At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers, manage stock, and maintain a welcoming shop environment.
- Company: Join Sue Ryder, a leading charity retailer making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, staff discounts, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible hours, no late shifts, and time off during Christmas.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that inspires communities and supports those in need.
- Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
£12.21 per hour plus competitive reward and benefit scheme
Employment Type:
Part Time
Hours of Work:
30 hours per week inc weekends on rota
Ref No:
CB502819SA8152
Closing Date:
16/07/2025
Shop Assistant
57-63 West Road
Westcliff-on-Sea
SS0 9AY
30 hours per week inc weekends on rota
£12.21 per hour plus competitive reward and benefit scheme
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. We are here to make sure that everyone approaching the end of life or living with grief can access the support they need.
We have a much-loved presence on high streets across the country - with a range of innovative shops, including boutiques, vintage and retro shops, and large format stores. 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 and Boxing Day off.
We are a large furniture shop and have daily collections and deliveries of donated furniture ranging from modern to vintage at affordable prices
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 Westcliffe on Sea store and contribute to the work we do across Sue Ryder!
As our new Shop Assistant, you will help us to create a well-presented shop where customers get great service. You will sort and size stock and be on hand to help customers with their purchases. Remember that you could often be moving stock – which may involve lifting heavy goods or furniture.
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.
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
- Employee Networks - LGBTQ+, Ethnic Diversity and Equality, People with Disabilities, Women and Non-Binary Individuals
- and lots more. Please visit our careers website for the full list.
Closing date: 16th July
Interview date: TBC
We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds to help us to provide the best possible experience for the people who use our services and continue to make Sue Ryder a great place to work, and attract and recruit the best, most diverse workforce possible. We are particularly interested in increasing applications from the global majority, LGTBQIA+ and people with disabilities as they are currently underrepresented in our organisation.
Please let us know if you have any feedback to make our recruitment processes more accessible and inclusive or if you require any adjustments made to your application or interview process by emailing recruitment@sueryder.org
https://www.sueryder.org/jobs/equity-diversity-inclusion
If you want more than just a job, we want you.
Join the team and be there when it matters.
https://www.sueryder.org/jobs/why-work-for-sue-ryder
Sue Ryder is here to make sure everyone approaching the end of their life or living with grief can access the support they need. There is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need, but with our support, no one has to face dying or grief alone. We are there when it matters.
If you are having trouble completing this application, please email recruitment@sueryder.org, and a member of our team will assist you.
Shop Assistant in Southend-on-Sea employer: Sue Ryder
Sue Ryder is an award-winning charity retailer that prioritises its employees, offering a supportive work culture and a competitive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and a company pension scheme. As a Shop Assistant in Westcliff-on-Sea, you will play a vital role in inspiring communities while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule, with weekends on a rota and holidays off during Christmas. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need, all while being part of a diverse and inclusive team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop Assistant in Southend-on-Sea
✨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 Sue Ryder, 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 Sue Ryder!
We think you need these skills to ace Shop Assistant in Southend-on-Sea
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 Sue Ryder, 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 Sue Ryder 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 Sue Ryder that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sue Ryder
✨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!
