Retail Assistant Manager (Furniture Store)

Prospect Hospice; Swindon; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A community charity organization in Swindon is looking for a Retail Assistant Manager to support store operations, enhance customer care, and manage volunteers. The ideal candidate will have proven retail experience and a proactive approach to responsibilities. This physically demanding role involves merchandising and high levels of interaction. Competitive benefits and continuous development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

27 days holiday entitlement

Generous contributory pension scheme

Discounts with local retailers

Qualifications

• Proven retail experience.
• Experience of supervising staff.
• Hold a driving license and access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the Store Manager to maximise store income.
• Maintaining and promoting high standards of customer care.
• Creating eye-catching displays and maintaining cleanliness.

Skills

Proven retail experience

Excellent customer services and interpersonal skills

High levels of organisation

Knowledge of MS Office, Teams

Job description

Overview

Retail Assistant Manager (Furniture Store)

We are seeking a motivated Retail Assistant Manager for our furniture and home store in Hobley Drive, Swindon. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role, where your retail skills will help generate vital funds to support our work, both at the hospice and in the community.

Hours: 15 hours per week (two days a week, which will include working weekends and some bank holidays). This role may require covering the store in the absence of the Store Manager and could involve working more than 15 hours per week.

What you will be doing

• Supporting the Store Manager to maximise store income and profits by delivering exceptional retail standards
• Maintaining and promoting the highest standard of customer care
• Creating eye-catching displays and maintaining cleanliness throughout the shop
• Supporting the Store Manager to engage and train volunteers to assist in the running of the shop
• Meeting gift aid conversion rates from people donating goods
• Having full responsibility for the store in the absence of the store manager and positively promoting and supporting the aims and values of the hospice

What we are looking for

• Proven retail experience
• Experience of supervising staff
• Excellent customer services and interpersonal skills
• High levels of organisation with a pro-active approach
• Thorough understanding of target driven accountabilities
• Knowledge of MS Office, Teams and basic IT
• Hold a driving license and have access to a car, and be prepared to travel throughout our catchment area (Swindon, Marlborough, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett, Highworth and Cricklade) to cover other shops if needed
• Previous experience either in furniture or charity retail is desirable

Physical requirements

This role is physically demanding and requires regular lifting, moving stock, and being on your feet for extended periods. While full manual handling training will be provided and we commit to considering reasonable adjustments, the core duties of this role require a high level of physical activity.

What we offer

• 27 days holiday entitlement (pro-rata) plus bank holidays (rising to 29 days with length of service)
• Generous contributory pension scheme and life assurance
• Discounts with local retailers, gyms and service providers including Blue Light Discount Card
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Supportive induction, training and development
• A values led, inclusive working environment

Disclosures and safeguarding

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and an enhanced disclosure with barred list check will be required. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we support. Offers of employment are subject to checks as part of our SAFER recruitment process, which may include DBS checks, references, online and social media checks and verification of qualifications. Unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings must be disclosed as appropriate under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Equality, diversity & inclusion

Prospect Hospice is committed to encouraging a diverse and inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, offending background, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we support. As part of our SAFER recruitment process, offers of employment will be subject to thorough checks, which may include DBS checks, references, online and social media checks and verification of qualifications. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Application process

To apply, please submit your CV, along with a cover letter outlining what has motivated you to apply for this position and the skills you would bring to the role. See the job description and person specification for full details. Interviews will be held on Friday 10th October 2025. For more information or to arrange an informal visit please call Fiona Trace, Furniture and Home Store Manager on 01793 376177. Applications may close before the closing date, so please apply early.