At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant retail space, driving sales and engaging with the community.
- Company: Join Big C, a leading cancer charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, health cash plan, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to supporting those affected by cancer.
- Why this job: Make an impact while managing a unique emporium filled with creativity and purpose.
- Qualifications: Retail management experience and a passion for furniture and crafts.
The predicted salary is between 26680 - 29442 £ per year.
Lead a unique retail unit and help Big C make a difference to people affected by cancer. Are you a passionate retail leader with a flair for furniture, homeware and craft? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced retail manager to lead our unique Furniture & Craft Emporium in Wymondham. This exciting retail destination combines a large furniture warehouse, craft supplies shopping experience and regular craft-related events, attracting high volumes of loyal supporters and new customers.
Location: Wymondham, Norfolk
Salary: £26,680 - £29,442 per annum (depending on skills and experience)
Hours: 35 hours per week over 5 days, including weekend and bank holiday working as required
Contract: Permanent
About the role
- Leading and developing the Furniture & Craft Emporium.
- Driving sales and maximising income.
- Managing and motivating staff and volunteers.
- Overseeing stock, displays and warehouse operations.
- Coordinating donations, deliveries and customer enquiries.
- Promoting the shop and engaging with the local community.
- Maintaining high standards of customer service, safety and compliance.
Please note that this role involves regular moving and handling of furniture.
If you are an experienced retail leader with a passion for furniture, homeware and crafts, and enjoy motivating teams, driving sales and creating great customer experiences, we would love to hear from you.
The kindness of people is the only way that we can make a difference in the local community, and you can help us achieve this through being resourceful and responsive to the needs of volunteers and customers with the support of a part-time Deputy Manager and a large and diverse team of volunteers.
About Big C
Big C is one of East Anglia’s largest cancer charities, having raised £50 million since it was founded 45 years ago. Today, Big C’s loyal supporters help the charity raise, on average, £3 million every year to help those in our community who are affected by cancer.
We provide outstanding holistic care through our welcoming Cancer Support Centres and Hubs, as well as online and telephone support via our Virtual Support Centre. Income comes from donations, local businesses, legacies, grants, and 11 charity shops across the region.
Big C is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and was awarded Gold Accreditation in the Best Employers Eastern Region 2025 for the third time. We offer a supportive working environment that values employee well-being and work/life balance. The dedication of our employees, volunteers, supporters, and fundraisers is how we continue to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
If you are reading this from our website, you will be able to access and download the full job description for this role here: JDPS F&C Emporium Manager.
For an accessible version of this job description, please access here: JDPS F&C Emporium Manager - Accessible Version for Visually Impaired.
Why choose Big C
As a Best Employer Eastern Region Gold accredited employer, we are proud to be able to offer a supportive working environment with a focus on employee wellbeing, equity and recognition of the importance of a good work/life balance. Big C's Core Values are Respect, Empathy, Support, Trust and Honesty. These provide a benchmark for behaviour across the organisation. If you share these values, have the skills and experience, we would love to hear from you.
Subject to eligibility/scheme rules, benefits include:
- 5% employer pension contribution
- 33 days holiday per annum, inclusive of bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Company sick pay
- Life assurance
- Health cash plan and wellbeing resources
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Opportunities for training and development
Recruitment Process
Big C are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, young adults and children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a barred list check. Additionally, your application plays an essential part in our choosing the right person for this position. When applying, please complete the online application fully. Information to support your application can be in your attached covering letter or where indicated in the application. If you are unable to complete online, please email [email protected] for advice. The closing date for this vacancy is Sunday 2 August 2026 but may close early if enough applications have been received.
Furniture & Craft Emporium Manager employer: Big C Cancer Charity
Big C is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Wymondham, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. With a strong focus on employee well-being, generous benefits including 33 days of holiday and a 5% pension contribution, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, you'll thrive in a culture that values respect, empathy, and teamwork. Join us in leading our unique Furniture & Craft Emporium and be part of a dedicated team that truly makes a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Furniture & Craft Emporium Manager
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Big C Cancer Charity, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Big C Cancer Charity!
We think you need these skills to ace Furniture & Craft Emporium Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Big C Cancer Charity, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Big C Cancer Charity and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Big C Cancer Charity that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Big C Cancer Charity
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
