At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of volunteers and deliver excellent customer service in our Mill Road shop.
- Company: Join The Children's Society, making a difference for over 140 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days' annual leave, enhanced parental leave, and a matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours, community engagement, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission that supports children and young people in need.
- Qualifications: Retail experience and strong people skills are essential.
Retail Advert Permanent Part time 21 hours per week, over 7 days to include Sundays £14,018.92 per annum Location: Mill Road Cambridge
Benefits include but not limited to:
- 36 days' annual leave (pro rata for part time roles), inclusive of flexible bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
- We match up to 8% pension
- Free counselling service
- Opportunities to develop and widen your skills
- 2 days of paid volunteering time per annum to support another part of the organisation
About us: The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need. We run over 100 retail shops covering the whole of the UK - every one of these shops play a vital role in our mission to providing support to children and young adults. Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.
About the role: This role sits within our Retail Domain, which transforms donated goods into vital income to support young people across the UK. You'll play a key part in our Mill Road shop, to work alongside the Shop Manager to lead a team of volunteers to deliver excellent customer service, community engagement, and income generation. As part of this role, you will be required to follow a shift which will include Sundays. We're looking for a friendly and positive Assistant Shop Manager who loves working with people and has the ability to lead in the Shop Manager's absence. The ability to inspire and empower people around them is also an attribute we value. We also welcome ideas to drive improvements that strengthen the shop's performance and community impact.
Key Skills and Competencies: The required skills and competencies for this role are:
- Retail or similar supervisory experience
- Excellent people and customer service skills
- Good IT skills
- Experience of cash handling and basic understanding of performing to income and expenditure budgets
- Confidence, positivity and resilience in managing the shop and making decisions in the absence of the Shop Manager
It would also be an advantage if you have any of the following skills and competencies:
- Experience of supervising volunteers
- Understanding of the charity retail sector
Closing date: Midnight on Monday 28th September 2026
Interviews: Date to be confirmed
The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 2 years of references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation. In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only.
Assistant Shop Manager (6222) in Cambridge employer: The Children's Society
The Children's Society is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on meaningful impact, employees have access to growth opportunities and are encouraged to contribute to transformative initiatives that directly benefit children and young people across the nation. Located in a vibrant community, the organisation fosters collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shop Manager (6222) in Cambridge
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
Retail is all about community, so don't underestimate the power of local connections. Pop into shops you're interested in, chat with staff, and ask if they have any openings. This personal touch could land you a part-time gig with ease!
✨Show Off Your Personality
Retail is a people business, and employers love genuine, enthusiastic candidates. When you're applying for part-time roles, showcase your customer service skills and personality during interviews. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share your love for the products!
✨Utilise College or University Resources
If you're a student, check out your university’s career services. They often have links with local retailers looking for part-time staff. It's a great way to find positions that work around your studies while also building your CV!
✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often sees a surge during peak seasons like Christmas or summer sales. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary part-time roles during these times. Many companies, including The Children's Society, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
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 The Children's 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 The Children's 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 The Children's 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 The Children's Society
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at The Children's 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 The Children's Society!
