At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a retail team and manage store operations while supporting your local community.
- Company: Join St Christopher's Hospice, a leader in palliative care and sustainable fashion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful mission while gaining valuable retail experience.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and a passion for community engagement are key.
The predicted salary is between 15300 - 16200 £ per year.
Posting date: 22 May 2026
Closing date: 07 June 2026
Salary: £26,229 per annum FTE (£15,300 pro‑ra)
Hours: Part time, 21 hours per week, Monday – Sunday based on a 7‑day rota.
Location: BR5 2RA (St Pauls Cray)
Company: St Christopher's Hospice
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: 313076JCP
Remote working: On‑site only
Summary
Do you have a passion for quality retailing, being part of your local community, and want to be a part of the sustainable fashion movement? If this sounds like you, come and join the trading team at St Christopher's where you will be working in one of our 20+ high street stores across South East London.
Responsibilities
- Report to the Store Manager, taking on tasks allocated by them and leading the store in their absence, including opening and closing responsibilities.
- Oversee all areas of the stock journey: sorting, pricing, displaying donations and making sales.
- Manage a team of volunteers, creating a welcoming environment while ensuring the store runs smoothly.
- Perform heavy manual handling, including lifting sofas and other furniture.
Requirements
- Experience working in a busy, hands‑on environment where things are done at pace.
- Experience in a customer‑facing environment with a track record of delivering great customer service.
- Retail experience is desirable but not essential.
- Management or supervisory experience would be advantageous.
- Strong people skills and the ability to lead and supervise a group of volunteers.
- Problem‑solving ability, work under pressure, self‑motivated and driven.
About the Organisation
We are proud to provide world‑class palliative and end‑of‑life care to everyone who needs it, whenever or wherever that may be. We are also here for the people closest to you, as we often say, we’re more than just a hospice. We offer community programmes that provide practical, emotional and spiritual support to over 7,500 people in the local area, most of whom we help to continue living at home.
Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to register and apply for this vacancy. In the event we receive a high amount of applications, we reserve the right to close the job earlier than the initial closing date.
Part-Time Store Lead: Retail & Volunteer Team employer: St Christopher’s Hospice
St Christopher's Hospice is an exceptional employer that values community engagement and sustainable practices, making it a rewarding place to work. With a strong focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of volunteers while contributing to meaningful retail initiatives in St Pauls Cray. Enjoy flexible part-time hours and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-Time Store Lead: Retail & Volunteer Team
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on St Christopher's Hospice. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your passion for quality retailing aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since you'll be managing a team of volunteers, it's crucial to show off your leadership abilities. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or provided excellent customer service. We want to see that you can create a welcoming environment!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for hands-on tasks! The role involves heavy manual handling, so make sure you're prepared to discuss your physical capabilities. Share any relevant experiences where you've tackled similar challenges, like lifting furniture or managing stock efficiently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Part-Time Store Lead: Retail & Volunteer Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for retail and community involvement right from the start. Mention any relevant experiences that highlight your love for sustainable fashion and customer service.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in busy environments and any leadership roles you've had, especially if you've managed volunteers before. We want to see how you can lead our team!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Store Lead position. Share specific examples of how you've handled challenges in retail or led a team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Christopher’s Hospice
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the mission of St Christopher's Hospice and how their retail operations contribute to that. Familiarise yourself with their community programmes and sustainable fashion initiatives. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a potential Store Lead, you'll be managing volunteers and creating a welcoming environment. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or provided excellent customer service. Highlight your ability to motivate others and handle challenges with a positive attitude.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific situations where you've had to solve problems under pressure. Whether it was dealing with a difficult customer or managing stock issues, be ready to discuss how you approached these challenges and what the outcomes were. This will illustrate your capability to thrive in a busy retail environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Since the role involves heavy manual handling, be prepared to discuss your physical capabilities and any relevant experience. You might be asked how you would handle lifting and moving items like furniture. Showing that you're aware of the physical demands of the job will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
