Assistant Shop Manager - Hythe

Blue Cross For Pets; Southampton; On-site; GBP 9,000; Part time

Job summary

A UK-based charity is seeking an Assistant Shop Manager in Hythe to help build community relationships and motivate a team of volunteers. You'll be responsible for financial operations, customer service, and supporting the shop's mission to care for homeless pets. Ideal candidates will have retail experience and a passion for animal welfare.

Benefits

38 days holiday rising to 43 with service

Wellbeing support programs

Free 24/7 GP services

Health cash plan

Employee assistance programme

Enhanced pension scheme

Professional fees payment

Life assurance

20% discount on pet insurance

Recognition scheme

Annual volunteer days

Qualifications

• Previous experience of working in a retail environment.
• Experience leading a team and providing a great customer experience.
• Computer and administration skills.

Responsibilities

• Guide and motivate volunteers for a welcoming shopping experience.
• Contribute to recruiting and training new volunteers.
• Deliver outstanding customer service.

Skills

Retail experience

Cash handling

Team leadership

Customer service

Computer skills

Job description

Assistant Shop Manager - Hythe

Application Deadline: 11 December 2025

Department: Fundraising, Comms & Engagement

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Hythe

Reporting To: Shop Manager

Compensation: £8,958 / year

Description

Contract: Permanent, part time (14 hours over 2 days)

Salary: £8,958 per annum pro rata (£22,394 FTE)

Location: Hythe, Southampton

Closing date: 11th December 2025

Charity shops are the in-place to shop and in 2025 and by joining our team in the heart of the Waterside, you will be a part of establishing this shop within the local community and keeping people and their pets at the heart of everything that we do.

More about the role

This store needs someone who knows the community and be someone who can help build on our loyal customer base, continuing to nurture strong relationships with our generous local donors.

Every item sold directly supports our vital work: caring for sick, injured, and homeless pets, and helping over 40,000 animals each year through our rehoming, veterinary, and education programmes.

As part of our leadership team, you’ll be a positive role model, guiding and motivating our volunteers to create a warm, welcoming shopping experience. Drawing on your people-management skills, you’ll contribute to recruiting and training new volunteers, share your merchandising know-how, and deliver outstanding customer service to both shoppers and donors.

Whether you're currently a team leader or supervisor ready for the next step, or an experienced manager seeking a fresh and rewarding challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

About you

You will have:

• Previous experience of working in a retail environment
• Cash handling and reconciliation experience
• Experience of leading a team
• Experience of providing great customer experience
• Computer and administration skills

It would also be great if you had:

• Managing volunteers

How to apply

Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.

Blue Cross benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.

In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.

Our generous benefits package includes:

• Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
• Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
• Health cash plan
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
• Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
• Life assurance
• 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Recognition scheme
• Annual volunteer days
• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.