Assistant Shop Manager

Cats Protection; Hythe; On-site; GBP 7,000 - 9,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK charity is seeking an Assistant Shop Manager in Hythe to support shop operations. Responsibilities include maximizing income and acting as a brand ambassador. Ideal candidates will have retail experience and the ability to manage a team. The position offers health benefits, 26 days annual leave, and a wage up to £8,977.77 per annum, with application closing on 4th January 2026.

Benefits

26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays

Salary Finance for financial wellbeing

Health benefits

Qualifications

• Demonstrable learning and experience from working in a relevant retail environment.
• Ability to motivate and manage a team of employees and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Shop Manager to maximize shop income and profitability.
• Act as brand ambassador for the organization during the Shop Manager's absence.

Skills

Retail experience

Sales target understanding

Cash reconciliation expertise

Team management

Job description

Team : Retail

Location : Hythe

Work pattern : 14hours on a rota basis (to include weekends)

Salary : Up to £8,977.77 per annum

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 Assistant Shop Manager :

• To assist the Shop Manager to maximise shop income and profitability through the safe day-to-day operational management of shop activity and key performance indicators, to support the work of Cats Protection
• To act as brand ambassador for Cats protection, being a role model for the values and behaviours of the Charity, taking responsibility for the shop operation in the absence of the Shop Manager.

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 jewelleryand 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 Assistant Shop Manager :

• Demonstrable learning and experience from working in a relevant retail environment
• Experience and / or understanding of working to sales targets
• Experience of cash reconciliation and financial controls
• Ability to motivate and manage a team of employees and volunteers

What we can offer you :

• range of health benefits
• 26days’ 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

Interested? Here’s how to apply :

Application closing date : 4th January 2026

Virtual interview date : Week commencing 12th January 2026

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.

If successful, your recruitment journey will include :

• Anonymised application form
• Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams

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