At a Glance
- Tasks: Support trading operations, maximise sales, and deliver excellent customer service.
- Company: Join a mission-driven team at the St Vincent de Paul Society.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are celebrated; all backgrounds welcome.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real impact in communities.
- Qualifications: Retail or hospitality experience, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 15736 - 15736 £ per year.
- Vacancy Type
- Part Time / Permanent
- Location
- St Vincent's Leeds, 4 Berking Avenue, Leeds, LS9 9LF
- Salary
- £15,736.50
- Application Deadline
- Wednesday, September 2, 2026
- Job Advert
We're looking for a part time (22.5 hours) enthusiastic, customer-focused, and commercially minded
Trading Assistant to join our team.
You'll be passionate about delivering excellent customer service, generating income, and supporting our charitable mission through successful retail, e-commerce, and hospitality operations.
The ideal candidate will have experience in retail and/or hospitality, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a busy trading environment.
You'll be proactive, well organised, and motivated by achieving targets while creating a positive experience for customers, donors, volunteers, and visitors.
About the Role
Working closely with the Operations Manager, you will help ensure our trading operations are safe, efficient, and commercially successful.
You'll play a key role in maximising income through retail sales, donations, Gift Aid, online selling platforms, and catering services.
No two days are the same.
You'll be involved in everything from merchandising and stock management to customer enquiries and online sales, helping to create an excellent experience for customers, volunteers, and supporters.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the achievement of trading income and Gift Aid targets.
- Maximise sales through retail, e-commerce, recycling, and catering activities.
- Encourage and manage stock generation through local donations.
- Maintain attractive and well-stocked displays through effective stock rotation.
- Process donations and maximise eligible Gift Aid opportunities.
- Use online sales platforms to list, sell, and dispatch items.
- Deliver excellent customer service across phone, email, online, and face-to-face channels.
- Handle customer enquiries, bookings, and collection requests effectively.
- Resolve customer concerns professionally and escape issues when required.
- Follow cash handling and financial procedures accurately.
- Maintain food safety standards for storage, preparation, and catering activities.
- Ensure compliance with organisational policies, operational procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Work collaboratively with volunteers, colleagues, and community groups.
- Monitor and contribute to achieving key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Complete mandatory and role-specific training as required.
About You
Essential Requirements
- Good standard of English and Maths.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Good IT skills and confidence using digital systems.
- Retail and/or hospitality experience.
- Proven ability to achieve targets.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Experience handling customer enquiries and resolving complaints.
- Knowledge of cash handling and trading systems.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- A proactive approach to income generation.
- Commitment to continuous improvement.
- Empathy with our values and charitable mission.
- Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification or willingness to obtain one.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Charity retail experience.
- Experience working with volunteers.
- Experience in a fast-paced trading environment.
- E-commerce experience and knowledge of online selling platforms.
- Understanding of EPOS systems.
- Visual merchandising skills.
- Knowledge of hospitality operations.
- Understanding of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) and its mission.
Why Join Us?
You'll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team committed to making a difference in communities across the UK.
We offer flexible working, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to contribute to meaningful projects.
Key Dates & Additional Info
Closing Date
2nd September 2026
Interviews
w/c 7th September 2026
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Whilst we ask that staff have sympathy with Christian values, we celebrate and value people of all faiths or none - diversity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are.
- About the SVP
- The
St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) has been a beacon of hope since 1844, part of a vibrant international Christian movement working in 153 countries.
We are dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by offering practical, person-to-person support to those in need.
Our mission is rooted in dignity, compassion, and respect - serving anyone, regardless of faith, race, gender, or background.
Join us in making a real difference - your skills could help transform lives.
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Trading Assistant in Leeds employer: St Vincent de Paul Society
Join the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) as a Trading Assistant in Leeds, where you'll be part of a dedicated team making a tangible impact in the community. We offer a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth. Your role will not only enhance your retail and customer service skills but also allow you to contribute to our charitable mission, making every day meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Details:
St Vincent de Paul Society Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Assistant in Leeds
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
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✨Utilise College or University Resources
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✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
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We think you need these skills to ace Trading Assistant in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, we know that customer service is king! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got with face-to-face interactions. Include specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer—this shows potential employers like St Vincent de Paul Society that you're all about creating great shopping experiences.
Flexibility is Key!:For a part-time role, showcasing your availability is crucial. Make it clear in your application when you can work, especially if you have weekday and weekend flexibility. Retail can demand odd hours, so we want to see that you're ready to jump in when needed!
Forget the Fancy Formatting:While you want your CV to look good, in retail, clarity is more important than flashiness. Use simple formatting and bullet points to make your experiences stand out. Retail managers at St Vincent de Paul Society will appreciate a straightforward CV that’s easy to skim through.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:When applying for a part-time retail position, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about St Vincent de Paul Society and what you can bring to their team. Maybe you love their products or admire their customer service philosophy—let that passion come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Vincent de Paul Society
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at St Vincent de Paul Society, it’s super crucial to know their brand inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, customer service approach, and any current promotions. This way, you can engage genuinely in conversations and show that you’re already invested in their vibe.
✨Excellent Customer Scenarios
Prepare for customer service scenarios! Retail interviews often include role-play or situational questions. Think about how you'd handle different customer situations, from dealing with complaints to upselling products. We want to hear how you can keep your cool and keep the customer happy!
✨Tailoring Your Availability
Being part-time means flexibility is key! Be ready to discuss your availability honestly. Employers in retail love candidates who can adapt their schedules to peak hours. Show that you're keen to work evenings or weekends if it helps them out.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is essential in retail. Bring up experiences where you worked effectively in a team, whether it’s in previous jobs, school projects, or volunteering. We want to know how you can contribute to a positive team environment at St Vincent de Paul Society!
