Head of Retail in Belfast

Reports to: Director of Fundraising and Retail

Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time)

Location: Montgomery House, Belfast BT1 4NX

Campaign Service/Cause: Retail

Remuneration: £47,343 - £50,568

Overall Purpose of Post

The Head of Retail will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the organisation's retail network and e-commerce platforms, driving income growth and profitability. They will support the Director of Fundraising in delivering a retail strategy aligned with the overall strategic direction of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, ensuring retail contributes significantly to income generation and organisational impact. This post will require excellent leadership and people management skills combined with extensive experience of working across multi retail locations, whilst balancing strategy and operational delivery at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and deliver a retail strategy aligned with organisational and fundraising objectives
  • Provide strong leadership and strategic insight to support the Director of Fundraising and the wider organisation
  • Identify and drive growth opportunities, including expansion of the retail estate and new income-generating initiatives
  • Develop and grow e-commerce across multiple platforms to increase income and reach
  • Embed organisational values across the retail function, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability and innovation.
• Retail Operations
  • Ensure best practice retail standards are implemented across all locations, including Gift Aid processing compliance
  • Maintain high operational standards across shops, including customer service, stock management, pricing and visual merchandising
  • Ensure brand consistency across all retail outlets
  • Manage and oversee the social media activity delivered by Shop Managers to drive sales and engagement
  • Ensure GDPR compliance in relation to customer and Gift Aid donor database
  • Oversee stock management to support seasonal demand and optimise supply.
• Volunteer Engagement
  • Develop and implement strategies to recruit, retain and engage volunteers for Shop Managers within each of the retail outlets
  • Ensure volunteers are appropriately trained, supported, and recognised for their contribution.
• Line Management / Teamworking
  • Lead, motivate and develop the retail team, fostering a high-performance collaborative culture
  • Effectively manage direct reports, setting clear objectives and expectations
  • Ensure compliance with organisational HR policies, procedures, and professional standards
  • Support recruitment, onboarding, training and development of staff and volunteers
  • Contribute to the organisational strategic and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Financial Performance / Governance
  • Lead on and manage retail budgets, income targets and cost controls
  • Drive profitability and maximise income from donated goods
  • Monitor and analyse sales performance, KPIs and financial data to inform decision-making
  • Prepare monthly performance reports with insights and recommendations for improvement
  • Review profit and loss reports, identifying trends and addressing variances
  • Work closely with Finance department to ensure accurate financial reporting and resolve any discrepancies
  • Utilise Chariot reporting system to track sales and Gift Aid performance and communicate insights to retail teams
  • Ensure robust cash handling and security processes are adhered to across all retail locations
  • Ensure compliance with organisational policies and governance standards.
• Health & Safety
  • Conduct annual risk assessments and implement risk management strategies
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and organisational policies
  • Oversee health and safety training for staff and volunteers
  • Implement and monitor actions from fire risk assessments.
• Estate Management
  • Identify new property opportunities and present recommendations for expansion
  • Liaise with property consultants on maintenance and property related matters
  • Manage the property portfolio including leases, rent reviews and key contract dates
  • Oversee storage facilities to meet operational needs
  • Plan and manage shop refurbishments within budget
  • Ensure all premises meet the health and safety standards
  • Manage storage units to meet shop demands as appropriate.
• Internal and External Relationships
  • Collaborate with fundraising and communications teams to maximise retail-related income and donor engagement
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and sector peers
  • Represent Cancer Focus Northern Ireland at external retail and sector events as required
• Other
  • Undertake any additional duties reasonably required by the Director of Fundraising and Retail

This Job Description is not exhaustive. It merely acts as a guide and may be amended to meet the changing requirements of the charity at any time after discussion with the post holder.

Person Specification

The below specification shows the essential skills, abilities, knowledge and/or qualifications required to be able to carry out the duties of this post. Therefore, please address in a covering letter, each criterion listed in the specification, drawing upon all of your experience, whether at work or on a voluntary basis.

Essential Criteria

• Experience
  • Significant experience in a senior leadership role within the charity retail or wider retail sector
  • Proven track record of developing and delivering retail strategies that drive income growth
  • Demonstrable experience managing budgets and delivering against financial targets
  • Proven track record of managing and leading team members within the retail function.
• Skills
  • Strong strategic thinking with excellent negotiation and influencing skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
  • Proven ability to work on own initiative managing time and tasks effectively, work in cross-functional teams and remain flexible
  • Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
  • Enthusiasm, drive and commitment to continuous improvement
  • Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office including Excel, databases and reporting tools.
• Other
  • Ability to occasionally work outside normal office hours and/or weekends
  • Applicants will hold a full, current driving license with business insurance and access to the use of a car to carry out the duties of the post.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience
  • Experience in developing and growing e-commerce and digital retail channels
  • Experience and knowledge of using Chariot reporting systems

Additional Information

• Terms and Conditions of Employment
  • Successful applicants must provide proof of their right to work in the UK. (This will be evidenced in the first instance by being in possession of a British or Irish passport or a valid UK Work Permit).
  • A satisfactory basic AccessNI check. Applicants who have a criminal record will be treated fairly and not discriminated automatically because of a conviction or other information revealed.
  • Applicants with criminal records will be reviewed in line with Cancer Focus Northern Ireland's policy on the recruitment of Ex-offenders.
  • Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has a written policy on the Secure Handling, Use, Storage and Retention of Disclosure information.
  • Satisfactory reference checks.
  • 6 months probationary period.
  • Evidence of relevant academic and professional qualifications.
  • Evidence of appropriate vehicle documentation (i.e. driving licence and insurance cover) must be provided where the role necessitates travel on company business in own vehicle.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• 25 days Annual Leave, plus 12 statutory days (pro rata for those working less than 35 hrs per week)
• 2 additional days of annual leave after 5 years service and a further 3 days after 10 years service
• Enhanced Maternity / Adoption Pay
• Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay Scheme
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Mileage Allowance at the prevailing HMRC rate
• Life Assurance
• Healthcare Plan

Disability

Cancer Focus NI is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications are dealt with in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act. A person is disabled if they have, or have had, a physical or mental impairment which has, or has had, a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities. If you consider yourself to have a disability relevant to the position for which you are applying, please contact us so that we can process your application fairly, make any specific arrangements for your interview, and make any necessary reasonable adjustments or adaptations, or provide any aids to assist you in completing the duties of the post if appointed.

Equal Opportunities

Cancer Focus NI is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.

Application Process

The closing date/time for submission of CV and cover letter is 5pm, 19th June 2026.

First Round Interviews: w/c 6th July 2026.

We are often unable to offer alternative interview dates.

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV and cover letter before this date/time to: or, mailed to: Human Resources, Cancer Focus NI, 6th Floor Montgomery House, 29-33 Montgomery Street, Belfast BT1 4NX

We cannot accept applications received after the closing date/time.

Guidance Notes on Applying for our role

Please ensure your CV is up-to-date and accurate. Cancer Focus NI will not make assumptions from the title of your post(s) or the nature of any employing organisation(s) as to your skills and experience gained. If you do not provide sufficient detail, including the appropriate dates needed to meet any eligibility criteria, your application may be rejected. ONLY the details provided by you in your CV and cover letter will be used for determining your eligibility for the post/shortlisting purposes.

Skills: Retail Strategy, Senior Leadership, Operations Management, e-Commerce Strategy, Compliance, Budget Setting & Management, Performance Analysis

Benefits: Flexible Working Policy, 25 days annual leave, plus statutory days, Contributory Pension Scheme, Life Assurance, Healthcare Plan, Cycle Scheme