Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our shop team and help maximise donated income while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Sue Ryder, a leading charity retailer making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holiday, staff discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that inspires communities and supports those in need.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and basic IT skills are essential; retail experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth await you!
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
£12.21 per hour + rewards & benefits - As of 1st April 2026 the rate of pay will be increasing to at least £12.71 per hour.
Employment Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 22.5 hours per week over 7 days
Shop Assistant Sue Ryder Charity shop, 35-37 Ampthill Rd, Bedford MK42 9JP
Be there when it matters. Winners of the Employer of the Year for the People in Retail Awards 2023 – Retail Bulletin. Sue Ryder is one of the largest charity retailers in the UK with over 400 shops. Every item sold in our shops generates funding so we can continue to provide 2.7 million hours of expert medical, practical, bereavement and emotional support every year, in our hospices, in people's homes and in the community.
As a member of the retail team, you’ll be helping us inspire communities to provide more care for more people through innovating and collaborating on ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. You will also be contributing to drive up the income that generates the vital funds necessary to keep our care and support services running.
We understand our people are our most important asset and work hard to make sure you feel valued and included as part of a team. In retail most work every weekend, our managers mainly work only 1 in 2. We don’t expect our teams to work past 5.15 in most of our shops. The earliest we start is 8.45am. We have every Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day off.
About you:
- Do you have excellent customer service skills?
- Are you comfortable working in a busy fast-paced environment?
If so, come and support our shop team in our Bedford store and contribute to the work we do across Sue Ryder!
Other responsibilities include:
- To help maximise donated income through proactive stock generation, optimum pricing, processing stock to agreed levels and stock planning.
- Set high standards of merchandising and housekeeping, ensuring you and your colleagues’ health and safety is a priority.
- Manage effective stock processes to ensure your shop is well merchandised with fresh, seasonal stock at all times.
- Act as a brand ambassador for Sue Ryder, supporting in-store campaigns to promote the brand and national fundraising initiatives.
Minimum Essential Criteria:
- Customer Service Experience
- Cash Handling/Till work
- Basic IT skills (emails/instant messaging/video calls)
- Organisational Skills
- Lone working experience
Desirable Criteria:
- High street retail/leisure/hospitality background
- KPI and target experience
- Team Player
- Merchandising/Stock rotation
Competitive Benefits Package:
- 27 days holiday rising to 33 with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata if part-time)
- Company pension scheme
- Staff discount with thousands of retailers
- Refer a Friend scheme - £250 payment
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Enhanced sick pay
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Healthcare Cash plan, to claim back costs of routine healthcare
- Death in Service benefit
- Staff discount of 10% on new goods online at shop.sueryder.org
- Structured induction programme and learning and development opportunities.
- Access to Employee support programme and lots more.
Closing date: 4th March
Interview date: 12th March
If you want more than just a job, we want you. Join the team and be there when it matters.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion:
At Sue Ryder, we recognise that a diverse workforce allows us to provide the best care and support. We are committed to encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. We welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and those living with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we’re proud to support the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme. This means we will offer an interview to all disabled applicants who best meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. We use inclusive recruitment practices including sharing interview themes or questions in advance, offering remote interviews where needed, and other accessibility support.
Join us in creating a culture where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to thrive. Sue Ryder is here to make sure everyone approaching the end of their life or living with grief can access the support they need.
Shop Assistant in Bedford employer: Sue Ryder
Contact Detail:
Sue Ryder Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop Assistant in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the shop and its vibe! Before your interview, pop into the Sue Ryder shop and have a look around. Familiarise yourself with the products and the layout. This will help you chat confidently about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your customer service skills! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've provided excellent service in the past. Remember, they want someone who can connect with customers and make their shopping experience memorable.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with others, think of times when you've collaborated successfully. Highlight your ability to support your colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets directly to us. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Sue Ryder family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Shop Assistant in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you’re excited about joining Sue Ryder and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Shop Assistant role. Highlight your customer service experience and any relevant skills that match what we’re looking for. It helps us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sue Ryder
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand Sue Ryder's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to providing care and support for those in need. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Shop Assistant, excellent customer service is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Think about how you can relate these experiences to the fast-paced environment of a charity shop.
✨Be Ready for Stock Management Questions
Expect questions about stock management and merchandising. Brush up on basic stock processes and think of ways you've contributed to effective stock rotation or pricing in previous roles. This will demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to maintain high standards.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. Inquire about team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. This shows that you're engaged and serious about contributing to the team.