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- Tasks: Lead a team, manage volunteers, and create a welcoming shopping experience.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a charity dedicated to helping pets in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, health support, and discounts on pet insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Retail experience, team leadership, and great customer service skills required.
- Other info: Part-time role with excellent career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 8958 - 8958 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Application Deadline: 12 April 2026
Department: Fundraising, Comms & Engagement
Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time
Location: Hythe
Reporting To: Shop Manager
Compensation: GBP 8,958 / year
Description
Contract: Permanent, part time (14 hours over 2 days)
Salary: GBP 8,958 per annum pro rata (GBP 22,394 FTE)
Location: Hythe, Southampton
Closing date: 12th April 2026
Interview date: W/C 20th April 2026
Charity shops are the in-place to shop and in 2025 and by joining our team in the heart of the Waterside, you will be a part of establishing this shop within the local community and keeping people and their pets at the heart of everything that we do.
More about the role
This store needs someone who knows the community and can help build on our loyal customer base, continuing to nurture strong relationships with our generous local donors. Every item sold directly supports our vital work: caring for sick, injured, and homeless pets, and helping over 40,000 animals each year through our rehoming, veterinary, and education programmes.
As part of our leadership team, you'll be a positive role model, guiding and motivating our volunteers to create a warm, welcoming shopping experience. Drawing on your people-management skills, you'll contribute to recruiting and training new volunteers, share your merchandising know-how, and deliver outstanding customer service to both shoppers and donors.
Whether you're currently a team leader or supervisor ready for the next step, or an experienced manager seeking a fresh and rewarding challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
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
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
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 - Hythe employer: Blue Cross
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shop Manager - Hythe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! As an Assistant Shop Manager, you'll need to connect with local donors and customers. Spend some time in Hythe, chat with locals, and understand what makes your shop special to them.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you’re at the interview, share examples of how you've motivated teams in the past. We want to see how you can inspire our volunteers to create that warm shopping experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios where you’ve handled cash or resolved customer complaints. We love candidates who can think on their feet and provide great customer service.
✨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 us 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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Shop Manager. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team in Hythe!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working in a charity shop shine through! Share why you’re excited about helping pets and the community, as this will resonate with us and show that you’re a great fit.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your experience and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross
✨Know Your Community
Familiarise yourself with Hythe and its local community. Research the demographics, popular spots, and any community events. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in building relationships with customers and donors.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or motivated volunteers in the past. Highlight your experience in training and developing others, as this role requires strong people-management skills. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you made a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Excellence
Think of instances where you've provided outstanding customer service. Be prepared to share these stories during the interview, focusing on how you handled challenges and ensured a welcoming environment for shoppers and donors alike.
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Research Blue Cross and its mission to support sick, injured, and homeless pets. Be ready to discuss why this cause resonates with you and how you can contribute to their goals. Showing passion for the charity's work will set you apart from other candidates.