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- Tasks: Lead a team of volunteers, manage sales, and create a welcoming shopping experience.
- Company: Join Blue Cross UK, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, wellbeing support, and discounts on pet insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful mission while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management, team leadership, and excellent customer service skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including weekends and bank holidays, with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 8000 - 12000 £ per year.
Location: Thirsk
Compensation: £8,957 / year
Application Deadline: 22 June 2025
Department: Fundraising, Comms & Engagement
Description
Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 6 months, part time 14 hours across 2 days p/week
Salary: £8,957 (FTE £22,394) p/annum
Location: Market Place, Thirsk
Closing date: Sunday 22nd June 2025
Interview date: W/C 30th June 2025
Calling experienced retail professionals! If you’re looking for your next management opportunity, look no further than Blue Cross. An Assistant Shop Manager opportunity has become available at our shop in Thirsk! We are so much more than a charity shop - we truly believe in a world where all pets enjoy a healthy and happy life with people who love them. Join our community with a shared mission to make a meaningful impact for pets and their owners.
More about the role
With your experience in retail management, 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! 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 till 17:00 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.
With opportunities for growth and development, competitive benefits, and a team dedicated to our mission, Blue Cross offers more than just a job—it offers a chance to be part of something meaningful and rewarding.
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
- Experience of fundraising
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 a 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:
- 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
- Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
- Health cash plan
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- Claim for professional fees
- 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
- Personal development programme
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) - Thirsk employer: Blue Cross UK
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shop Manager (Fixed Term Contract) - Thirsk
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Blue Cross's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you align your responses during the interview, showcasing your passion for their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples from your previous retail management experience that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and drive sales. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your flexibility and willingness to work varied hours, including weekends and bank holidays. Highlight any past experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or supported your team during busy periods.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the local community before your interview. Understanding the demographics and preferences of Thirsk can help you suggest tailored strategies for sourcing donations and improving customer experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Shop Manager (Fixed Term Contract) - Thirsk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant retail management experience, particularly any roles where you've led a team or managed volunteers. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in customer service and cash handling.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the role and the mission of Blue Cross UK. Mention your experience in retail and how you can contribute to creating a welcoming shopping experience for customers and volunteers alike.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership abilities. Provide examples of how you've motivated a team or improved sales in previous roles. This will show that you're ready to take on the responsibilities of an Assistant Shop Manager.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the online application process as outlined by Blue Cross UK. Double-check that all required documents are included and that your application is submitted before the deadline of 22 June 2025.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross UK
✨Show Your Passion for Pets
Since Blue Cross is dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners, make sure to express your passion for animal welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or volunteer work that highlights your commitment to this cause.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Shop Manager, you'll be guiding a team of volunteers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve their best.
✨Highlight Retail Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous retail management experience, particularly in cash handling, customer service, and merchandising. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've contributed to sales growth and improved customer experiences.
✨Prepare for Flexibility Questions
Given the varied working hours, be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility. Highlight any past experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or took on additional responsibilities to support your team.
