At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Shop Manager in running a charity shop and inspire volunteers.
- Company: Join Willen Hospice, a leading charity providing palliative care in Milton Keynes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, pension scheme, and discounts with Blue Light Card.
- Other info: Flexible hours on Sundays with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while gaining valuable retail experience.
- Qualifications: Retail experience, strong leadership, and excellent customer service skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25515 - 25515 £ per year.
Salary: £25,515.15 per annum pro rata (actual salary £ per annum)
Hours: 6 Hours Per week on Sundays
Closing Date: 23 July 2026
About the role
Are you passionate about retail and ready for a fresh challenge where you can make a real difference in the community? An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Shop Manager to join our retail team on Sundays, supporting the Shop Manager in the operation of our charity shop in Bletchley and inspiring volunteers and customers alike.
What you’ll do:
- Assisting in the daily operation and performance of the shop to meet sales targets and KPIs
- Supporting with stock processing, pricing, merchandising, and maintaining a clean, well‑presented retail space
- Ensuring a high standard of customer service at all times
- Supporting and supervising a team of dedicated volunteers, helping with their recruitment, training, and coordination
- Managing rotas and delegating daily tasks in collaboration with the Shop Manager
- Handling cash, banking, and financial records in line with charity procedures
- Acting as a key holder, opening and closing the shop, and overseeing operations in the Manager’s absence
- Ensuring the shop complies with all health, safety, and security policies
- Promoting the charity’s values and fundraising initiatives in the local community
What you’ll need:
- Experience in a retail environment, ideally in a supervisory or team leader role
- Friendly, approachable, and able to lead and motivate a team
- Great customer service and communication skills
- Organised and confident handling money, stock, and shop operations
- A team player who thrives in a fast‑paced, varied environment
- A commitment to the values and mission of the charity sector
- Flexibility to work weekends and cover shifts as needed, including in other nearby shops
Who we are:
Set in the tranquil grounds of Willen Lake, Willen Hospice is the leading provider of specialist palliative care in the Milton Keynes area. We offer round‑the‑clock, expert care to local patients with a life‑limiting illness, both in their own homes and in our In‑Patient Unit. Our passionate staff and volunteers make sure our care is personalised to each patient’s needs and supports their loved ones too. We have a thriving Therapeutic & Wellbeing service providing counselling, physiotherapy, activity groups and more, and a specialist Lymphoedema service. As a registered charity, we raise vital funds through our dedicated Business Development team and our growing portfolio of high street and online shops, to ensure our care stays free of charge.
In return for your skills you can expect:
- The chance to make a real impact in your community
- A supportive team and collaborative working environment
- Great benefits package – including 35 days’ holiday pro rata, inclusive of Bank Holidays, contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity/sick pay, and ongoing professional development.
- Perks and extras – Blue Light Card discounts (with membership), and an Employee Assistance Programme.
This appointment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
If sufficient applications are received, we may close the vacancy in advance of the advertised date. Please apply early.
Right to Work: All candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Please note, we are unable to sponsor work permits or visas.
Sunday Assistant Shop Manager in Bletchley employer: Willen Hospice
Join Willen Hospice as a Shop Manager in Wolverton, where you can lead a brand-new charity shop and make a meaningful impact in your community. We offer a supportive work culture that values your retail expertise and passion for purpose, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development. With a focus on teamwork and community engagement, you'll be at the forefront of creating a vibrant shopping experience while helping to fund vital palliative care services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sunday Assistant Shop Manager in Bletchley
✨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 Willen Hospice, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Sunday Assistant Shop Manager in Bletchley
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 Willen Hospice 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 Willen Hospice 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 Willen Hospice 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 Willen Hospice
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Willen Hospice, 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 Willen Hospice!