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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team, manage shop operations, and drive sales for a meaningful cause.
- Company: Join Oxfam, a global movement dedicated to ending poverty and promoting equality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant work environment, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate community, develop leadership skills, and contribute to social change.
- Qualifications: No specific experience required; just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
About Us
Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty. That means we tackle the inequality that keeps people poor. Together we save, protect and rebuild lives. When disaster strikes, we help people build better lives for themselves, and for others. We take on issues like land rights, climate change and discrimination against women. And we won’t stop until every person on the planet can enjoy life free from poverty.
Oxfam GB is a member of an international confederation of 21 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries.
Oxfam Purpose: To work with others to overcome poverty and suffering.
Trading Purpose: To make as much money as possible to overcome poverty and suffering.
About our Oxfam Shops
Open for business since 1948, Oxfam shops are at the heart of the charity and their community, raising vital funds and increasing public awareness of what we do. They are always guided by our values of empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness and focused on making as much money as possible.
The Role of our Deputy Shop Managers
Commercially aware and constantly looking for new business opportunities, deputy shop managers motivate their teams and create a safe and energised work environment. They have high standards, a strong drive to achieve results and are accountable for their business. The role of the deputy shop manager is empowered, varied, busy and gives the opportunity to work with some amazing people. Shop managers are pivotal for the success of our business and can make a real difference.
Oxfam operates a volunteer operating model, in which volunteers are empowered to take over most of the tasks within the shop, including running the shop in the manager’s absence. Often the only paid member of staff, our managers and deputy managers are comfortable in this environment, really enjoy working with others and are great at delegating to their teams. Excellent communicators, they are creative, and always look for opportunities to attract new supporters every day.
Our Values and Commitment to Safeguarding
Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Key Skills and Competencies required:
- Ability to support development and maintenance of a successful, inclusive and diverse team who are able to maintain day to day activities of the shop.
- Some commercial awareness with ability to support effective retail processes and strong merchandising.
- Ability to work collaboratively with the Shop Manager, and to build positive relationships with other colleagues.
- Provide excellent customer service, and engage with local community and other civil society organisations.
- Ability to demonstrate resilience to everyday pressures that come with the role and manage conflicting demands seeking appropriate support, advice and guidance when needed.
- Numerate and financial literate, able to interpret basic financial reports, monitor budgets and maintain shops administrative systems.
How to apply
As part of your online application, please upload your up to date CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam GB takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS), as this role involves unsupervised access to the above-mentioned groups.
A thriving diverse Oxfam: It’s people power that brings about change. To play our part as a global organisation working to overcome poverty and inequality, we need equality, diversity and inclusion across our community of staff, partners and volunteers. Together, we’re committed to becoming a more diverse workforce, better able to tackle the global challenges that face our world today. To do that:
- We need to dismantle the unequal power structures that exist everywhere, including Oxfam and the wider development and charity sectors.
- We need an inclusive Oxfam where everyone can bring who they are to our work and feels celebrated for the differences they bring.
- We want and need everyone, and that means we need you.
Deputy Shop Manager (Edinburgh - Nicolson Street) employer: Oxfam
Contact Detail:
Oxfam Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Shop Manager (Edinburgh - Nicolson Street)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Oxfam's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to ending poverty and promoting equality will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing your passion for their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Oxfam employees. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the Deputy Shop Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your commercial awareness by researching successful retail strategies used in charity shops. Being able to discuss innovative ideas for increasing sales and community engagement will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed volunteers in the past. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to motivate others will resonate well with Oxfam's focus on teamwork and empowerment.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Shop Manager (Edinburgh - Nicolson Street)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand Oxfam's Mission: Familiarise yourself with Oxfam's mission and values. Highlight your alignment with their goals in your application, especially regarding poverty alleviation and community engagement.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects relevant experience in retail management, team leadership, and customer service. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to motivate teams and manage shop operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the essential criteria outlined in the job profile. Use clear examples to showcase your commercial awareness, teamwork skills, and resilience under pressure.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfam
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
Oxfam is all about tackling poverty and injustice, so make sure to express your genuine passion for their mission during the interview. Share any personal experiences or motivations that align with Oxfam's values, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Your Team Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Shop Manager, you'll be leading a team of volunteers. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in motivating and managing teams. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully delegated tasks and created a positive work environment.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Oxfam shops need to be commercially savvy to raise funds effectively. Familiarise yourself with retail processes and merchandising strategies. During the interview, share your ideas on how you could attract new supporters and improve sales in the shop.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle everyday pressures and conflicting demands. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage multiple tasks or resolve conflicts within a team. This will show your resilience and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for the role.
