At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide excellent customer service and support fundraising events 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 with a supportive team culture.
- 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 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Millions of bargain-hunters. Endless pre-loved items. One meaningful purpose.
£12.71 per hour + benefits
Reports to: Shop manager
Department: Trading
Location: Farnham shop (West St)
Contract: Permanent
Working hours: Part time 7.5 hours per week
External Closing date: 21st June 2026 23:55
Internal: In line with organisational policy this role will remain open for internal applications until: 21st June 2026 23:55
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. 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 (training provided).
- There will be a varied amount of manual handling and physical activity 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.
- 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.
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.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on LinkedIn, 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 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 - Farnham shop (West St) employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where our Retail Store Assistants can thrive. Located in the heart of Farnham, our shop is not just a workplace but a community hub where you can make a real difference in the fight against cancer. With a generous benefits package, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a culture that values flexibility and well-being, joining our team means being part of something truly meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Store Assistant - Farnham shop (West St)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the shop and its vibe! Before your interview, pop into the Farnham shop, chat with the team, and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you understand what makes great customer service in that environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you're chatting with the hiring team, let them know why beating cancer matters to you. Share any personal stories or experiences that connect you to Cancer Research UK.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your teamwork skills! Think of examples where you've worked well with others in a busy environment. The shop thrives on collaboration, so showing you can be a team player is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission. Don’t forget to highlight your flexibility and customer service experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Store Assistant - Farnham shop (West St)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're filling out your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about customer service and beating cancer. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to customise your answers to fit the job description. Highlight your experience in busy customer service environments and how you can contribute to our team. We love seeing candidates who understand what makes great service!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid long-winded explanations. Use bullet points if it helps to make your skills and experiences stand out!
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 navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Purpose
Before the interview, take some time to understand Cancer Research UK's mission and values. Being able to articulate why you want to work for a charity that fights cancer will show your passion and commitment, which is key for this role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Think about how you handled difficult situations or went above and beyond for customers, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the Retail Store Assistant position.
✨Teamwork is Key
Since you'll be working as part of a team, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share specific instances where you contributed to a team's success, highlighting your communication skills and ability to support your colleagues.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the shop's community engagement initiatives or upcoming fundraising events. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team.