At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the management of a charity shop, maximising income and engaging with volunteers.
- Company: Join Willow, a charity making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to promote equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that supports seriously ill young adults through meaningful work.
- Qualifications: Retail experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20640 - 20640 £ per year.
Position: Assistant Shop Manager – Hemel Hempstead
Reporting to: Shop Manager
Direct reports: Volunteers
Salary: £20,640 per annum, £25,800 per annum full-time equivalent
Hours: Part-time, 30 hours/4 days per week to be worked within Monday-Saturday. Some flexible working will be required.
Location: Hemel Hempstead
Willow’s charity shops deliver sustainable income for the charity, supporting the delivery of more than 1,000 special days, treats or breaks for our beneficiaries each year. Our shops also play a key role in the local community, raising awareness and support for Willow, as well as providing opportunities for volunteers.
Job Purpose
To contribute to income generation for Willow by supporting the management of a retail shop to the highest standards of good practice, compliance with policies and procedures and maximisation of income, profit, and promotion of Willow to the public.
Key Responsibilities
- To support the recruitment and retention of a motivated team of volunteers.
- To support income and profit maximisation through maximising donations, preparation of items for sale, sales and disposals of un-saleable items to trade merchants; optimising the price for all donated stock.
- Achieve sales and profit targets in order that we are able to increase the number of special days, treats or breaks for seriously ill young adults.
- To maximise sign-ups for retail Gift Aid and ensuring full records are maintained for donations under this scheme.
- To support the management of customer and donor engagement ensuring the best possible relationship with Willow.
- To support the management of the physical appearance of the shop maintaining high standards of shop merchandising and visual layout, managing space allocation through interpretation of sales data, controlling stock density and rotation systems, ensuring that it is inviting to customers and safe for customers, staff and volunteers at all times.
- To demonstrate understanding of Willow’s purpose and activities striving to improve brand awareness and communicate key messages in order to raise the charity’s profile.
- To support all shop administration including cash handling and daily banking functions accurately and to deadline, ensuring company policies and procedures are adhered to.
- To support daily work plans, ensuring that there are enough staff to support sales and stockroom functions and encouraging effective communication, setting objectives and fostering a positive team spirit.
- To be a key holder ensuring that the shop is secure at all times and following procedures in the event of any incidents.
- To ensure that trading standards regulations are adhered to at all times.
- To work on Saturdays (and by prior agreement Sundays) as required within normal rota’d duties.
Generic Responsibilities
- To ensure all duties are carried out in a manner which promotes Willow’s equality and diversity policies.
- To promote a health and safety culture within the workplace, observing all health and safety rules and procedures and attend all training courses as required.
- To ensure that essential information of a sensitive or personal nature is not disclosed to, or discussed with inappropriate persons.
- To ensure all information is maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
- To provide holiday cover for the Shop Manager (agreed in advance).
- To undertake other duties, commensurate with the post, as required.
Travel Requirements
To attend Managers’ meetings and training sessions as required.
Unsocial hours requirement
To work on Saturdays (and by prior agreement Sundays) as required within normal rota’d duties.
Person Specification
Knowledge
- An appreciation of the value of things.
- Understanding of stock management.
- Ability to use word and email.
- Ability to plan and organise own and teams work load.
- An affinity with Willow’s objectives and activities.
Skills And Abilities
- Accurate, conscientious, and self-motivated.
- Ability to work on own and use initiative and make decisions.
- Good communication skills at all levels.
- An artistic streak, e.g. flair for display.
Experience & Qualifications
- GCSE Maths and English or equivalent literacy and numeracy skills.
- Experience of working within the retail sector.
- Understanding of health and safety and trading standards.
Other
All paid retail staff are required to complete a Basic DBS check every 3 years.
Assistant Shop Manager – Hemel Hempstead employer: Willow
Willow is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. As a Community Fundraising Volunteer, you will join a supportive team dedicated to promoting charitable causes, with opportunities for personal growth through training and engagement with diverse community members. The flexible remote role allows you to contribute your time and skills while upholding Willow's core values, making a real difference in the lives of seriously ill young adults.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shop Manager – Hemel Hempstead
✨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 Willow, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Shop Manager – Hemel Hempstead
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 Willow 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 Willow 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 Willow 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 Willow
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Willow, 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 Willow!
