Head of Retail

Head of Retail

Bury St Edmunds Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire retail teams to maximise income for a meaningful cause.
  • Company: Join St Nicholas Hospice Care, a respected charity making a real community impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health cash plan, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation that supports families in need.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in multi-site retail management and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Call our 24/7 advice line for health care professionals and families if you need support with symptom management and end of life care – .

If you have used our Hospice\’s services, please consider taking some time to inform us of your experience.

Location – Hybrid, Bury St Edmunds office and across shop network, plus 1 to 2 days per week from home

About the role

Are you a commercial, values‑led leader, who’s looking for a role that gives you the opportunity to shape ambitious new plans and to deliver real impact to your hospice community? Retail at St Nicholas Hospice Care is more than shops – it’s a vital engine that generates over £1m in unrestricted income every year , helping us to ensure everyone in our communities has support, dignity and choice when facing dying, death and grief.

We are entering an exciting new phase, with ambition to grow our retail offer both on the high street and online, and we’re looking for an exceptional Head of Retail to lead it.

This is a senior role overseeing our entire retail operation: a network of seven shops across West Suffolk, a growing online presence and a donation centre, all delivering high‑quality retail experiences while maximising trading and Gift Aid income. You’ll be a key member of the Income Generation Directorate and the Hospice Leadership Team , giving you the opportunity to shape strategy and drive results that truly matter.

If you’re a commercially minded retail leader who thrives on purpose as much as performance, this is a rare opportunity to make a real impact.

Your role

You will:

  • Lead, inspire and develop shop managers, staff and volunteers across multiple sites.
  • Drive income growth through clear strategy, strong operational planning and performance management.
  • Ensure all retail environments reflect our brand, values and commitment to outstanding customer service.
  • Lead stock management, merchandising and donation strategies to maximise return.
  • Build strong community engagement and supporter relationships.

What you’ll bring

You’ll have:

  • Experience leading multi‑site retail operations (charity and/or commercial experience welcomed).
  • Strong commercial awareness and a track record of improving performance.
  • Excellent leadership skills, with a strong focus on coaching, development and engagement to empower your team to achieve success.
  • Sound knowledge of charity retail governance, legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Confident communication, planning and problem‑solving abilities.

We offer

  • The opportunity to work for a brilliant life‑enhancing local hospice, increasing its income and profile to support more patients and their families.
  • Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
  • Health Cash Plan and wellbeing programme.
  • 25 days’ annual leave, increasing with length of service (up to 29 days).
  • Competitive pension plan (up to 8% company contribution).
  • Life assurance (2× annual salary).
  • Free parking and subsidised on‑site bistro.
  • The opportunity to work from home 1 to 2 days per week.

For further details on the Job Description, please click the link below.

To arrange an informal chat about the role please email .

We look forward to hearing from you

To apply, please follow this link:

  • Apply

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Head of Retail employer: St Nicholas Hospice Care

At St Nicholas Hospice Care, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive working environment that fosters personal and professional growth. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including a Health Cash Plan, enhanced annual leave, and access to learning opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact in the community through our retail operations across West Suffolk.
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Contact Detail:

St Nicholas Hospice Care Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Retail

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and charity sectors. We all know someone who knows someone, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions or advice. It’s all about who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research St Nicholas Hospice Care thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that passion shine through!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and improved performance in previous roles. We love hearing about real-life successes and how you can bring that to our team.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at St Nic’s!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Retail

Multi-Site Retail Management
Commercial Awareness
Leadership Skills
People Development
Charity Retail Governance
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Communication Skills
Planning Skills
Problem-Solving Abilities
Customer Service Excellence
Stock Management
Merchandising Strategies
Community Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for retail and charity shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours at St Nicholas Hospice Care, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role excites you!

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Retail position. Highlight your extensive experience in multi-site retail management and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commercial awareness and leadership skills.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at St Nicholas Hospice Care

✨Know the Organisation Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you research St Nicholas Hospice Care thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the impact they have on the community. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Retail, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, developed strategies, or improved performance. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and motivate shop managers and volunteers.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and commercial awareness. Think about potential challenges in retail management, especially in a charity context, and prepare your thoughts on how you would tackle them. This shows you're proactive and ready for the role.

✨Engage with Community Focus

Since community engagement is key for this role, be prepared to discuss how you would build relationships within the community. Share ideas on how to enhance customer experience and increase donations, demonstrating your commitment to the hospice's mission.

Head of Retail
St Nicholas Hospice Care
Location: Bury St Edmunds
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