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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our retail teams and lead volunteers to provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a charity dedicated to helping sick and homeless pets.
- Benefits: Earn £13.69/hour with flexible hours and great wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for animals while gaining valuable retail experience.
- Qualifications: Retail experience and supervisory skills are a plus.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth.
Retail Cover Supervisor (Zero Hours) – Poole and Christchurch
Application Deadline: 28 September 2025
Department: Fundraising, Comms & Engagement
Employment Type: Zero Hours
Location: Poole
Reporting To: Shop Manager
Compensation: £13.69 / hour
Description
Contract: Zero Hours
Salary: £13.69 p/hour
Location: High Street, Poole and Saxon Square, Christchurch
Closing date: Sunday 28th September 2025
Our generous supporters donate a mixture of clothes, books, toys, household goods and soft furnishings that we sell in our shops and online. All the money raised goes towards enabling Blue Cross to support sick, injured, and homeless pets and care for more than 40,000 animals every year through our rehoming, veterinary and education programmes.
By joining us as a Cover Supervisor, means you will have a direct impact to the charities mission whilst working flexible days that suit you and your lifestyle and leading our team of volunteers to provide quality customer service to encourage the community to shop and donate with us!
More about the role
As a Standby Shop Assistant, you will step in to provide essential support to our instore teams, ensuring we have enough cover to keep our shop running smoothly.
You will assist with customer service, stock management, and general shop duties. With our shops open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00 and you will help us maintain high standards of service and presentation. You will work alongside a dedicated team of staff and volunteers in a role that is both flexible and impactful.
This is a zero-hours contract, which means your hours will vary based on the shop’s needs. We are committed to paying the National Living Wage, which is currently £12.21 per hour. For this role, the total hourly rate is £13.69, including additional elements like holiday pay.
If you are excited about making a difference in a busy, supportive environment, we would love to hear from you!
Internally, this role is known as a Standby Shop Assistant.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
- Has previous experience working in a retail environment.
- Is proficient in cash handling and reconciliation.
- Has supervisory experience.
- Thrives in a customer-facing environment.
- Possesses computer literacy and administration skills.
It would also be great if you have experience:
- Managing volunteers.
How to apply
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date. Applications will be reviewed as we receive them and interviews arranged accordingly. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
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:
- Programs 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
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- 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.
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Retail Cover Supervisor (Zero Hours) - Poole and Christchurch employer: Blue Cross For Pets
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross For Pets Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Cover Supervisor (Zero Hours) - Poole and Christchurch
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Blue Cross and its mission. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how your values align with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to retail and customer service. Role-play with a friend to boost your confidence and get comfortable with your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Blue Cross.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Cover Supervisor (Zero Hours) - Poole and Christchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in retail and customer service. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Cover Supervisor, so don’t hold back!
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you’re excited about working with Blue Cross! Share your enthusiasm for helping animals and supporting the community. A little passion goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our mission there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross For Pets
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand Blue Cross's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in supporting sick and homeless pets. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your personal values with theirs during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Retail Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous retail experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've excelled in customer service or managed stock effectively. Highlight any supervisory roles you've had, as this is key for the Cover Supervisor position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you'd handle various situations in a retail environment. For instance, think about how you would manage a busy shop or resolve a customer complaint. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your problem-solving skills clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. You might ask about the team dynamics or how they support volunteers. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
