At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail operations, drive income generation, and support individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Company: Join a charity focused on providing homes and support for those in need.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, free parking, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your leadership skills in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management and team leadership, preferably in a charity or social enterprise.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 47000 £ per year.
Spider is advertising on behalf of a company providing a home, work, and support for people who have experienced homelessness as they seek an interim Retail Business Manager to join the team in Greenwich, London on an initial 6-month fixed term contract which will be reviewed based on charities requirements and satisfactory performance in the role.
Salary: £42,000–£47,000 per annum, depending on experience (FTE which will be pro-rata period of contract)
Holiday: 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays (FTE which will be pro-rata period of contract)
Additional: Free onsite parking, Pension Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 confidential counselling
As the interim Retail Business Manager, you will lead the day-to-day charities business operations of the company, for the retail and ecommerce enterprise. This includes overseeing the collection, refurbishment, and resale of donated goods across the charities retail social enterprise. You will play a key role in driving income generation, ensuring financial sustainability. Working alongside the Companions Manager to identify opportunities for Companions to support their contribution to achieve the charities mission to provide meaningful work and support for people who have experienced homelessness. Working as part of the Management Team, you will promote the charity internally and externally, contributing to strategic goals around self-sufficiency, growth, and social impact.
- Lead and manage the day-to-day retail and trading operations, ensuring strong sales performance, customer service, and income generation.
- Develop, motivate, and manage staff, volunteers, and companions across business activities, including recruitment, training, supervision, and rota management.
- Oversee shop merchandising, layout, stock flow, and customer experience to maximise sales and engagement.
- Manage stock systems, cash handling, banking processes, and ensure accurate reporting and administration.
- Oversee donation processing, sorting areas, warehouse operations, and recycling processes including rag and book recycling.
- Drive business growth by identifying new income opportunities, including Gift Aid, account customers, and e-commerce development.
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform pricing, strategy, and business development.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR, Health & Safety, and organisational policies and procedures.
- Support the welfare, development, and engagement of companions through structured work opportunities and collaboration with community leadership.
- Maintain safe, clean, and well-managed retail and operational environments across all sites.
- Build and maintain external relationships with suppliers, partners, and the wider company network.
- Contribute to strategic planning, reporting, and wider organisational development.
As Business Manager, you will be an experienced and commercially minded leader with a strong background in charity retail operations, team management, and income generation. You will have proven experience managing staff, volunteers, or mixed teams within a fast-paced environment, ideally within a charity, social enterprise, or retail setting. The company is part of a wider UK Federation, providing a home, work, and support for people who have experienced homelessness. Through its social enterprise model, the organisation collects, refurbishes, and sells donated goods to generate income that supports its community and mission, while helping individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
If you have the relevant skills and experience for this interim Retail Business Manager position and would like to be considered, please apply by forwarding an up-to-date CV as soon as possible. If you require any reasonable adjustments or information in an alternative format, please inform us as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
No recruitment agencies, please.
Business / Retail Manager employer: Spider
Spider is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a competitive salary and a robust benefits package, including 23 days of holiday and opportunities for training and professional development. The supportive work culture fosters growth and encourages team collaboration, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the mobility sector while working in the vibrant Lowestoft area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business / Retail Manager
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Business / Retail Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to Spider:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Spider! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Spider
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Spider offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Spider and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
