At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide excellent customer service and support in a busy charity shop.
- Company: Join Dougie Mac, a values-driven charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, healthcare plan, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team while helping your local community.
- Qualifications: Retail experience is a plus; bring a positive attitude and great communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 16899 - 16899 £ per year.
Are you friendly, motivated, and passionate about making a difference? Join our Dougie Mac retail team as a Shop Assistant in our Hanley shop and help raise vital funds to support people in our local community. Whether it’s welcoming customers, working the till, or helping process donations, you’ll play a key role in the day-to-day running of a busy, successful charity shop – all while being part of a supportive, values-driven team.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide excellent customer service, ensuring a warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Help sort, price, and merchandise donated stock for sale
- Operate the EPOS till system for purchases, returns and Gift Aid
- Maintain clean, safe and tidy shop and backroom areas
- Support and work alongside our brilliant team of volunteers
- Follow procedures relating to Health & Safety, GDPR, and trading standards
- Promote Gift Aid and other Dougie Mac fundraising initiatives
- Assist with shop cover when needed and complete required training
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience in retail or customer-facing roles (charity shop experience a bonus!)
- A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to get stuck in
- Ability to work flexibly across the week including weekends
- Great communication skills and team spirit
- Basic IT and till skills
Why Join Dougie Mac?
At Dougie Mac, we care deeply about the people who make our work possible. Whatever your role, you’ll be part of a supportive, values-led organisation where everyone is encouraged to grow, contribute, and make a real difference. As a Dougie Mac employee, you’ll benefit from:
- 35 days of annual leave, rising with length of service
- Options to buy and sell annual leave
- Hospice-paid Healthcare Cash Plan
- Competitive Pension Scheme
- DBS paid for by the hospice
- Learning & Development opportunities
- Free on-site parking
Join us and be part of a local charity that puts people at the heart of everything we do.
Salary: £16,899.80 per annum
Hours: 25.5 hours a week (Monday to Saturday, worked flexibly 3 of 6 days)
Applications close: Sunday 8th November 2026
Interviews: Tuesday 17th November 2026
Shop Assistant employer: Douglas Macmillan Hospice
At Dougie Mac, we pride ourselves on being a compassionate and supportive employer, dedicated to the well-being of our staff and the community we serve. Our housekeeping team plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe environment for our patients, and we offer generous benefits such as 35 days of annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and opportunities for personal development. Join us in making a meaningful impact within a values-driven charity that truly values its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop Assistant
✨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 Douglas Macmillan Hospice, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Shop Assistant
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 Douglas Macmillan Hospice 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 Douglas Macmillan Hospice 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 Douglas Macmillan Hospice 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 Douglas Macmillan Hospice
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Douglas Macmillan Hospice, 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 Douglas Macmillan Hospice!
