At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise a charity shop, manage volunteers, and maximise income through donations.
- Company: Willow Foundation, supporting special days for beneficiaries through retail.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, community impact, and valuable retail experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help raise awareness for a great cause.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Retail experience, good communication skills, and a passion for charity work.
Position: Sunday Supervisor – Stevenage
Reporting to: Shop Manager
Direct reports: Volunteers
Salary: £3,968 per annum – pro‑rata of £24,800 full‑time equivalent
Hours: 6 hours per week on a Sunday
Location: Stevenage, Hertfordshire
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. This is an exciting opportunity for a team player who has gained experience working in retail and who is now looking for increased responsibility.
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 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.
- To maximise sign‑ups for Retail Gift Aid and ensure full records are maintained for donations under this scheme.
- To support the recruitment and retention of a motivated team of volunteers.
- To support the management of the physical appearance of the shop maintaining high standards of shop merchandising and visual layout, 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, 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/volunteers 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 always secure and following procedures in the event of any incidents.
- To ensure that trading standards regulations are always adhered to.
- To provide cover in the absence of either the Manager or Assistant Manager where possible.
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 attending 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 provide holiday cover for the Shop Manager or Assistant Manager (agreed in advance).
- To undertake other duties, commensurate with the post, as required.
Person Specification
Knowledge
- An appreciation of the value of things.
- Understanding of stock management.
- Experience of working within the retail sector.
- Understanding of health and safety and trading standards.
- An affinity with Willow’s objectives and activities.
Skills And Abilities
- Accurate, conscientious, and self‑motivated.
- Ability to work on own, to use initiative, and make decisions.
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Creative – for example visual merchandising.
- Ability to use Word and Email.
- Ability to plan and organise own and teams workload.
Experience & Qualifications
- GCSE Maths and English or equivalent literacy and numeracy skills.
Other
- The job holder must be aged 18 or over.
- There may be times when the Sunday Supervisor is working alone. They must comply with the retail Lone Working Policy and procedures.
- All paid retail staff are required to complete a Basic DBS check every 3 years.
How to apply
Please send a CV and covering letter to jo.tredgett@willowfoundation.org.uk. We will be interviewing candidates as they apply, so please do not delay in submitting your application.
Sunday Supervisor – Stevenage employer: Willow
Willow is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, where team players can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. As a Sunday Supervisor in Stevenage, you will enjoy the opportunity to lead a motivated team of volunteers, contribute to vital income generation for the charity, and develop your skills in retail management within a friendly environment that values personal growth and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sunday Supervisor – Stevenage
✨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 Sunday Supervisor – Stevenage
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!
