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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 competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave options.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while leading a passionate team towards a vital cause.
- Qualifications: Proven retail leadership experience with a passion for charity and community engagement.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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
As Director of Retail, 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
Contact Detail:
CRISIS UK 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 with charities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Crisis and its mission to end homelessness. Think about how your experience aligns with their values and be ready to share specific examples of your leadership and innovation in retail.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with stakeholders, express your commitment to charity retail and how you envision using it as a platform for community engagement. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to tailor your approach to what Crisis is looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Retail
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When filling out your application, let your true self shine through! We want to hear your unique experiences and perspectives, so don’t hold back. Share what drives your passion for charity retail and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to align your answers with the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the role of Director of Retail. This shows us you understand what we’re looking for and how you can make an impact.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a potential leader, it’s important to convey your approach to team management and collaboration. Share examples of how you've inspired and empowered teams in the past, as this is key to fostering the culture we value at Crisis.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered fairly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at CRISIS UK
✨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. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've empowered teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you've fostered an inclusive culture or driven innovation within a retail environment.
✨Prepare for the Panel
The interview format includes a stakeholder panel, so practice answering competency and values-based questions. Prepare to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to retail operations and customer engagement. Also, have some insightful questions ready to ask them about their vision for the retail strategy.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since this role involves driving income growth, be ready to talk about your financial management experience. Bring examples of how you've successfully increased revenue in previous roles, particularly in charity or retail sectors. Highlight your understanding of e-commerce and how it can enhance the retail experience.