At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail operations and drive performance across our charity shops.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a charity dedicated to helping pets and people.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, wellbeing support, and discounts.
- Other info: This role involves regular travel and a hybrid work model.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in communities while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site retail management, ideally in charity or values-led sectors.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
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Contract: Permanent, full time (35 hours Monday-Friday)
Location: Flexible with regular travel to various locations across the charity’s retail estate and at least one day per week at our Hartlebury office.
Closing date: Sunday 17th August 2025
With a strong and growing retail estate and a mission that puts people and pets at the heart of everything we do, we’re seeking an experienced Retail Operations Manager to help us drive performance and impact across our network of shops.
In 2024 we achieved record retail income, and in 2025 were shortlisted for Outstanding Retail Charity of the Year by the Charity Retail Association. Join us and play a key role in the next phase of our journey.
More about the role
As Retail Operations Manager, you will lead the operational success and future development of our charity retail portfolio. You’ll support and coach a team of Area Managers and oversee the performance of our retail estate, ensuring consistently high standards and income generation.
You’ll be responsible for day-to-day retail operations including performance improvement, compliance, and customer experience, as well as leading on store openings, refits and strategic development projects in partnership with our Head of Fundraising and Retail.
With a focus on gross and net income, you’ll use KPIs and performance data to shape decision-making, ensure accountability, and drive forward improvements. You’ll also support the wider directorate with innovation projects, including sustainability, ecommerce, and community-based models like Hospice Lite.
This is a mobile role with regular travel (approx. 10,000–12,000 miles/year), supported by a hybrid company vehicle in line with our environmental goals. You will also be expected to spend at least one day per week at our Hartlebury office.
About you
You’ll bring experience leading multi-site retail operations – ideally in a values-led or charity setting – with a clear track record of delivering growth, profitability, and positive team culture. You’ll be a commercially-minded, emotionally intelligent leader with excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.
You’re confident working with data, budgets and performance indicators and can translate insight into practical action. Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about retail’s potential to make a difference – for pets, people and communities.
Essential qualifications, skills, and experience
- Substantial experience in managing multi-site retail operations, ideally in the charity or value-led commercial sector.
- Strong people management experience, with a focus on performance, development and wellbeing.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret data and KPIs to make informed decisions and implement actions.
- Proven budget management and cost control experience.
- Successful track record in new shop openings and/or retail business transformation.
- Experience of working with volunteers or diverse community teams.
Desirable qualifications, skills, and experience
- Charity retail experience, with understanding of Gift Aid, donated stock models, and supporter engagement.
- Experience working with warehousing, logistics, and supply chain operations.
- Knowledge of e-commerce or omni-channel retail.
- Experience in managing visual merchandising or in-store customer experience strategies.
- Confident presenting to senior stakeholders and larger teams.
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.
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.
- 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
- Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
- 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
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
If you’d like to learn more about Blue Cross, our mission, and the work we do to support animals and people, take a look at our About Us page
#J-18808-LjbffrRetail Operations Manager in Hartlebury employer: Blue Cross
At Blue Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and values-driven work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of our employees. As a Retail Operations Manager, you will benefit from generous holiday allowances, comprehensive health support, and opportunities for professional development, all while making a meaningful impact in the community through our charity retail initiatives. With a flexible working environment and a commitment to sustainability, joining our team means being part of a mission that truly makes a difference for pets and people alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Operations Manager in Hartlebury
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the charity's mission and values. Understanding how they align with your own experiences in retail operations will help you articulate your passion for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the charity. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven performance improvements in previous roles. Use data and KPIs to showcase your ability to make informed decisions that lead to growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your experience with community engagement and volunteer management. This is particularly relevant in a charity setting and demonstrates your commitment to the organisation's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Operations Manager in Hartlebury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing multi-site retail operations, especially in charity or values-led settings. Use specific examples to demonstrate your track record of delivering growth and positive team culture.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for retail and its potential to make a difference. Mention your understanding of the charity sector and how your skills align with the role's requirements, particularly in performance improvement and customer experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in budget management, new shop openings, and any experience with volunteers or community teams. This will show your capability to lead and innovate within the charity retail space.
Use Data to Your Advantage:Demonstrate your confidence in working with data by including examples of how you've used KPIs and performance indicators to drive decision-making and improvements in previous roles. This will showcase your analytical skills and commercial mindset.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross
✨Show Your Passion for Retail
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for retail and its potential to make a difference. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to positive outcomes in previous roles, especially in charity settings.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to discuss how you've used KPIs and performance data in your past roles. Highlight instances where your insights led to tangible improvements in operations or income generation.
✨Highlight People Management Skills
Since the role involves leading a team, share your experiences in managing and developing staff. Discuss your approach to fostering a positive team culture and how you've supported team members' wellbeing.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world situations. Think about challenges you've faced in multi-site operations and how you successfully navigated them, particularly in a charity context.
