Area Retail Manager

Cats; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

26 days annual leave

Salary Finance

Job summary

Cats Protection is seeking an Area Retail Manager to drive performance across the East region, covering London, Kent and Suffolk. You will lead shops, manage volunteers and employees, and ensure strong income, Gift Aid and online sales while upholding the charity’s values.

The role requires a full UK driving licence, a demonstrable track record in retail leadership, and the ability to work across multiple sites with weekend coverage when needed.

Qualifications

• Experience of managing in a multi-site retail operation.
• Experience of managing employees, including recruitment, engagement and performance management.
• Experience of setting and managing income and expenditure budgets.
• Demonstrable experience of effective decision-making.
• Experience of managing health and safety processes in a retail environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive commercial performance across the Area by maximising income and controlling costs.
• Lead and develop shop teams (employees and volunteers) to deliver retail performance and safe daily operations.
• Act as a Cats Protection brand ambassador with high shop standards and effective area-wide operations.

Skills

People management

Budget management

Decision-making

Health & safety

Job description

Team: Retail

Location: East covering London, Kent & Suffolk (successful candidate must be based within the region)

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday with some working weekend

Salary: Up to £44,289.75 per annum + £3,600 car allowance

Contract: Permanent

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Area Retail Manager:

• Drive commercial performance across the Area by maximising income, controlling costs, and applying strong commercial judgement and creativity.

• Lead and develop shop teams (employees and volunteers) to deliver excellent retail performance, safe daily operations, and strong results across donated goods, new goods, online sales and Gift Aid.

• Act as a Cats Protection brand ambassador, role‑modelling the charity’s values while ensuring high‑quality shop standards, people management, and effective Area‑wide operations.

About the retail team:

• Our retail operation consists of over 80 charity shops

• Each of our shops has its own charm and personality due to our dedicated volunteers and colleagues. From vintage jewellery and jigsaws to harps and handbags, whether our customers are looking for that 'must have' item or simply a 'missing piece'.

What we’re looking for in our Area Retail Manager:

• Experience of managing in a multi-site retail operation

• Experience of managing employees, including recruitment, engagement, retention, performance management and dealing with workplace issues

• Experience of setting and managing income and expenditure budget

• Demonstrable experience of effective decision-making

• Experience of managing health and safety processes and issues in a retail environment

• Full, valid UK driving license and access to own vehicle

What we can offer you:

• range of health benefits

• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service

• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing

• and much more, which you can learn about here

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

1. Anonymised application form

1. Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams

1. In person meeting/final stage interview

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.