Charity shop Assistant manager in Portsmouth

Part time 16hrs per week. Under the direction of the Charity Shop Manager to assist in the smooth daily operation of the shop in compliance with current legislation, Branch & Society policy. To assist the Charity Shop Manager in achieving agreed sales and profit targets by maximising sales and controlling direct shop expenses. To help recruit and train a motivated team of staff and volunteers, whilst promoting the work of the RSPCA. To deputise for the Charity Shop Manager in their absence and assume responsibility for the overall management of the charity shop.

Principal Accountabilities

• Support the Charity Shop Manager to meet the agreed sales targets and ensure that direct costs are kept to a minimum.
• Ensure trading hours are strictly adhered to.
• Assume overall responsibility for the shop premises including key holding (as appropriate).
• Recruit, train, manage and support staff & volunteers and adhere to the agreed Branch standards & policies and any relevant legislation.
• Complete annual appraisals including the setting of targets for any shop staff within the agreed timescales and conduct regular one-to-one review meetings with staff.
• Ensure that the level of volunteers is sufficient to operate an effective charity shop operation.
• Ensure that appropriate HR policies and procedures are adhered to in compliance with the relevant employment legislation and branch employment policies and procedures seeking guidance from senior management as required.
• Ensure all financial management, cash handling, daily banking and security procedures are followed.
• Ensure all relevant administration is completed within the agreed timescales.
• Be proactive in the generation of donated stock, managing stock collection efficiently and effectively and in accordance with Branch & Society guidelines.
• Process donated stock to the agreed standards and timescales.
• Minimise stock loss.
• Manage the sales and administration of any bought-in (i.e. new) goods.
• Ensure that the shop and window presentation standards are met including the rotation of goods, window displays and promotional activities.
• Ensure the appropriate standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the shop including the sales floor, stock processing area, offices and communal areas.
• Actively promote all Branch & Society initiatives and campaigns to promote awareness of the charity.
• Ensure high levels of customer service are maintained.
• Build and develop positive internal and external relationships to ensure maximum income for the charity.
• Promote the shop in the local area using all available promotional opportunities (subject to any Branch rules for communication with the media).
• Ensure compliance with the branch’s health and safety policy (including fire safety, risk assessments and security procedures) and relevant legislation.
• Attend management meetings and training courses as requested.

In the absence of the Charity Shop Manager: Accept responsibility for the management of all aspects of the charity shop, including the management of any staff and volunteers, stock management, merchandising and financial procedures. Carry out such other tasks as directed by the Branch / Retail Manager.

While at work all staff are required to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts and omissions; cooperate with branch policies and procedures for health and safety.

In addition to the above all line managers are required to ensure, so far as is reasonably practical, the health, safety and well-being of their staff, volunteers and others who may be affected by branch activities; be familiar and comply with branch policies and procedures for health and safety.

Knowledge, skill and experience

Please see person specification attached.

Additional information

Duty hours are 16 hours (over 7 days) unless shop requirements or emergency cover is required. Working days will be arranged by the Shop Manager and may be subject to change each week. Although the Deputy Manager will be given responsibility for a specific unit or units, all staff are required to be able to work in any area, in the event of staff shortages. The post holder needs to be aware that the role is physically challenging/demanding. This job description is a statement of the job content agreed in April 2023. It should not be seen as precluding future changes or additions.

Person specification

Education & Training

Good general level of education, at least to GCSE standard or equivalent.

Essential Experience

• Comprehensive retail experience.
• Proven line management experience.
• Experience of handling difficult people.
• Experience of cash handling.
• Experience of recruiting and working with groups of volunteers.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication skills both written & oral.
• Computer literate and ability to motivate and influence others.
• Ability to prioritise workload, balancing competing demands.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation.

Personal Qualities

• Sympathy with the RSPCA’s aims and policies.
• Calm under pressure.
• Resilient in the face of setbacks.
• Ability to relate well to people from all backgrounds.
• Honest, trustworthy and reliable.
• Ability to be flexible when working with volunteers, willing to seek compromise rather than the “perfect solution”.
• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills through training and development.

Special Circumstances

• Willing and able to work longer than the contracted hours when the job demands.
• Willing and able to travel around the Branch area and work at other charity shops if required.