At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in a creative retail environment, managing donations and maximising sales.
- Company: Join The Children's Society, a charity supporting vulnerable children for over 130 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, flexible working, free parking, and a pension scheme with matching contributions.
- Other info: This role involves safeguarding responsibilities and a safer recruitment process.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive and diverse team.
- Qualifications: Retail or management experience required; strong communication and people skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 29000 £ per year.
Permanent
37 hours a week to include Sundays and Bank Holidays
£27,820.80 per annum
Location: Surbiton
- 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
Retail Advert
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 Surbiton shop, leading a team to deliver excellent customer service, community engagement, and income generation. As part of this role, you will be required to follow a shift of 37 hours per week.
We’re looking for a passionate and motivated Shop Manager with the ability to lead people, grow a volunteer team and drive shop profits, driving improvements that strengthen the shop’s performance and community impact.
Key Skills and Competencies:
- Retail or similar people management experience
- Commercial awareness to drive and deliver sales
- Positivity and resilience
- Demonstrable experience of successfully leading, developing and motivating a team
- Experience of managing to an income and expenditure budget
- Good IT skills
It would also be an advantage if you have any of the following skills and competencies:
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Experience of managing a team of volunteers
- Experience of the charity retail sector
Closing date: Midnight on Friday 25th 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. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details.
AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You’re welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matters.
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Shop Manager employer: The Children's Society
The Children's Society is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people across the UK. With a supportive work culture that values employee development, you will have access to benefits such as a generous pension scheme, free counselling services, and opportunities to enhance your skills while working in a collaborative environment. Located in Washington, Tyne & Wear, this role offers flexibility and the chance to engage with your community, all while contributing to a vital cause.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Children's Society and their mission. Understanding their values and the impact they have on children's lives will help you convey your passion for the role during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your retail and management experience in conversations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or improved sales in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage the shop effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your people skills. Since you'll be working with a diverse team of volunteers, think of ways you've fostered a positive environment in past positions and how you can apply that to create a welcoming atmosphere in the shop.
✨Tip Number 4
Be flexible and open-minded about working hours. The job requires adaptability to business needs, so showing your willingness to work varied shifts can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Shop Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Shop Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant retail and management experience.
Craft a Compelling CV:Ensure your CV showcases your retail and management experience clearly. Include specific examples of how you've led teams, managed volunteers, and maximised sales in previous roles.
Write a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for working with children and young people, and how your skills align with the values of The Children's Society. Highlight your communication skills and 'can do' attitude.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Children's Society
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for The Children's Society and its mission. Share any personal experiences or connections you have with the cause, as this will demonstrate your commitment and alignment with their values.
✨Highlight Your Management Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that showcase your management skills. Discuss how you've successfully led teams, managed volunteers, and maximised sales in a retail environment to illustrate your capability for the Shop Manager position.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication, be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated with diverse groups in the past. Use examples that highlight your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere for both staff and customers.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview about the shop's operations, team dynamics, and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
