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- Tasks: Lead a team of volunteers, manage shop operations, and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Oxfam, a movement dedicated to creating a fairer world through sustainable retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, training opportunities, and potential travel cost coverage.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while gaining valuable skills and meeting like-minded individuals.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your passion for helping others and teamwork.
- Other info: Open to applicants aged 18 and over; inclusive environment with support for all.
Please note: This role is only suitable for applicants aged 18 and over.
Do you want to make a real difference?
At Oxfam, we\’re not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we\’re working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.
By undertaking this role you will be enabling the shop to open for trading and close up, supervise and lead other volunteers in undertaking tasks and duties that enable the smooth running of the shop, and support the management team in task management.
Here\’s why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:
Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!
Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as supervising a team, customer service, and teamwork.
Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.
Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That\’s why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.
Oxfam isn\’t just another charity shop. We\’re a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!
What happens next?
After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you\’d like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!
Volunteer role
Shift Lead Volunteer
Volunteer manager
Shop Manager
Where you will be based
Shop
Why we want you
We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community by helping their local Oxfam shop to stay open for as long as possible. We need people to open and close the shop, and ensure volunteers know what tasks to undertake so the shop can run smoothly.
No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!
You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.
By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.
What you will be doing
- Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
- Opening or closing the shop.
- Ensuring that the shop is ready to trade or cashing up at the end of trade.
- Allocating tasks to members of the volunteer team.
- Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
- Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
- Researching valuable and vintage stock.
- Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
- Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
- This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.
The skills you need
- We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering.
- Full training and support is given for this role – no prior experience is required.
- Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others.
- Confident communicator.
What\’s in it for you
- Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered).
- Access to training and development.
- Grow your confidence and meet new people.
- Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle.
- Free confidential support by the Retail Trust.
- Possible references for future employers.
Disclaimer
Additional information: We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs, please talk to the Manager, and we can consider possible adjustments. We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please speak to a manager for assistance.
Unit 28, The Avenue Shopping Centre, Ayr Road, Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire Council, G77 6AA, United Kingdom
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Shift Lead Volunteer (team leader) employer: Oxfam International
Contact Detail:
Oxfam International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Lead Volunteer (team leader)
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for Oxfam's mission during your initial chat. Be prepared to discuss why you want to contribute to a fairer world and how you can help the shop run smoothly.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Oxfam's values and recent initiatives. This knowledge will help you connect with the team and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any previous volunteer experience or teamwork skills you have, even if they are from different contexts. This will show that you can collaborate effectively with others in the shop.
✨Tip Number 4
Be open to learning new skills and express your willingness to take on various tasks. This flexibility will make you a valuable asset to the team and increase your chances of landing the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Lead Volunteer (team leader)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Shift Lead Volunteer at Oxfam. Familiarise yourself with the tasks involved, such as supervising other volunteers and ensuring the shop runs smoothly.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the role. Even if you don't have direct retail experience, emphasise your teamwork, communication skills, and any volunteer work you've done in the past.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for helping others and your commitment to Oxfam's mission. Share why you want to volunteer and how you can contribute to the team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfam International
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
Oxfam is all about making a difference, so be sure to express your enthusiasm for their mission. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to want to volunteer and help create a fairer world.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
As a Shift Lead Volunteer, you'll be supervising other volunteers. Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully led a team or collaborated with others. This will show that you're capable of taking charge and ensuring smooth operations in the shop.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about how you would handle common situations in a retail environment, such as dealing with customer queries or managing tasks among volunteers. Being ready to discuss these scenarios will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of your chat, don't forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or specific tasks you might be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand what to expect.
