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- Tasks: Lead and innovate retail operations to support Crisis's mission to end homelessness.
- Company: Join a national charity dedicated to making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave options.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while leading a passionate team in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in retail leadership with a passion for social change.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.
Location: Based in our London office E1, with frequent travel to our stores across London and to our warehouse in Canning Town. Some homeworking available in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy.
About the role
You will provide bold strategic leadership to grow and strengthen the organisation’s retail operation, creating an innovative and inspiring pre-loved retail experience across both shops and online. Working collaboratively with the Executive Director of Commerce & Enterprise and wider teams, you will drive sustainable income growth, expand the retail portfolio, and integrate e-commerce to deliver a seamless omnichannel offer. With an impactful focus on achieving ambitious revenue targets and building strategic partnerships, you will use retail as a powerful platform to engage communities and supporters in Crisis’s mission to end homelessness.
You will lead and develop a high-performing team of staff and volunteers, fostering an equitable and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. Through inspiring leadership and clear direction, you will ensure operational excellence, innovation, and outstanding customer experience across the retail estate. Combining commercial acumen with purpose-driven leadership, this role will ensure Crisis’s retail growth is not only financially strong but also socially impactful, helping to create lasting change for people experiencing homelessness.
About you
We are looking for an experienced and strategic retail leader with a proven record of growing and transforming retail operations, ideally within the charity or high street sector. You will bring strong people leadership and financial acumen, a passion for charity retail, an understanding of e-commerce, and the ability to turn strategic vision into clear operational delivery. With experience leading large and dispersed teams, you will be an inspirational and collaborative leader who empowers others to perform at their best while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
You will have the skills to drive income growth and customer engagement across both physical and digital channels, underpinned by a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences. With sound knowledge of health, safety, and safeguarding, you’ll ensure Crisis’s retail spaces are safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all. Above all, you’ll share our commitment to ending homelessness and live our values — being Bold in your ambition, Impactful in your leadership, Collaborative in your approach, and Equitable in how you support staff, volunteers, and communities.
Working at Crisis
Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness. Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
- 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
- Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
- Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly
- And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How do I apply?
Please click on the 'Apply' button to find out more and to apply. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.
Closing date: Sunday 12 April 2026 at 23:59
Interview format: Stakeholder panel: Wednesday 27 April 2026 at one of our London shops. This will involve meeting with a panel of key stakeholders for an informal conversation where you can learn more about the role, organisation and ask questions. Main panel interview date and location: Wednesday 29 April 2026 at our London office, E1. The interview will be a range of competency, values and hypothetical questions and there will be a presentation.
Accessibility
We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email us and our Talent Acquisition team will contact you to discuss how we can help.
For more information about our work please visit our website.
Director of Retail employer: CRISIS UK-1
Contact Detail:
CRISIS UK-1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Retail
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail sector, especially those who have experience in charity retail. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Crisis and its mission. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase your passion for ending homelessness and demonstrate that you're the right fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven growth in retail. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 to make a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Retail
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're filling out your application, let your true self shine through! We want to know about your experiences and how they relate to the role. Don’t be afraid to share your passion for charity retail and your commitment to ending homelessness.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to read the job description carefully and tailor your answers to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership and strategic thinking in retail.
Show Your Impact: We love to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Share stories that showcase your ability to drive income growth and enhance customer engagement, especially in a retail context. Numbers and outcomes can really make your application stand out!
Follow the Application Process: Remember, we don’t ask for CVs! Just fill out the work history section and answer the screening questions on our website. This helps us assess everyone fairly and keeps things simple. So, head over to our site and get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRISIS UK-1
✨Know Your Mission
Before stepping into the interview, make sure you understand Crisis's mission to end homelessness. Familiarise yourself with their values—Bold, Impactful, Collaborative, and Equitable—and think about how your own experiences align with these principles. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of Retail, you'll need to lead a diverse team. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, particularly in fostering an inclusive culture. Think about times when you've empowered others or driven innovation within a team, as this will resonate well with the panel.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
You'll be required to give a presentation during the interview. Make sure to structure it clearly, focusing on how you would drive sustainable income growth and enhance customer experience across both physical and digital channels. Practise delivering your key points confidently and succinctly.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the retail strategy and how Crisis plans to integrate e-commerce. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.