At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to drive sales and support a great cause in your local community.
- Company: Join a friendly charity retail team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours with a competitive salary and meaningful work.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make an impact by helping sick and homeless pets while gaining valuable management experience.
- Qualifications: Retail management experience and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, part time (21 hours over 3 days)
Salary: £13,987 (£23,311 FTE)
Location: High Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8AE
Closing date: Tuesday 24th November 2026
Join our friendly charity retail team in Bromsgrove 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!
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 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 09:30 to 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
Using AI in your application: We’re happy for you to use AI tools to help you prepare your application, for example to organise your thoughts, improve clarity or check spelling and grammar. However, your application must be an honest reflection of your own skills, experience and achievements, and AI should not be used to write your application for you or create examples that aren’t your own.
Assistant Shop Manager employer: Blue Cross
Blue Cross is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture in Andover that prioritises both employee wellbeing and community engagement. As a Retail Cover Supervisor, you'll enjoy flexible hours while making a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and people, all within a friendly team environment that values your contributions and encourages personal growth through various wellbeing programmes and generous benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shop Manager
✨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, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Shop Manager
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 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 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 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
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Blue Cross, 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!
