At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise e-commerce operations across multiple charity shops.
- Company: Ellenor, a compassionate hospice charity in Gravesend.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on inclusivity and high-quality service.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site retail management and e-commerce operations required.
Salary: £42,906 - £48,292 per annum (dep. on experience)
Hours: 37.5 Hours per week, Monday to Sunday
Are you an experienced Head of Retail looking for a development opportunity? As Head of Retail, you will have a background in e‑commerce operations and experience managing multiple sites. You will lead teams across various locations to optimise e‑commerce operations and achieve strategic objectives and targets. Ellenor is a hospice charity in Gravesend providing palliative and end‑of‑life care within the local community. At Ellenor, we value inclusivity and focus on providing high‑quality services with compassion and care. We offer professional development opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including a pension scheme (with the option for NHS Pension Scheme members to transfer their pension), an employee assistance program, discount schemes, a generous annual leave allowance, and much more.
Key responsibilities for the role include:
- Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Work closely with the Director of Operations to develop and deliver the retail and ecommerce strategy, supporting the organisation’s wider objectives
- Plan, manage, and monitor the annual retail operating budget, taking corrective action where necessary to ensure income targets are achieved
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of retail operations, identifying opportunities for growth, efficiency, and improved customer experience
- Ensure all retail operations are delivered in line with Ellenor’s policies, procedures, and strategic plan
- Shop & E-Commerce Management
- Oversee the successful operation of multiple charity shops and ecommerce platforms, ensuring strong financial performance and excellent customer experience
- Support the development and expansion of the retail portfolio including shop acquisitions, shop‑fitting, recruitment, and successful shop openings
- Develop effective stock management, merchandising, and visual presentation standards across all retail outlets
- Ensure ecommerce platforms are optimised to maximise online sales and supporter engagement
- Warehouse & Distribution Management
- Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the warehouse and distribution hub, ensuring efficient processing, storage, and distribution of donated goods and shop stock
- Ensure effective logistics between donation stations, warehouse, and retail shops, optimising stock flow and minimising waste
- Implement and maintain robust operational systems, controls, and compliance processes
- Donation Management & Community Engagement
- Oversee the management of donation stations across the local area, ensuring they are well maintained, monitored, and generating high‑quality donations
- Build strong relationships with local communities, businesses, and partners to promote donation initiatives and maximise contributions
- Ensure donation processes integrate seamlessly with retail operations and fundraising strategies
- Financial & Performance Management
- Manage budgets and monitor financial performance across all retail activities
- Analyse sales and donation data to identify trends, inform strategic decisions, and improve operational efficiency
- Drive Gift Aid income, ensuring processes are compliant and opportunities to maximise income are fully utilised
- Report regularly to senior leadership and trustees on performance, risks, and opportunities
- Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of staff and volunteers across multiple locations
- Foster a culture of empowerment, inclusivity, accountability, and high performance
- Ensure effective recruitment, training, and development plans are in place to support operational goals and business growth
- Champion health, safety, and safeguarding across all retail sites and operations
Essential requirements for the role include:
- Proven experience leading multi‑site retail operations, ideally within the charity or voluntary sector
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing geographically dispersed teams and driving performance
- Experience overseeing warehouse and distribution operations, including logistics, stock management, and team leadership
- Experience managing ecommerce operations and online retail platforms
- A strong understanding of donation operations, including donation stations and volunteer‑led processes
- Demonstrable experience managing budgets, analysing financial performance, and delivering income growth
- Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and influencing skills
- Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple projects
UK Immigration: Ellenor is not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.
Head of Retail in Gravesend employer: Ellenor Lions
Ellenor is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. As the Head of Retail, you will lead a dedicated team in optimising e-commerce operations while making a meaningful impact in the local community through our hospice charity. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a pension scheme, Ellenor provides a rewarding environment for those looking to grow their careers in a compassionate setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Retail in Gravesend
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Ellenor Lions, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Ellenor Lions!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Retail in Gravesend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Ellenor Lions, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Ellenor Lions and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Ellenor Lions that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellenor Lions
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
