At a Glance
- Tasks: Support retail operations and help people with learning disabilities thrive.
- Company: Join Mencap, a leading charity dedicated to inclusivity and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days of paid holiday, discounts, and health perks.
- Other info: Flexible hours, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Retail experience preferred, but passion and values matter most.
Are you passionate about retail and ready to take on a new challenge that will make a real difference to the lives of people with a learning disability? If Yes, then please keep reading as we may have the role for you.
We are excited to be looking for a Shop Assistant in our Thetford store for 22.5 hours per week. We are looking for a passionate and motivated person to help our store reach full potential.
As a Shop Assistant you will:
- Help develop in store systems and promote donations and sales to maximise profits
- Represent Mencap as an efficient and charitable organisation by ensuring that your actions reinforce the Mencap aims and values
- Strive to ensure stock is generated from the local area and donors
- Sign up donors to the Gift Aid scheme and ensure maximum income is achieved through Gift Aid
- Be responsible for achieving profit targets by ensuring sales are maximised and the costs are effectively managed
- Maintain the store to a high standard of presentation throughout
- Build an effective volunteer team and provide training and development
- Be responsible for all financial and cash handling and health and safety
To be a successful Shop Assistant, you will be:
- An experienced Shop Assistant with the ability to maintain budgets and complete weekly income and banking sheets accurately, preferably with previous charity retail experience
- Have a flexible approach to working hours and days including working weekends and Bank Holidays as appropriate
- Willing to travel to occasional team meetings, training events and in the initial growth of the new retail train assisting with setting up other new stores
- Passionate about the Mencap values and will strive to ensure our Retail brand is successful
At Mencap, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and we intentionally plan for the success of our colleagues in everything we do. We welcome applications from everyone, so come as you are and join us. Together we are Mencap!
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applicants with disabilities to apply for all roles with us.
This advert will close on 06 September, with interviews taking place shortly afterwards.
Benefits: Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.
About Mencap: Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We’re here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.
At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.
- Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
- Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes.
- Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.
We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.
Locations
Shop Assistant Thetford in Norfolk, Ovington employer: Mencap
Mencap is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where compassion and teamwork thrive. Located in North Shields, this role as a Support Worker not only provides flexible shifts to accommodate your lifestyle but also includes valuable training opportunities and generous annual leave, ensuring you can grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop Assistant Thetford in Norfolk, Ovington
✨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 Mencap, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Shop Assistant Thetford in Norfolk, Ovington
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 Mencap 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 Mencap 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 Mencap 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 Mencap
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Mencap, 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 Mencap!