At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to drive sales and create a welcoming shopping experience.
- Company: Join a passionate charity supporting sick and homeless pets.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, health support, and discounts on pet insurance.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management and a knack for motivating teams.
The predicted salary is between 9324 - 23311 € per year.
Location: Hythe, Southampton
Compensation: £9,324 per year (pro rata £23,311 FTE)
Contract: Permanent, part time (14 hours over 2 days)
Closing date: 24 May 2026
Department: Fundraising, Comms & Engagement
Role Overview
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 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.
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
Benefits
- 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
Assistant Shop Manager - Hythe in Southampton employer: Blue Cross UK
Join our vibrant team as an Assistant Shop Manager in Hythe, where your leadership skills will directly contribute to the welfare of over 40,000 animals each year. We pride ourselves on a supportive work culture that values employee wellbeing, offering generous holiday allowances, professional development opportunities, and a range of health benefits. With a focus on community engagement and teamwork, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact but also provides a rewarding environment for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shop Manager - Hythe in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local community! Understanding the people and their needs will help you connect better with potential customers and donors. Attend local events or engage on social media to build those relationships.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you meet with the team, share your vision for the shop and how you plan to motivate volunteers. A positive attitude can inspire others and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible with your availability! Since the shop operates on varying hours, showing that you're adaptable will make you a more attractive candidate. Highlight your willingness to cover shifts when needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Shop Manager - Hythe in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Retail:Let us see your enthusiasm for retail management in your application! Share specific examples of how you've driven sales or improved customer experiences in previous roles. We love to hear about your creative ideas!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for a positive role model, so make sure to showcase your experience in leading and motivating teams. Talk about how you've supported volunteers or team members in the past and the impact it had on your workplace.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to this role. Mention how your skills align with our mission of supporting pets and the local community—this will really catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to find all the details you need to make your application shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross UK
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, do some research on Hythe and its local community. Understand the demographics, popular local events, and what makes the area unique. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in connecting with the community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated volunteers or staff, resolved conflicts, or improved customer service. Be ready to discuss your approach to leadership and how you can inspire others in this role.
✨Emphasise Customer Experience
Since this role involves providing a great shopping experience, come prepared with ideas on how to enhance customer service in the shop. Share any previous experiences where you improved customer satisfaction or implemented successful merchandising strategies.
✨Flexibility is Key
Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and bank holidays. Highlight any past experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or took on additional responsibilities to support your team.
