At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide excellent customer service and support fundraising efforts in a vibrant retail environment.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible leave, discounts, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable retail experience.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
Millions of bargain-hunters. Endless pre-loved items. One meaningful purpose.
Reports to: Shop manager
Department: Trading
Location: Plymouth shop (Cornwall St)
Contract: Permanent
Working hours: Part time 7.5 hours per week
Closing date:
- External: 31st May 2026 23:55
- Internal: In line with organisational policy this role will remain open for internal applications until: 31st May 2026 23:55
Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.
We’re looking for a motivated store assistant to join Cancer Research UK’s trading team. You’ll be acting as an ambassador for Cancer Research UK. Your shop will be a place where your community gets to meet our people, understand our brand, and see some of the great things we do. You’ll also be surrounded by people who are as dedicated to beating cancer as you are.
What will I be doing?
- Providing excellent customer and supporter service.
- Working as an integral part of the shop team to achieve ambitious sales and fundraising targets.
- Assisting with maintaining shop standards including visual presentation, safeguarding compliance and health and safety.
- Creating relationships with your local community and Cancer Research UK colleagues.
- Supporting fundraising events for your store to achieve fundraising targets.
- Taking keyholder responsibility as required (training provided).
- There will be a varied amount of manual handling and physical activity required within the day-to-day duties of the role.
What are you looking for?
- An understanding of what makes great customer service.
- Experience of working in a busy customer service environment.
- The ability to manage your own workload and work independently when required.
- The ability to work well in a team.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Flexibility; our retail teams cover the needs of their stores by working on a rota basis. Whilst a level of flexibility is needed to meet the needs of the business, we don’t forget that you have a life outside of work too.
What will I gain?
We make sure you are supported by a generous salary and benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools, policies and processes to enable you to do your job well. Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more. Our work – from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy – will change the world. It’s exciting to be part of our team. Our retail teams also have access to confidential wellbeing support from the Retail Trust.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively. Owing to the nature of this position, any offer of employment for this role will be subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Retail Store Assistant (Plymouth shop employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we are not just a charity; we are a community dedicated to beating cancer. As a Retail Store Assistant in our Plymouth shop, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth in a vibrant team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Store Assistant (Plymouth shop
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Cancer Research UK and understand their mission. This will help you connect with the team during your interview and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent service. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your fit for the Retail Store Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network, network, network! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the interview process and what it’s like to work at Cancer Research UK.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job openings and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Store Assistant (Plymouth shop
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about helping us beat cancer and making a difference in the community.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer service. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This helps us get to know you better without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Customer Service Basics
Make sure you understand what great customer service looks like. Think about your past experiences and be ready to share examples of how you've provided excellent service in busy environments. This will show that you can handle the demands of a retail role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working as part of a team, it's important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate. Prepare to discuss times when you've worked well with others to achieve a common goal. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the shop manager.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Cancer Research UK
Do a bit of homework on Cancer Research UK and its mission. Understanding their purpose and values will help you connect your personal motivations with the role. Be ready to express why you want to be part of their mission to beat cancer.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about handling physical tasks and maintaining shop standards. Think about how you would manage your workload and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Being prepared for these practical aspects will show you're ready for the job.
