At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive efficiency and value in retail operations to support pets and people.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a charity making a real difference for pets in need.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health support, pension scheme, and discounts for employees.
- Why this job: Make a measurable impact while growing shops that change lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in site acquisition or commercial property evaluation is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 25754 - 31570 £ per year.
Help us grow shops that change lives — for pets and people. At Blue Cross, our shops do more than sell pre‑loved treasures – they help fund vital care for pets in need. Every new shop means more tails wagging, more purrs of comfort, and more lives transformed. We’re looking for someone who can spot a great opportunity, loves a challenge, and wants to use their retail experience to make a real difference.
In this varied and hands‑on role, you’ll play a key part in driving efficiency and value across our national retail estate. Working closely with the Group Head of Fundraising and Retail and the Retail Operations Manager, you’ll identify opportunities to reduce costs, streamline processes, and maximise the return on every pound we spend. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across the charity to review spend areas such as repairs, maintenance, and utilities, ensuring we’re achieving best value through effective supplier management and smarter ways of working.
Alongside this, you’ll lead on identifying and assessing new shop locations, managing relationships with agents and landlords, and supporting lease negotiations to secure the most favourable terms. You’ll conduct site visits, prepare clear business cases and performance reports, and ensure new shop openings are delivered on time and within budget. You’ll also help existing shops reach their full potential through thoughtful planning, performance analysis, and well‑managed refurbishment projects that balance commercial benefit with brand impact. Every efficiency you deliver and every new shop you help open contributes directly to the vital work Blue Cross does. This is an opportunity to make a real, measurable difference while ensuring our resources go further for the pets and people who rely on us most.
About you: Ideally, you’ll have some experience in site acquisition or commercial property evaluation, along with strong organisational and project‑management skills. You’ll understand what makes a shop profitable and sustainable, and you’re confident working across different teams to make things happen. A full driving licence is a must.
- You have experience identifying and acquiring retail sites or evaluating commercial properties with potential.
- You’re confident managing multiple projects, priorities and deadlines with calm efficiency.
- You’re comfortable analysing income, forecasts and what it takes for a new shop to succeed.
- You’re a skilled project manager who can see things through from planning to successful delivery.
- You build strong working relationships with agents, landlords, and contractors, ensuring smooth collaboration at every stage.
- You hold a full driving licence and are happy to travel across the country.
How to apply: Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date. 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:
- 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
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Sales and Business Development
Industries: Non‑profit Organizations
Retail Development Support in Burford employer: Blue Cross UK
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Development Support in Burford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Blue Cross and its mission. Understand how your skills can help drive efficiency and value in their retail operations. Tailor your answers to show how you can make a real difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in site acquisition and project management clearly and confidently. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Blue Cross team and making an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Development Support in Burford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in retail development and site acquisition. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Blue Cross, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for making a difference shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely excited about helping pets and people through our retail initiatives.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your key skills and experiences stand out. We appreciate clarity as much as we appreciate creativity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete the process smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross UK
✨Know Your Retail Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your retail knowledge, especially around site acquisition and commercial property evaluation. Be ready to discuss how you've identified profitable locations in the past and what factors you consider when evaluating a shop's potential.
✨Show Off Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously. Highlight your organisational skills and how you keep everything on track, especially when it comes to deadlines and budgets.
✨Build Relationships Like a Pro
Since this role involves working with agents, landlords, and contractors, think of specific instances where you've built strong working relationships. Be ready to share how you navigated challenges and ensured smooth collaboration.
✨Be Ready to Analyse and Present Data
You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse income forecasts and performance reports. Prepare to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles, and be ready to present your findings clearly and confidently.