At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sales, provide excellent customer service, and maintain store standards.
- Company: Join Marie Curie, the UK's leading end-of-life charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable retail experience.
- Qualifications: Previous retail experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity.
We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country.
Our retail stores play a vital part in helping us achieve our mission by bringing in significant revenue generation, building awareness and engaging local communities.
Join our team and be part of a dynamic retail environment where your can-do attitude makes a real difference.
We're looking for courageous individuals who take initiative, considerate team players who put customers first and trustworthy colleagues who take pride in what they do.
If you thrive in a collaborative workplace and enjoy helping people, we'd love to hear from you.
As a Retail Assistant, you will join an incredible team and support them to encourage sales, provide excellent customer service, and uphold the highest standards of stock presentation and store cleanliness.
Job Description
You will be responsible for
- Assisting the Retail Manager in maximising sales by maintaining high standards of display and layout, ensuring proper stock rotation, and securing realistic pricing on donated items.
- Ensuring donated goods are processed according to set standards and timeframes, and that pricing is in line with charity guidelines.
- Maximising Gift Aid income and oversee the proper display and administration of bought-in goods, ensuring minimal stock loss.
- Customer engagement and leading by coaching volunteers and staff to have great conversations with every customer on" Rounding up" their purchase, making an "add donation" for our charity and signing up for our loyalty scheme.
- Engaging with the community to drive repeat custom, stock donation, volunteer recruitment and community involvement.
- Managing volunteers and ensuring all staff and volunteers are following Marie Curie procedures and guidelines.
- In the absence of the Retail Manager, taking responsibility for the overall management and operation of the store.
- Key Criteria
- Previous retail experience, preferably in fashion/clothing.
- Experience of cash handling and financial management procedures (including completion of sales records).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer-first attitude and the ability to communicate with tact and discretion,
- Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload, balancing competing demands.
- Understanding of health and safety procedures in a retail environment.
- Experience in managing and motivating volunteers is desirable.
- Hours per week: This is a variable hours role
Closing date:16th November. We are reviewing applications as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.
In this role you will have sole responsibility for the running of the store, which will involve lone working.
Due to this, we are unable to recruit anyone for this role who is under the age of 18.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
- Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
- Continuous professional development opportunities
- Industry-leading training programmes
- Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
- Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
- Access to Blue Light Card membership
- Subsidised Eye Care
At Marie Curie, our values are central to everything we do.
They guide how we care for people, how we work together, and how we make decisions every day.
We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe for everyone — staff and volunteers alike — supportive, inclusive and rewarding.
We take stringent steps to ensure that anyone who joins our organisation are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm.
We actively consider our impact on the planet, embedding sustainability into everyday decisions to create a lasting, positive difference for the individuals we care for and the world we share.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential.
Marie Curie is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, recognising both the social justice imperative and the strength a diverse workforce brings.
We actively encourage applications from people of all cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.
We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you require any support, please contact us at recruitment@mariecurie. org. uk.
Every application we receive is personally reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team, and in return, we ask that your application authentically reflects you — your experience, perspective and voice.
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Retail Assistant - Parkstone in Poole employer: Marie Curie
Marie Curie is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the UK's leading end-of-life charity. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and continuous professional development, staff are empowered to grow in their roles while making a significant impact on the lives of those facing terminal illness. The inclusive work culture fosters diversity and collaboration, ensuring that every voice is valued as we strive to provide the best possible care and support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant - Parkstone in Poole
✨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 Marie Curie, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistant - Parkstone in Poole
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 Marie Curie 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 Marie Curie 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 Marie Curie 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 Marie Curie
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Marie Curie, 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 Marie Curie!