At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a great cause by managing retail operations and leading a team of volunteers.
- Company: Join a friendly charity retail team making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, wellbeing support, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact while gaining valuable management experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 10907 - 10907 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 27 September 2026
Department: Fundraising, Comms & Engagement
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Part Time
Location: Weybridge
Reporting To: Shop Manager
Compensation: £10,907 / year
Description: Contract: Part time (14 hours over 2 days), 9 months fixed term contract. Salary: £10,907 per annum. Location: Weybridge, KT13 8BY. Closing date: Sunday 27th September 2026.
Join our friendly charity retail team in Weybridge as an Assistant Manager. This is more than just a retail job; it’s an opportunity to support a great cause, connect with your local community and help turn donations into meaningful impact every single day! This is a 9 months fixed term contract.
More about the role:
Using your experience in retail management/leadership, you will work with our Shop Manager and local community to drive forward sales and source quality fashion, accessories and homeware from donations to regenerate and find a new home! This store really needs someone who understands the local community and can work to build a solid customer base and network of generous donors. Every item sold helps fund our vital work: supporting sick, injured, and homeless pets and caring for over 40,000 animals each year through our rehoming, veterinary, and education programmes.
We're looking for a positive role model to join our leadership team, guiding our team of volunteers in creating a friendly and welcoming shopping experience. We'd like you to have experience of managing others and have creative ways to lead and motivate a team to achieve maximum success. In this role, you will be supporting the recruitment and training of new volunteers, sharing your knowledge of merchandising and providing a quality customer service to those both purchasing and donating.
You could be a current team leader or supervisor, looking to take on more management responsibility or you could be an experienced manager (or deputy) looking for a new challenge. We want to hear from you to see if we are the employer for you!
Our shop is open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00 and 10:00 to 16:00 on a Sunday, and your normal working pattern may change each week, subject to the needs of the business and the levels of staff and volunteers available to work. This working pattern includes weekends and bank holidays so having the ability to be flexible is essential, and you may also be required to support with additional holiday and sickness cover.
About you:
- Previous experience of working in a retail environment
- Cash handling and reconciliation experience
- Experience of leading a team
- Experience of providing great customer experience
- Computer and administration skills
It would also be great if you had:
- Managing volunteers
Blue Cross benefits:
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today. In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.
Our generous benefits package includes:
- Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
- Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
- Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
- Health cash plan
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support
- Life assurance
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Recognition scheme
- Annual volunteer days
- Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.
Assistant Shop Manager - fixed term contract employer: Blue Cross For Pets
Blue Cross at Victoria animal hospital in London is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and animals. With opportunities for continuous professional development and a commitment to high standards of care, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. The location in vibrant London provides unique advantages, including access to diverse cases and a dynamic team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shop Manager - fixed term contract
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
Retail is all about community, so don't underestimate the power of local connections. Pop into shops you're interested in, chat with staff, and ask if they have any openings. This personal touch could land you a part-time gig with ease!
✨Show Off Your Personality
Retail is a people business, and employers love genuine, enthusiastic candidates. When you're applying for part-time roles, showcase your customer service skills and personality during interviews. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share your love for the products!
✨Utilise College or University Resources
If you're a student, check out your university’s career services. They often have links with local retailers looking for part-time staff. It's a great way to find positions that work around your studies while also building your CV!
✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often sees a surge during peak seasons like Christmas or summer sales. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary part-time roles during these times. Many companies, including Blue Cross For Pets, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Shop Manager - fixed term contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, we know that customer service is king! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got with face-to-face interactions. Include specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer—this shows potential employers like Blue Cross For Pets that you're all about creating great shopping experiences.
Flexibility is Key!:For a part-time role, showcasing your availability is crucial. Make it clear in your application when you can work, especially if you have weekday and weekend flexibility. Retail can demand odd hours, so we want to see that you're ready to jump in when needed!
Forget the Fancy Formatting:While you want your CV to look good, in retail, clarity is more important than flashiness. Use simple formatting and bullet points to make your experiences stand out. Retail managers at Blue Cross For Pets will appreciate a straightforward CV that’s easy to skim through.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:When applying for a part-time retail position, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about Blue Cross For Pets and what you can bring to their team. Maybe you love their products or admire their customer service philosophy—let that passion come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross For Pets
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Blue Cross For Pets, it’s super crucial to know their brand inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, customer service approach, and any current promotions. This way, you can engage genuinely in conversations and show that you’re already invested in their vibe.
✨Excellent Customer Scenarios
Prepare for customer service scenarios! Retail interviews often include role-play or situational questions. Think about how you'd handle different customer situations, from dealing with complaints to upselling products. We want to hear how you can keep your cool and keep the customer happy!
✨Tailoring Your Availability
Being part-time means flexibility is key! Be ready to discuss your availability honestly. Employers in retail love candidates who can adapt their schedules to peak hours. Show that you're keen to work evenings or weekends if it helps them out.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is essential in retail. Bring up experiences where you worked effectively in a team, whether it’s in previous jobs, school projects, or volunteering. We want to know how you can contribute to a positive team environment at Blue Cross For Pets!
