador, being a role model for the values and behaviours of the Charity, taking responsibility for shop operations and related people management.
About the retail team:
Our retail operation consists of over 80 charity shops. Each of our shops has its own charm and personality due to our dedicated volunteers and colleagues. From vintage jewellery and jigsaws to harps and handbags, whether our customers are looking for that 'must have' item or simply a 'missing piece'.
What we’re looking for in our Shop Manager:
- Demonstrable learning and experience from working in a relevant retail environment.
- Previous experience of line managing a team and building a culture to achieve a collective goal.
- Experience and/or understanding of working to sales targets and budgets.
- Excellent organisational skills including the ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong commercial awareness, balanced with an appreciation for the unique needs of the Charity.
What we can offer you:
- Range of health benefits.
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing.
- And much more, which you can learn about here.
Interested? Here’s how to apply:
Application closing date: 7th April 2025
Virtual interview date: 15th April 2025
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.
If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.
If successful, your recruitment journey will include:
- Anonymised application form.
- Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams.
Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.
Please email if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.
Shop Manager in Hitchin employer: Cats Protection
Contact Detail:
Cats Protection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop Manager in Hitchin
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of Cats Protection. As a potential Shop Manager, demonstrating your passion for animal welfare and understanding of the charity's goals will set you apart during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples from your previous retail experience that showcase your leadership skills. Think about times when you've successfully managed a team or improved shop performance, as these stories will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the local Hitchin community and its demographics. Understanding the customer base can help you tailor your approach to shop management and demonstrate your commitment to serving the community effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss how you would balance commercial awareness with the unique needs of a charity shop. Prepare to share ideas on how to maximise income while maintaining the charity's values, which will show your strategic thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Shop Manager in Hitchin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant retail experience, especially any previous roles where you managed a team or worked towards sales targets. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal welfare and your understanding of the charity sector. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Shop Manager role and why you want to work for this charity.
Highlight Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience in leading and developing teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully motivated others and achieved collective goals in a retail environment.
Showcase Commercial Awareness: Demonstrate your understanding of retail performance metrics and how you have previously contributed to achieving sales targets and managing budgets. This will show that you are not only passionate but also commercially savvy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cats Protection
✨Show Your Passion for Cats
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for animal welfare and the mission of the charity. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of cats.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your previous roles where you successfully managed a team. Highlight how you motivated your team, resolved conflicts, and achieved collective goals, as these are key aspects of the Shop Manager role.
✨Understand Retail Performance Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key retail performance indicators such as sales targets, budgets, and profit margins. Be ready to discuss how you have met or exceeded these metrics in past positions.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview about the shop's operations, team dynamics, and the charity's future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
