Charity Shop Manager in Galashiels

Our Charity Shop Managers are at the heart of ensuring the success of Borders Pet Rescue (BPR) shops and improving the lives of animals in need. We are seeking a proactive and people‑focused Shop Manager to lead the day‑to‑day running of our Galashiels charity shop, drive income, and champion our mission within the local community.

About the role

You will be responsible for maximising sales and profitability while ensuring the shop operates safely, efficiently, and in line with our values. Leading a team of volunteers, you’ll create a welcoming environment for customers and donors, maintain high retail standards, and play a key role in promoting our charity’s work.

Key Responsibilities

• Driving Sales & Income
  • Achieve sales targets and manage costs effectively to maximise profit.
  • Price donated goods appropriately and research higher‑value items where needed.
  • Work collaboratively with the wider retail team to grow income, including identifying opportunities for online sales.
  • Build strong relationships with the local community and businesses to encourage quality donations.
• Leading & Developing your team
  • Recruit, manage, motivate, and support a team of volunteers and shop staff.
  • Plan rotas, delegate tasks, and ensure adequate shop cover.
  • Provide training, feedback, and development opportunities to help volunteers thrive.
  • Communicate updates on performance, plans, and activities clearly and regularly.
• Managing Stock & Shop Standards
  • Oversee the receipt, preparation, pricing, and rotation of stock to maximise sales.
  • Ensure the shop floor and window displays are attractive, well‑organised, and commercially appealing.
  • Maintain stock security and ensure all items comply with relevant legislation (including PAT testing).
  • Deliver excellent customer service and handle complaints professionally.
• Finance & Administration
  • Complete daily/weekly paperwork accurately and on time.
  • Cash up, bank takings, and manage Gift Aid in line with procedures.
  • Produce management reports and carry out stock checks as required.
  • Ensure compliance with data protection and all organisational policies.
• Health, Safety & Security
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, and customers.
  • Conduct fire checks and risk assessments, and report incidents promptly.
  • Ensure the team follows safe manual handling, cash handling, and security procedures.

Person Specification

We are looking for a self‑motivated, organised, and adaptable individual who enjoys working with people and is excited by the opportunity to run their own shop. You will be honest, reliable, diplomatic, and able to use initiative to make day‑to‑day decisions with confidence. Above all, you will have a genuine passion for animal welfare and enthusiasm for our charity’s work.

Essential experience and skills

• Proven experience in retail management at supervisory/manager level, including people management.
• Strong visual merchandising skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to interpret sales data and use KPIs to drive performance.
• Ability to motivate and develop others, fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Clear, inclusive communication skills with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to build relationships within the local community.
• Good numeracy skills and a basic understanding of retail finance, including cash handling and banking procedures.
• Strong written communication and record‑keeping skills.
• Confident IT skills, including tills, card payments, MS Office, SharePoint, and social media.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively.
• Physically able to handle donations safely, including lifting, carrying, standing, bending, and stretching.

Desirable

• Experience in charity retail or volunteer management.
• Knowledge of Gift Aid processes.
• Understanding of charity sector values.

Working Arrangements

Hours will be worked on a rota across the week, including regular weekend working (e.g., alternate Saturdays). Some flexibility may be required to cover holidays or support other shops. Occasional lone working may be required (e.g., opening/closing). You may need to travel for meetings and training. The role involves some moving and handling of donated goods.

Terms

Working location: 80-82 Channel Street, Galashiels, TD1 1BD
Contracted Hours: 35hrs/ 5 days per week (available Mon‑Sun)
Salary: £24,406 per annum
Annual Leave: 28 days per annum
Staff pension available