Cover Store Manager (Multi-location)

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People; Loughborough; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare charity in the East Midlands is seeking a Cover Store Manager to manage retail operations in absence of a Store Manager. The role involves training teams, supporting new shop openings, and ensuring excellent customer service while visiting multiple locations. Candidates should have retail management experience and a passion for charity work.

Qualifications

• Experience in a retail environment or customer service role.
• Able to work towards financial targets and manage budgets.
• Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of retail stores.
• Support and train retail teams across multiple locations.
• Ensure high levels of performance and morale.

Skills

Excellent Management skills

Excellent customer service skills

Ability to train and motivate volunteers

Good administrative and organisational skills

Basic computer literacy

Job description

Cover Store Manager (Multi-location)

The closing date is 21 September 2025

Do you have experience as a shop manager or have you worked as an assistant shop manager and are ready to take the next step in your career? Do you have a passion for charity retail and enjoy connecting with new people? If you're looking for a varied role where you can travel to different locations and build on your retail experience, we'd love to hear from you!

Main duties of the job

We are currently seeking a Cover Store Manager (Multi-site) to manage the day-to-day operations of our retail stores in the absence of a Store Manager. You\'ll also support the training and development of our retail teams, and assist with the setup of new shop openings, pop-up shops, and retail events.

About us

Here at Rainbows Childrens Hospice, we provide specialist palliative care and end-of-life support to over 750 Babies, Children, and Young People living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as approximately 3,000 people, including families, siblings, and carers, across the East Midlands. Simply put, we\'re here to brighten short lives and support families, wherever they are.

Job responsibilities

Location: This role involves regular travel across the East Midlands to support operations at our various retail locations, ensuring consistent and high-quality service delivery. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to attend meetings, corporate inductions, and events at the Hospice in Loughborough.

Hours of work: 22.5 hours per week, typically over 3 shifts per week across Monday to Sunday.

• Manage the day-to-day operations of retail stores in the absence of a Store Manager
• Provide support and training to retail teams across multiple locations
• Assist with the setup and launch of new shops, pop-up shops, and retail events
• Oversee and support staff to ensure high levels of performance and morale
• Deliver excellent customer service and resolve customer queries effectively
• Monitor and manage stock levels, merchandising, and store presentation
• Maintain operational standards and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
• Address challenges such as staffing issues or operational disruptions
• Contribute to achieving and maintaining strong sales performance
• Ensure a smooth and positive experience for both customers and team members

Further responsibilities can be found by downloading the Job Description.

Requirements

Experience in a retail environment or customer service role

• Excellent Management skills
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to implement agreed standards of service in the store
• The ability to train and motivate volunteers
• Able to work towards financial targets and manage budgets
• Good administrative and organisational skills with the ability to monitor and analyse shop statistics
• Working knowledge of Health & Safety and Fire Safety and ability to identify potential risks
• Self-motivated and able to work independently but flexibly as part of a team
• Sensitivity in supporting people in difficult and distressing circumstances
• Able to implement agreed policies and procedures and ensure compliance
• Good planning and logistical skills
• Basic level of computer literacy
• Ability to prioritise and deal with conflicting work demands
• Willing and able to work flexible hours across all 7 days of the week, including covering shifts during holidays as required
• Able to work within professional and confidentiality boundaries
• Driving Licence and access to a vehicle
• One Team Working together with fairness and respect
• People Centred Championing inclusivity, compassion and clarity
• Aim High Adapting, learning and sharing our expertise
• Own It Focused, committed and accountable
• Previous success in managing a retail outlet
• Previous Charity retail experience
• Previous experience of a field-based or multi-site role
• Experience of working with and supporting volunteers
• Working knowledge of Risk Assessments
• Experience of volunteering
• Intermediate or advanced PC skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People

Address

Rainbows Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough