Senior Retail Assistant in Newtownards

Based in Newtownards

Permanent contract 15 hours per week

Salary: £10,491 (£13.45 per hour)

Closing date: Sunday 24 May 2026

OXFAM IRELAND

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

Department Purpose

To raise funds for Oxfam's work and promote Oxfam's values through the shop network.

Job Purpose

To work under the direction of the Shop management team, the Senior Retail Assistant is responsible for assisting with the overall operation of the store, in conjunction with assigned daily tasks, under the supervision of the Shop Manager. The Senior Retail Assistant will assist with sales, merchandising and display, and the daily maintenance of the store ensuring the highest standards of housekeeping and customer service comply fully with Oxfam Ireland policies and procedures.

Job Responsibilities

• Work with the Shop Manager to maximise profitability by actively encouraging customers to purchase merchandise.
• To effectively and efficiently sell all products in the store.
• Keeping on track to meet the weekly/monthly budgets and sales targets.
• Assist in training of new hires.
• Providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to resolve customer service issues.
• Carry out Visual Merchandising.
• Maintain Inventory Control.
• Perform opening and closing procedures.
• Adhere to all Oxfam Ireland policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain a fun, professional, and friendly environment with staff and customers.
• Complete required paperwork and banking procedures accurately.
• Must be able to work in a team-oriented atmosphere, completing tasks and communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Work in a safe way observing all health and safety guidelines by familiarising yourself with the general health and safety guidelines as directed by the Shop Manager.
• Attend all team meetings contributing fully to team discussions and initiatives.
• Carry out any other ad hoc duties determined by the Shop Manager.

Personal Specification

Job Requirements

• Relevant experience in a retail environment including customer service focus and a hands-on approach.
• Experience of supervising and motivating a diverse team.
• Excellent customer service skills with an emphasis on selling.
• Excellent communication skills & positive can-do attitude.
• Experience in working as part of a diverse team & ability to work on own initiative.
• Experience or interest in merchandising & good attention to detail.
• Previous experience and understanding of financial procedures including cash handling.
• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and administration skills.
• Excellent numeracy skills.

Qualifications & requirements

Sunday & bank holiday working is a requirement of the role. Eligibility to work in Ireland and UK.

Additional information

This post requires an enthusiastic, flexible person with excellent retail skills and first-class interpersonal skills. You should share Oxfam's strong values of service to relieve poverty and suffering. Due to the changing retail environment and to enable Oxfam to maximise the potential of our shops, a flexible approach to working hours is required. At busy times of the year this may include assisting the Shop Manager to ensure the shop is open 7 days a week and late nights. Physical effort is also a requirement of this role as you will need to lift, on a frequent basis, items of various sizes and weights due to the nature of the stock. A high level of tact and interpersonal skills are essential. This post involves working as part of a team in a busy environment. Staff are required to have a degree of flexibility in their work and attitude, to co-operate with colleagues to ensure the efficient, effective, and economic use of Oxfam's resources. As the post involves working and responding to Oxfam's many donors and volunteers, a courteous, helpful manner is essential at all times.

Key Attributes

• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
• Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender / gender mainstreaming, women's rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.
• Commitment to Oxfam's safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.

Organisational Values

• Accountability: Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
• Empowerment: Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
• Inclusiveness: We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.

Statement on Confidentiality

It is crucial that when encountering sensitive and/or confidential information it is maintained in strictest confidence, within the context of Oxfam Ireland's policies and procedures. Failure to do so may be viewed as gross misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary procedure.

Equal Opportunities

Oxfam is an Equal Opportunities employer. We aim to ensure that no staff suffer discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, membership of the traveller community, religious belief, political opinion, social class or caste, sexual orientation, HIV & AIDS status, marital status or family situation; gender, age or disability. Oxfam requires all staff to apply an equal opportunities approach and this responsibility rests with all employees and the organisation.

To apply please click on the APPLY button below to forward an up to date CV.

Closing date: Sunday 24 May 2026

Oxfam Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the Community.