Assistant Shop Manager (Fixed Term 9 Months) - Oxley Park

Willen Hospice; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35 days' holiday pro rata

Contributory pension scheme

Enhanced maternity/sick pay

Professional development

Blue Light Card discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes is seeking an Assistant Shop Manager for Oxley Park shop on a fixed-term 9-month contract. The role supports the Shop Manager in daily operations, inspiring volunteers and customers while driving sales and KPIs.

You will oversee stock, merchandising, and customer service, while leading a team of volunteers and coordinating shifts. The role requires weekend work and a commitment to the charity’s values.

Qualifications

• Experience in a retail environment with supervisory or team-leader responsibilities.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Organised and confident handling money, stock, and shop operations.
• Able to motivate and lead volunteers and staff.
• Flexible to work weekends and cover shifts as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in daily operation and performance of the shop to meet sales targets and KPIs.
• Supporting stock processing, pricing, merchandising, and maintaining a clean, well-presented retail space.
• Ensuring a high standard of customer service at all times.
• Supporting and supervising volunteers, helping with recruitment, training, and coordination.
• Managing rotas and delegating daily tasks in collaboration with the Shop Manager.
• Handling cash, banking, and financial records in line with charity procedures.
• Acting as a key holder, opening and closing the shop, and overseeing operations in the Manager’s absence.
• Ensuring compliance with health, safety, and security policies.
• Promoting the charity’s values and fundraising initiatives in the local community.

Skills

Retail supervision

Team leadership

Customer service

Communication

Cash handling

Stock management

Job description

Location Oxley Park - Milton Keynes Salary £25,515.15 pro rata per annum (£15,309.09 actual salary for hours worked) Working pattern Flexible Rota including weekends Closing Date Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Job Summary

Are you passionate about retail and ready for a fresh challenge where you can make a real difference in the community?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Shop Manager to join our retail team, supporting the Shop Manager in the daily operation of our shop in Oxley Park for a fixed term period of 9 months - inspiring volunteers and customers alike.

What you’ll do:

• Assisting in the daily operation and performance of the shop to meet sales targets and KPIs
• Supporting with stock processing, pricing, merchandising, and maintaining a clean, well-presented retail space
• Ensuring a high standard of customer service at all times
• Supporting and supervising a team of dedicated volunteers, helping with their recruitment, training, and coordination
• Managing rotas and delegating daily tasks in collaboration with the Shop Manager
• Handling cash, banking, and financial records in line with charity procedures
• Acting as a key holder, opening and closing the shop, and overseeing operations in the Manager’s absence
• Ensuring the shop complies with all health, safety, and security policies
• Promoting the charity’s values and fundraising initiatives in the local community

What you’ll need:

• Experience in a retail environment, ideally in a supervisory or team leader role
• Friendly, approachable, and able to lead and motivate a team
• Great customer service and communication skills
• Organised and confident handling money, stock, and shop operations
• A team player who thrives in a fast-paced, varied environment
• Be physically fit to move and handle stock safely
• A commitment to the values and mission of the charity sector
• Flexibility to work weekends and cover shifts as needed, including in other nearby shops

This appointment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Job Profile Job Profile document

About the organisation

Set in the tranquil grounds of Willen Lake, Willen Hospice is the leading provider of specialist palliative care in the Milton Keynes area. We offer round-the-clock, expert care to local patients with a life-limiting illness, both in their own homes and in our In-Patient Unit. Our passionate staff and volunteers make sure our care is personalised to each patient’s needs and supports their loved ones too. We have a thriving Therapeutic & Wellbeing service providing counselling, physiotherapy, activity groups and more, and a specialist Lymphoedema service. As a registered charity, we raise vital funds through our dedicated Business Development team and our growing portfolio of high street and online shops, to ensure our care stays free of charge.

Benefits

• The chance to make a real impact in your community
• A supportive team and collaborative working environment
• Great benefits package – including 35 days' holiday pro rata, inclusive of Bank Holidays, contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity/sick pay, and ongoing professional development.
• Perks and extras –Blue Light Card discounts (with membership), and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Ready to take the next step in your career?