Assistant Shop Manager

Age UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension (7%)

Health plan

Blue Light discount card

5.6 weeks annual leave

Job summary

Age UK Westminster is seeking a part-time Assistant Shop Manager for our charity shop in Westminster. You will work alongside the Shop Manager to oversee day-to-day operations, maximise income and support volunteers. The role covers stock management, till operation, customer service and promoting Gift Aid.

Flexibility including Saturdays is expected; the position offers 14 hours per week over two days. If you are passionate about helping older people and have retail or supervisory experience,

Qualifications

• Experience in retail, charity shops or customer-facing roles.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to supervise volunteers and work independently.
• Confident with tills and cash handling.
• Commitment to Age UK Westminster's values.

Responsibilities

• Support the Shop Manager in achieving sales and fundraising targets.
• Assist with stock management, pricing, merchandising and shop displays.
• Supervise, motivate and support shop volunteers.
• Deliver excellent customer service and build relationships with donors.
• Promote Gift Aid and encourage donations.
• Manage shop operations, cash handling and daily takings.
• Maintain high standards of shop presentation, health and safety.

Skills

Retail experience

Customer service

Volunteer supervision

Cash handling

Stock management

Independent working

Job description

Age UK Westminster is looking for an enthusiastic, reliable and motivated Part-Time Assistant Shop Manager to join our charity shop team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for retail, excellent customer service skills and a commitment to supporting a local charity that makes a real difference to the lives of older people in Westminster. Working alongside the Shop Manager, you will help oversee the day-to-day running of the shop, maximise sales, manage donated stock and support our dedicated team of volunteers. You will also be confident in running the shop independently in the Shop Manager's absence, including supervising volunteers, managing daily takings and ensuring the smooth operation of the shop.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Shop Manager in achieving sales and fundraising targets.
• Assist with stock management, pricing, merchandising and shop displays.
• Supervise, motivate and support shop volunteers.
• Deliver excellent customer service and build positive relationships with donors.
• Promote Gift Aid and encourage donations.
• Manage shop operations, cash handling and daily takings.
• Maintain high standards of shop presentation, health and safety.

eir independence, improve their wellbeing and remain connected to their communities. Our charity shop generates income to support this work and engages with the local community.

To support the Shop Manager in the effective day-to-day running of the charity shop, maximising income and maintaining excellent standards of customer service, stock presentation and operational efficiency. The Assistant Shop Manager will support volunteers and donors and, when the Shop Manager is absent, will independently run the shop, including supervising volunteers, overseeing daily takings and ensuring safe and effective operations in accordance with agreed procedures.

1. Sales and Income Generation

• Support agreed sales and income targets through effective pricing, merchandising and promotions.
• Identify opportunities to increase donations, customer engagement and sales.
• Support online sales through eBay and other appropriate channels.
• Monitor sales trends and deliver excellent customer service.

2. Shop Operations and Cash Handling

• Support daily shop operations and open and close the premises when required.
• Independently manage the shop during the Shop Manager's absence, making day-to-day operational decisions within delegated authority.
• Supervise volunteers and coordinate their duties and breaks when managing the shop.
• Operate the till, process cash and card payments, reconcile daily takings, maintain accurate records and arrange banking in line with financial controls.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming, organised and well-presented retail environment.

3. Donations, Stock and Merchandising

• Receive, sort, assess, price and display donated goods, thanking donors appropriately.
• Maintain attractive displays, rotate stock and replenish shop-floor items.
• Identify potentially valuable goods for specialist assessment or online sale.
• Monitor stock levels and arrange responsible disposal or recycling of unsaleable items.

4. Volunteer Support

• Help recruit, induct, train, support and motivate shop volunteers.
• Allocate tasks, support rotas and encourage an inclusive, respectful team culture.
• Provide guidance and elevate staffing or performance concerns to the Shop Manager.

5. Customer Service and Community Engagement

• Build positive relationships with customers, donors, local businesses and neighbouring retailers.
• Respond professionally to queries, complaints and feedback.
• Promote Age UK Westminster's services and signpost enquiries to appropriate colleagues.

6. Health, Safety and Security

• Follow health and safety, fire safety, manual handling and security procedures.
• Report hazards, accidents, maintenance issues and safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Protect cash, stock, keys, premises and confidential information in accordance with policies.

7. Administration and Other Duties

• Maintain accurate sales, donation and operational records.
• Keep in regular contact with the Shop Manager, CEO and head office.
• Carry out other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and support the charity's aims.

This is a part-time, shop-based role. Flexibility may be required, including Saturday working and cover during the Shop Manager's absence, subject to agreed working arrangements.

We are looking for someone who

• Has experience in retail, charity shops or a customer-facing role.
• Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Is confident working independently and supervising volunteers.
• Is proactive, flexible and enjoys working as part of a team.
• Is passionate about supporting the work of Age UK Westminster.
• Previous supervisory or charity retail experience would be an advantage.

Essential

• Retail, charity shop or customer-facing experience and strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently, organise priorities and take responsibility for a shop shift.
• Confidence with tills, cash handling and basic record-keeping.
• Ability to supervise, encourage and work effectively with volunteers.
• Good communication, reliability, flexibility and basic IT skills.
• Commitment to Age UK Westminster's values, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable

• Previous retail supervisory or assistant management experience.
• Experience of charity retail, Gift Aid, stock merchandising or online selling.
• Experience recruiting, training or coordinating volunteers.

Salary and Benefits

• Annual salary: £26,936 - £27,000 per year FTE / Part-time (2 Days / 14 Hours per week - Flexible) Permanent Charity Support.
• Hourly rate: £14.80 per hour / £10,774.40 per week, plus 7% contributory pension, basic health plan, Blue Light discount card.
• Annual leave: 5.6 weeks.
• Contract: permanent.

Age UK Westminster is an independent local charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people across the City of Westminster. We provide services, activities and support to help older residents maintain th

About Age UK Westminster