At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations of a charity shop, driving sales and managing a team.
- Company: Join the MS Society, dedicated to improving lives affected by multiple sclerosis.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to wellness resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a vibrant, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and communication skills; passion for charitable work is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal development and volunteering days included.
The predicted salary is between 18400 - 32200 £ per year.
We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK. Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus. Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you’ll be able to make a difference.
The MS Society is looking for a passionate and dynamic Shop Manager to lead the daily operations of one of our retail locations. This role is key to supporting our mission of improving the lives of those affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). The Shop Manager will be responsible for driving sales, managing a team of volunteers and staff, maintaining high standards of customer service, and ensuring efficient stock control. The role will also involve working with donors, promoting the MS Society's work, and supporting fundraising efforts. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills, alongside a commitment to our charitable goals and the ability to inspire a dedicated team.
Key Responsibilities:- Oversee all shop operations, including sales, stock management, and visual merchandising.
- Manage a team of volunteers and staff, providing training, guidance, and support.
- Drive sales targets and ensure the shop meets its fundraising goals.
- Ensure exceptional customer service standards are consistently met.
- Organise and coordinate in-store promotions and events.
- Manage donations and stock intake, ensuring the shop remains organised and efficient.
- Adhere to health and safety regulations and ensure the shop operates within budget.
Work pattern includes Saturdays, flexibility is required. This is a rewarding opportunity for an individual who is passionate about making a difference and eager to contribute to the success of the MS Society's retail operations.
Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 21st April 2025
Interested? More information can be found by downloading the attached documents in 'supporting documents' and then to apply for this role, please submit the following:
- an updated CV
- a supporting statement indicating how you meet the essential criteria as set out in the person specification in the attached job description
Top Tip: you will need to save your Cover Letter, CV and Optional Equal Opps form as one document and upload this to the site.
More about our employee benefits:- Encouraging work life balance
- 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
- More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
- Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us)
- Flexible working options
- Caring for you and your family
- Generous sick pay entitlement
- More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment
- Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year
- Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis
- Enhanced leave for new parents
- Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
- Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
- 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- 10 days paid carers' leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- Cycle to work scheme
- Death in service scheme
- New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave: In the event of miscarriage or still birth, to support fertility treatments, for antenatal appointments for both parents
- Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
- Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
- New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing
- Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
- Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
- New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely
- Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups)
- Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community)
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal working hours
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds. We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application.
Disability Confident Employer:We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity. You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes. If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.
Safeguarding:We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with. This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment. We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected. We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.
Your right to work in the UK:You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment. You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.
No agencies please.
Charity Shop Manager employer: Haymarket
Contact Detail:
Haymarket Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity Shop Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the MS Society's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to supporting people with multiple sclerosis will help you align your passion and experience with their goals during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership and team management skills. As a Shop Manager, you'll be responsible for managing volunteers and staff, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your customer service expertise. The role requires maintaining high standards of customer service, so think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your fundraising experience. Since driving sales and meeting fundraising goals is crucial, prepare to talk about any relevant experience you have in fundraising or retail sales that can contribute to the shop's success.
We think you need these skills to ace Charity Shop Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Charity Shop Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Use specific examples from your past experiences to showcase your leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
Update Your CV: Ensure your CV is current and relevant to the role. Highlight any previous experience in retail management, volunteer coordination, or customer service, as well as any achievements that reflect your ability to drive sales and manage a team.
Combine Documents for Submission: Remember to save your Cover Letter, CV, and Optional Equal Opportunities form as one document before uploading it to the application site. This will streamline your submission and ensure all necessary information is included.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haymarket
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the MS Society's mission during the interview. Share any personal experiences or connections you have with multiple sclerosis, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
As a Charity Shop Manager, you'll be leading a team of volunteers and staff. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, how you've motivated teams, and any specific examples of how you've driven sales or improved customer service in past positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle various situations in a retail environment. Think of examples where you've successfully managed stock control, organised events, or dealt with challenging customer interactions.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
The role requires strong organisational abilities. Be ready to talk about how you manage multiple tasks, prioritise responsibilities, and ensure that operations run smoothly. Providing specific examples from your past work can help illustrate your capabilities.