Head of Retail

Demelza; Ditton; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Demelza is seeking a Head of Retail to lead the distribution and retail operations, including shop network and e-commerce activities. The role reports to the Deputy CEO and focuses on driving income growth, operational excellence and a high-performing retail culture.

You will lead multifaceted teams, use data to inform decisions, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver financial targets while maintaining exceptional supporter experiences.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level retail leadership experience within a multi-site environment.
• Proven track record of delivering income growth and operational improvement.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to translate strategy into action.

Responsibilities

• Lead the performance of the shop network, e-commerce activities and broader retail function.
• Translate strategy into actionable plans to drive income and efficiency.
• Develop and mentor teams to build a high-performing retail culture.

Skills

Senior-level leadership

Multi-site leadership

Income growth focus

Financial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Data-driven decisions

People leadership

Strategic thinking

Job description

Head of Retail

Application Deadline: 28 November 2026

Department: Distribution

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Demelza Distribution Centre

Reporting To: Hayley Richardson

Compensation: £48,000 / year

Description

At Demelza, every purchase, donation and volunteer hour helps us provide extraordinary care and support to children with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families. As our new Head of Retail, you will play a vital role in driving the success of one of our most important income-generating services.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced retail leader to take ownership of our retail operations, leading the performance of our shop network, e-commerce activities and wider retail function. Working closely with the Deputy CEO and Head of Retail Development, you will be responsible for translating strategy into action, driving income growth, delivering operational excellence and creating a high-performing retail culture.

We are looking for a commercially astute and inspirational leader who can motivate and develop teams, identify opportunities for growth and use insight and data to make informed decisions that improve performance. You'll bring experience of managing multi-site retail operations, delivering financial targets and leading teams through change while maintaining an exceptional customer and supporter experience.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of retail at Demelza, helping us maximise income, strengthen our presence in local communities and ensure our retail estate continues to make a significant contribution to our charitable purpose.

• Significant senior-level retail leadership experience within a multi-site environment.
• A proven track record of delivering income growth and operational improvement.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• The ability to inspire, lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience of using data and insight to drive decision-making and performance.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A passion for making a meaningful difference through your work.

Want to know more?

Closing date: 29th November 2026

Interview process: Please note that this recruitment process will consist of two interviews. First interviews will take place between 1st and 7th December 2026. Candidates who are successful at the first interview will be invited to attend a second interview, with the date to be confirmed.

Demelza greatly values the benefits of a diverse team and embraces diversity, equality, and inclusion in all areas of its work. We are committed to building a diverse and authentic workplace, ensuring that our team reflects the diversity of the children and families we support. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds.

To find out how we process your personal data during the recruitment process, please refer to the Employee Recruitment Privacy Notice.

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at a level relevant to the role.

Demelza is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Demelza is an equal opportunities employer. Registered Charity No. 1039651.