At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Shop Manager in running a charity shop and delivering excellent customer service.
- Company: Join the St Vincent de Paul Society, a mission-driven charity making a difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and a chance to impact your community.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and help transform lives through charity retail.
- Qualifications: Retail experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for community service.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are celebrated; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Vacancy Type: Part Time / Permanent
Location: St Vincent's Shop, 430 Marton Road, Middlesborough, TS4 2PT
Salary: Β£3,931.20
Application Deadline: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Hours: Minimum 6 hours per week
URGENT HIRE! Are you passionate about charity retail and delivering excellent customer service? Do you want to make a difference in your local community? The St Vincent de Paul Society is looking for an enthusiastic and committed Assistant Shop Manager to join our team at the Marton Road Shop in Middlesbrough. This is a permanent position, with a minimum of 6 hours per week. You'll support the Shop Manager in the day-to-day running of the shop, helping to maximise sales, manage volunteers, and ensure a welcoming and well-organised environment for customers and donors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Shop Manager in achieving income targets through sales, Gift Aid, donations, and online selling.
- Help maintain high standards of stock quality, merchandising, and shop presentation.
- Assist with volunteer recruitment, training, and development.
- Provide excellent customer service and promote a "sales through service" culture.
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, cash handling, and SVP policies.
- Act as key holder and cover for the Shop Manager during absences.
Person Specification:
Essential:
- Retail experience and a track record of achieving targets.
- Good communication and customer service skills.
- Organisational ability and IT proficiency.
- Empathy with the ethos and values of the SVP.
Desirable:
- Charity retail experience and working with volunteers.
- Advanced retail skills such as visual merchandising.
- Knowledge of EPOS systems.
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: 17th February 2026
Interviews: w/c 23rd February 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 β diversity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about the role, feel free to contact our friendly HR Team on 0207 703 3030 (option 5).
Please note: If you haven't heard from us within four weeks of your application, unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion. We encourage early applications as we may close the listing early if we receive a high volume of interest.
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 β serving anyone, regardless of faith, race, gender, or background. Join us in making a real difference β your skills could help transform lives.
Assistant Shop Manager employer: SVP B Attitudelife
Contact Detail:
SVP B Attitudelife Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shop Manager
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the shop and its community! Before your interview, pop into the St Vincent's Shop and chat with the staff or volunteers. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand their vibe, which can really set you apart.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your retail skills! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've smashed sales targets or improved customer service in previous roles. We love hearing about your successes and how you can bring that energy to our team.
β¨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your passion for charity work! We want to see that youβre not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in the community. Share any relevant experiences or volunteer work you've done.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're tech-savvy and serious about joining our mission-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Shop Manager
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for charity retail shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the community and delivering top-notch customer service.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant retail experience and any achievements related to sales or volunteer management. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles, so donβt hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon unless itβs relevant!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures youβre considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at SVP B Attitudelife
β¨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the mission and values of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Familiarise yourself with their work in charity retail and how they support local communities. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your retail experience and any achievements related to sales targets. Prepare specific examples of how you've contributed to a team or improved customer service in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to support the Shop Manager effectively.
β¨Emphasise Teamwork
As an Assistant Shop Manager, you'll be working closely with volunteers and staff. Highlight your experience in training and developing others, and share examples of how you've fostered a positive team environment. This will show that you're not just a lone wolf but a team player.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the shop's goals, volunteer engagement strategies, or how they measure success in customer service. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.