Head of Retail

St Nicholas Hospice Care; Bury St Edmunds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent local hospice in Bury St Edmunds is seeking a Head of Retail to oversee their retail operations. This hybrid role involves leading a team across multiple locations, developing strategies to increase income while enhancing community engagement. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in multi-site retail management and a strong focus on leadership and performance improvement. This role offers significant opportunities for professional development and an attractive benefits package.

Benefits

Health Cash Plan and wellbeing programme

25 days annual leave

Competitive pension plan

Life assurance

Free parking

Subsidised on-site bistro

Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-site retail operations.
• Strong commercial awareness and track record of improving performance.
• Excellent leadership skills with a focus on team development.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire and develop shop managers and staff.
• Drive income growth through strategy and planning.
• Ensure retail environments reflect brand values.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial awareness

Performance management

Community engagement

Communication

Job description

Hybrid role, based in Bury St Edmunds office and across shop network, plus 1 to 2 days per week from home

About the role

Retail at St Nicholas Hospice Care is more than shops — it’s a vital engine that generates over £1m in unrestricted income every year, helping us to ensure everyone in our communities has support, dignity and choice when facing dying, death and grief.

We are entering an exciting new phase, with ambition to grow our retail offer both on the high street and online, and we’re looking for an exceptional Head of Retail to lead it.

This is a senior role overseeing our entire retail operation: a network of seven shops across West Suffolk, a growing online presence and a donation centre, all delivering high-quality retail experiences while maximising trading and Gift Aid income. You’ll be a key member of the Income Generation Directorate and the Hospice Leadership Team, giving you the opportunity to shape strategy and drive results that truly matter.

If you’re a commercially minded retail leader who thrives on purpose as much as performance, this is a rare opportunity to make a real impact.

Your role

You will:

• Lead, inspire and develop shop managers, staff and volunteers across multiple sites.
• Drive income growth through clear strategy, strong operational planning and performance management.
• Ensure all retail environments reflect our brand, values and commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Lead stock management, merchandising and donation strategies to maximise return.
• Build strong community engagement and supporter relationships.

What you’ll bring

You’ll have:

• Experience leading multi-site retail operations (charity and/or commercial experience welcomed).
• Strong commercial awareness and a track record of improving performance.
• Excellent leadership skills, with a strong focus on coaching, development and engagement to empower your team to achieve success.
• Sound knowledge of charity retail governance, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Confident communication, planning and problem-solving abilities.

We offer

• The opportunity to work for a brilliant life enhancing local hospice, increasing its income and profile to support more patients and their families.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Health Cash Plan and wellbeing programme.
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing with length of service (up to 29 days).
• Competitive pension plan (up to 8% company contribution).
• Life assurance (2x annual salary).
• Free parking and subsidised on-site bistro.
• The opportunity to work from home 1 to 2 days per week.