Retail Assistant - Parkstone

Marie Curie; England; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days leave

Pension scheme

Bike & season tickets loan

CPD opportunities

Industry-leading training

Wellbeing programme

Bereavement benefits

Blue Light Card

Eye care

Job summary

Marie Curie is recruiting for a Retail Assistant to support the store's sales, stock presentation, and customer service standards. You will help maximise donations, engage with the community, and coach volunteers while ensuring a safe and welcoming shopping environment.

The role involves leading by example, handling cash, and assisting the Retail Manager when needed to keep the store running smoothly.

Qualifications

• Retail experience preferred.
• Cash handling experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Health and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maximizing sales through display and pricing.
• Process donated goods and ensure pricing aligns with guidelines.
• Maximise Gift Aid income and oversee display of bought-in goods.
• Engage with customers and coach volunteers to discuss add-ons and loyalty.
• Drive community engagement and recruit volunteers.
• Ensure staff and volunteers follow Marie Curie procedures.
• In absence of the Retail Manager, oversee store operations.

Skills

Retail experience

Customer service

Cash handling

Team player

Job description

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country. Our retail stores play a vital part in helping us achieve our mission by bringing in significant revenue generation, building awareness and engaging local communities.

Join our team and be part of a dynamic retail environment where your can-do attitude makes a real difference. We're looking for courageous individuals who take initiative, considerate team players who put customers first and trustworthy colleagues who take pride in what they do. If you thrive in a collaborative workplace and enjoy helping people, we'd love to hear from you.

As a Retail Assistant, you will join an incredible team and support them to encourage sales, provide excellent customer service, and uphold the highest standards of stock presentation and store cleanliness.

Job Description

You will be responsible for:

Assisting the Retail Manager in maximising sales by maintaining high standards of display and layout, ensuring proper stock rotation, and securing realistic pricing on donated items.

Ensuring donated goods are processed according to set standards and timeframes, and that pricing is in line with charity guidelines.

Maximising Gift Aid income and oversee the proper display and administration of bought-in goods, ensuring minimal stock loss.

Customer engagement and leading by coaching volunteers and staff to have great conversations with every customer on" Rounding up" their purchase, making an "add donation" for our charity and signing up for our loyalty scheme.

Engaging with the community to drive repeat custom, stock donation, volunteer recruitment and community involvement.

Managing volunteers and ensuring all staff and volunteers are following Marie Curie procedures and guidelines.

In the absence of the Retail Manager, taking responsibility for the overall management and operation of the store.

Key Criteria

Previous retail experience, preferably in fashion/clothing.

Experience of cash handling and financial management procedures (including completion of sales records).

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer-first attitude and the ability to communicate with tact and discretion,

Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.

Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload, balancing competing demands.

Understanding of health and safety procedures in a retail environment.

Experience in managing and motivating volunteers is desirable.

Hours per week: This is a variable hours role

Closing date:16th November. We are reviewing applications as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

Benefits you’ll love

• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

At Marie Curie, our values are central to everything we do. They guide how we care for people, how we work together, and how we make decisions every day. We are committed to creating a workplace that is safe for everyone — staff and volunteers alike — supportive, inclusive and rewarding. We take stringent steps to ensure that anyone who joins our organisation are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. We actively consider our impact on the planet, embedding sustainability into everyday decisions to create a lasting, positive difference for the individuals we care for and the world we share.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. Marie Curie is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, recognising both the social justice imperative and the strength a diverse workforce brings. We actively encourage applications from people of all cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you require any support, please contact us at [e-mail].

Every application we receive is personally reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team, and in return, we ask that your application authentically reflects you — your experience, perspective and voice.