At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Shop Manager in running a busy furniture shop and delivering excellent customer service.
- Company: Join St John's Hospice Shops, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 7 weeks annual leave, an 8% pension contribution, and employee assistance programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that supports local patients while developing your retail skills.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm and a commitment to customer service are key; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 18505 - 18505 £ per year.
This role matters: We're looking for an Assistant Manager to join our dynamic and customer-focused retail team at our busy Morecambe Furniture Shop. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys a fast-paced retail environment, loves creating great displays, and takes pride in delivering outstanding customer service.
As Assistant Manager, you'll support the Shop Manager in the day-to-day running of the shop, helping to maximise sales, inspire volunteers, maintain excellent standards and create an enjoyable shopping experience for every customer. You'll also have the opportunity to take responsibility for the shop in the Manager's absence. Every item sold helps raise vital funds for St John's Hospice, supporting local patients and families when they need us most. This is retail with real purpose.
We are proud to have shops across the Lancaster and Morecambe area, as well as furniture shops in Garstang and Kendal, and it is essential you would be able to travel to different locations as and when required to provide support. Any authorised travel expenses can be claimed in accordance with our Expenses Policy.
Why work for St John’s Hospice Shops? This is a role where every day you can use your retail skills and experience to make a genuine difference. Our shops generate vital income that directly supports the care provided by St John's Hospice, whilst promoting sustainable shopping through pre-loved goods.
Benefits:
- 7 weeks annual leave per year (pro rata)
- 8% employer funded pension
- Employee Assistance Programme, including cash back on dental, optical & therapy treatments
More than just retail: Our shops are at the heart of our local communities. Every donation, purchase and volunteer contribution helps us continue providing specialist and holistic care from Garstang to Grasmere and from Sedbergh to Morecambe. If you're looking for a retail role where your work has real meaning and where you'll be part of something bigger than sales targets, we'd love to hear from you.
Could this be the role for you? We're seeking someone who thrives on variety, enjoys working with people and takes pride in achieving high standards. You'll be comfortable leading by example, embracing new challenges and helping others succeed. Previous furniture retail experience is not essential – we'll provide the training and support you need. What matters most is enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and a commitment to excellent customer service.
The Morecambe Furniture Shop is open 7 days a week, why not pop down, have a look around and meet our friendly team. Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Laura Stanbridge.
Please note: This role involves moving and handling donated stock and may require lifting, pushing and pulling items. The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. The cost of this check is currently £54.30 and this will be deducted from the successful applicant's first salary payment.
Hours: 28 per week (4 out of 7 days)
Working pattern: 9.15am - 4.45pm
Role Type: Permanent
Pay: £18,505.76 (based on 28 hours / week)
Pension: St John’s Hospice Shops Ltd Pension Scheme (St John’s pays an 8% employer contribution)
Closing Date: Sunday 12th July 2026
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Assistant Manager (Morecambe Furniture Shop) employer: St John's Hospice
St John’s Hospice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care in the South Lakes area. With a strong focus on employee development, our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through ongoing training and supervision, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact in patients' lives. Join us in a role where your contributions are valued, and experience the unique advantage of working within a community-focused environment that prioritises dignity, kindness, and respect for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager (Morecambe Furniture Shop)
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like St John's Hospice, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like St John's Hospice!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager (Morecambe Furniture Shop)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at St John's Hospice, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at St John's Hospice and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show St John's Hospice that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at St John's Hospice
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
