At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in running a vibrant pop-up children's shop and inspire volunteers.
- Company: Join a leading charity dedicated to providing exceptional palliative care.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, competitive pay, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Fixed-term role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable retail experience.
- Qualifications: Retail experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for customer service.
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, supporting the Shop Manager in the daily operation of our brand new pop-up children's shop in The Kingston Centre - 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:
- Experienced 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
- Be physically fit to move and handle stock safely
- 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
Please note that this advert may close early if a high number of applications are received. We therefore encourage early submission of your application. This appointment is subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service check. Fixed Term Role for 9 months.
About the role: 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 Income Generation team and our growing portfolio of high street and online shops, to ensure our care stays free of charge.
About you:
- A role with purpose - be part of a team delivering outstanding palliative care.
- Supportive and caring environment - work with passionate colleagues.
- Great benefits package - generous annual leave entitlement starting at 35 days (inclusive of statutory).
Assistant Shop Manager - Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire in Norwich employer: Willen Hospice
As an Assistant Shop Manager at our brand new pop-up children's shop in The Kingston Centre, you'll be part of a vibrant team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the Milton Keynes community. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and caring work environment, offering generous benefits such as 35 days of annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development. Join us to inspire volunteers and customers alike while enjoying perks like free on-site parking and discounts through the Blue Light Card.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shop Manager - Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire in Norwich
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to Willen Hospice:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Willen Hospice! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Willen Hospice
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Willen Hospice offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Willen Hospice and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
