Business Manager – Retail, Food, Warehousing & Distribution
Monday to Friday.
Includes occasional evening and weekend cover.
Job Purpose
To provide strategic and operational leadership for The Social Action Hub’s retail, food, warehousing and distribution services, ensuring they are safe, efficient, financially sustainable and deliver excellent outcomes for the communities we serve.
The postholder will lead the day-to-day management and future development of the Social Supermarket, Revive Zero Waste Store, Foodshare, School Uniform Project and associated retail, warehousing and community distribution services.
The Business Manager will develop high-performing teams, maximise community benefit, improve operational efficiency and ensure services operate in line with organisational values, legal requirements and funding expectations.
Main Responsibilities
Business Leadership
Provide leadership across all retail, food and distribution services.
Develop annual service plans, objectives and priorities aligned with the organisation’s strategic plan.
Monitor service performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Lead innovation and service development to maximise social impact and long-term sustainability.
Ensure services remain responsive to local need.
Retail Operations
Lead the effective operation of Revive Zero Waste Store.
Ensure high standards of:
- presentation
- health and safety
Monitor retail performance and identify opportunities to increase sales and customer engagement.
Ensure donated goods are managed effectively and sustainably.
Support the development of new retail initiatives where appropriate.
Food Operations
Lead all food-related services including:
- Foodshare
- Community Fridge
- Emergency food support (where applicable)
Ensure:
- food safety legislation is followed
- stock is rotated correctly
- waste is minimised
- deliveries and collections are coordinated efficiently
- warehouse systems remain organised
Maintain effective relationships with food suppliers and redistribution partners.
Warehouse & Distribution
Manage warehouse operations ensuring:
- stock accuracy
- vehicle loading (where applicable)
- inventory management
- distribution planning
Develop systems that maximise efficiency and reduce waste.
Ensure equipment and storage areas meet required standards.
School Uniform Project
Lead the annual planning and delivery of the School Uniform Project.
Ensure donations are:
- received
- quality checked
- stored
- displayed
- distributed efficiently
Develop partnerships that increase access to school uniform support.
Monitor demand and stock levels throughout the year.
Support the effective delivery of the Chatty Café.
Ensure the environment remains:
- welcoming
- inclusive
- safe
- well organised
Work with volunteers to create a positive customer experience.
Support activities that reduce loneliness and strengthen community connections.
People Management
Lead and develop Programme Co-ordinators, staff and volunteers within the business area.
Recruit, induct, supervise and develop staff.
Ensure regular supervision and performance reviews take place.
Promote a positive, supportive and accountable team culture.
Identify training and development needs.
Manage agreed service budgets.
Monitor income and expenditure.
Work with Corporate Services to ensure:
- purchasing procedures
- stock valuation (where applicable)
Identify opportunities to improve financial sustainability.
Marketing & Promotion
Work with the Corporate Services team to promote retail, food and community initiatives.
Support local campaigns that increase:
- membership
- donations
Ensure all promotional activity reflects organisational branding and funding requirements.
Partnerships
Develop effective relationships with:
- FareShare
- local businesses
- community organisations
Represent The Social Action Hub professionally at meetings and partnership events.
Quality & Compliance
Ensure compliance with:
- Food Hygiene Regulations
- Health & Safety
- Safeguarding
- GDPR
- organisational policies
Maintain accurate records.
Support audits and inspections.
Drive continuous improvement across all services.
Organisational Responsibilities
Contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Support delivery of the organisational strategy.
Work collaboratively across all business areas.
Promote the values and reputation of The Social Action Hub.
Undertake other duties appropriate to the role.
Person Specification (headline)
- Experience managing multi-site or multi-function operations.
- Strong people management and leadership skills.
- Experience managing budgets and operational performance.
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving ability.
- Ability to manage stock, logistics and operational systems.
- Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively.
- Confident using Microsoft Office and digital management systems.
- Food retail or food distribution.
- Warehouse or logistics management.
- Charity or community sector experience.
Business Manager - Retail, Food, Warehousing & Distribution employer: The Social Action Hub
The Social Action Hub is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible difference in the community through your role as a Strategic Leader. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for professional advancement while fostering a collaborative culture that values innovation and social impact. Located in a vibrant area, our organisation not only prioritises sustainable operations but also encourages a sense of belonging and purpose among our team members.
