At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee shop operations on Sundays and support a diverse team of volunteers.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, dedicated to beating cancer and making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, discounts, and a generous benefits package including wellbeing support.
- Other info: Must be 18+ and eligible to work in the UK; training provided for keyholder responsibilities.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful mission while developing your skills in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and adaptability in dynamic situations is essential.
Retail store assistant (with keyholder responsibility)
£12.21 per hour plusbenefits
Reports to: Shop manager
Department: Trading
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 10.5 hours- Sundays plus another half day
Location: Edinburgh Tollcross Shop
Closing date: 24th August 2025 23:55 This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found
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 retail assistant to join Cancer Research UK\'s trading team. You\'ll be acting as an ambassador for Cancer Research UK and taking responsibility for the shop on a Sunday.
You\'ll also be surrounded by people who are as dedicated to beating cancer as you are.
What will I be doing?
- Overseeing the running of the shop on a Sunday. This includes taking keyholder responsibility (training provided) and supporting a talented and diverse team of volunteers.
- Assisting the wider shop team in achieving sales and fundraising targets.
- Reviewing and processing donated goods and new stock.
- Coming up with creative ideas to help generate new income, with guidance from the Shop Manager.
- Using your customer service skills to make sure our customers and supporters feel welcome and appreciated.
- Maintaining shop standards regarding safeguarding, compliance and health and safety.
- 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?
- A working knowledge of what makes great customer service.
- Experience of working in a lively and vibrant environment.
- Adaptability in changing situations, including being able to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
- Commercial awareness.
- The ability to create relationships and communicate well.
- 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.
(Download the full role profile)
What will I gain?
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 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
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X 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 or 0 20 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 (Edinburgh Tollcross) employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values personal and professional growth. As a Retail Store Assistant in Edinburgh Tollcross, you'll enjoy a generous benefits package, including flexible leave, discounts, and access to wellbeing support, all while contributing to a meaningful cause that aims to beat cancer. Join a dedicated team where your skills will be nurtured, and your contributions will make a real difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Store Assistant (Edinburgh Tollcross)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cancer Research UK's mission and values. Understanding their purpose will not only help you connect with the team but also allow you to demonstrate your passion for their cause during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully handled customer interactions in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to create a welcoming environment, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the local community around Edinburgh Tollcross and think about how you can engage with it. Bringing ideas on how to attract more customers or generate income can set you apart as a proactive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your adaptability and teamwork experience. Think of specific situations where you've successfully worked independently or as part of a team, as this role requires flexibility and collaboration with volunteers.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Store Assistant (Edinburgh Tollcross)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Retail Store Assistant position. Highlight key skills such as customer service, adaptability, and commercial awareness in your application.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous retail experience, customer service roles, or volunteer work that showcases your ability to work in a team and handle responsibilities.
Complete the Online Application Form:Fill out the work history section of the online application form thoroughly. Be honest and precise about your previous roles and responsibilities, as this will help the hiring team assess your suitability for the position.
Prepare for Potential Interview Questions:Think about how you would answer questions related to customer service, teamwork, and handling challenges in a retail environment. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and adaptability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for Cancer Research UK's mission. Share why you want to work in a charity environment and how you can contribute to their goal of beating cancer.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Highlight how you made customers feel welcome and appreciated, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
Since you'll be working with a diverse team of volunteers, be prepared to discuss your experience in teamwork. Share specific instances where you adapted to different roles or supported your colleagues.
✨Think Creatively About Fundraising
Come up with a few creative ideas for generating income for the shop. This shows initiative and aligns with the role's requirement to assist in achieving sales and fundraising targets.
