At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide excellent customer service and support fundraising efforts in a vibrant retail environment.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible leave, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with a shared purpose.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while gaining valuable retail experience and skills.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
Millions of bargain-hunters. Endless pre-loved items. One meaningful purpose.
£12.71 per hour plus benefits
Reports to: Shop manager
Department: Trading
Location: Clacton
Contract: 3 month fixed-term contract
Working hours: Part time xx hours per week
Closing date: 14th June 2026 at 23:55
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found.
The internal title for this role is Shop Assistant. 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. In a lively, vibrant working environment, you’ll discover something new every day, whether it’s a new high street trend, a new community network or a talent you never knew you had. 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.
What skills 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.
- And ideally an understanding or an interest in fashion.
- Retail experience.
What will I gain?
Each and every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We think that’s impressive. In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous 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.
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.
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. Owing to the nature of this position, any offer of employment for this role will be subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check.
You can learn more about our fantastic retail teams on our website. For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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 Shop Assistant (Clacton) employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where every team member plays a vital role in our mission to beat cancer. As a Retail Shop Assistant in Clacton, you'll enjoy a generous benefits package, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the chance to connect with your community while making a meaningful impact. Join us and be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and supports your development in a lively environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Shop Assistant (Clacton)
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
Retail is all about community, so don't underestimate the power of local connections. Pop into shops you're interested in, chat with staff, and ask if they have any openings. This personal touch could land you a part-time gig with ease!
✨Show Off Your Personality
Retail is a people business, and employers love genuine, enthusiastic candidates. When you're applying for part-time roles, showcase your customer service skills and personality during interviews. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share your love for the products!
✨Utilise College or University Resources
If you're a student, check out your university’s career services. They often have links with local retailers looking for part-time staff. It's a great way to find positions that work around your studies while also building your CV!
✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often sees a surge during peak seasons like Christmas or summer sales. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary part-time roles during these times. Many companies, including Cancer Research UK, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Shop Assistant (Clacton)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, we know that customer service is king! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got with face-to-face interactions. Include specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer—this shows potential employers like Cancer Research UK that you're all about creating great shopping experiences.
Flexibility is Key!:For a part-time role, showcasing your availability is crucial. Make it clear in your application when you can work, especially if you have weekday and weekend flexibility. Retail can demand odd hours, so we want to see that you're ready to jump in when needed!
Forget the Fancy Formatting:While you want your CV to look good, in retail, clarity is more important than flashiness. Use simple formatting and bullet points to make your experiences stand out. Retail managers at Cancer Research UK will appreciate a straightforward CV that’s easy to skim through.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:When applying for a part-time retail position, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about Cancer Research UK and what you can bring to their team. Maybe you love their products or admire their customer service philosophy—let that passion come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Cancer Research UK, it’s super crucial to know their brand inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, customer service approach, and any current promotions. This way, you can engage genuinely in conversations and show that you’re already invested in their vibe.
✨Excellent Customer Scenarios
Prepare for customer service scenarios! Retail interviews often include role-play or situational questions. Think about how you'd handle different customer situations, from dealing with complaints to upselling products. We want to hear how you can keep your cool and keep the customer happy!
✨Tailoring Your Availability
Being part-time means flexibility is key! Be ready to discuss your availability honestly. Employers in retail love candidates who can adapt their schedules to peak hours. Show that you're keen to work evenings or weekends if it helps them out.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is essential in retail. Bring up experiences where you worked effectively in a team, whether it’s in previous jobs, school projects, or volunteering. We want to know how you can contribute to a positive team environment at Cancer Research UK!
