Sales Assistant

British Heart Foundation; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading charity organization in Edinburgh seeks a part-time Sales Assistant. In this dynamic role, you will engage with customers, manage donations, and promote a sustainable retail experience. You’ll need strong customer service skills, an ability to work independently, and comfort with technology. This position offers a permanent contract and various staff benefits, including generous leave and discounts.

Benefits

38 days annual leave

Enhanced family policies

Wagestream – early access to wages

25% staff discount

Health cash plan

Access to a 24/7 Virtual GP

Pension with employer contribution

Cycle to work scheme

Discounts on gym memberships

Qualifications

• Previous retail experience isn't essential; passion and energy are key.
• Ability to guide volunteers and work well in a team.
• Comfortable using tech like tills and PCs.
• Must be 18+ years old to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service and promote the charity’s mission.
• Organize and merchandise donated stock creatively.
• Collaborate with the E-Commerce team to maximize online sales.
• Act as a Keyholder in the absence of a manager.

Skills

Customer service

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Comfort with technology

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Would you like to be part of a retail team that is community based, offers amazing choice and genuine sustainability? Look no further – join us as a Sales Assistant in Stockbridge, EH4 1HX.

This is a part‑time role working 28 hours a week in one of our busy clothing stores. Our stores are fast‑paced and trade 7 days a week. The role requires flexibility to work weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.

You’ll join the team on a permanent contract.

What does this role involve?

As a Sales Assistant you’ll be at the very heart of our retail operation. This is not just a standing behind the till or filling shelves type of role; we’re looking for someone who will deliver a first‑class customer service experience. It’s a fun, fast‑paced environment where no two days are the same and everyone works as a team.

• Engage with customers, providing exceptional service and promoting our charity’s mission
• Organise and merchandise donated stock creatively to maximise sales potential
• Collaborate with our E‑Commerce team to maximise online sales
• As a Keyholder, you’ll be the go‑to person when there isn’t a manager on duty, keeping the store running and ensuring our customers have a great experience.

You’ll need to be 18+ years old to apply for this role. Please note, this role can be physically demanding and will involve moving a high volume of donation bags.

You will be given lots of autonomy in your role and will strive to continually build your knowledge of BHF.

What are we looking for?

Previous retail experience isn’t essential. What truly counts is your passion, energy, and ability to deliver the very best customer service.

• You’ll be confident within a team environment and comfortable guiding the activity of volunteers on the shop floor
• Able to work well under pressure and on your own initiative in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment
• Attention to detail in everything you do
• Positive, creative, confident, customer‑service focussed and passionate about sustainability
• You’ll be comfortable with tech, able to use a Till, PC, Smartphone and e‑mail with ease

What’s important to us?

At the British Heart Foundation (BHF) we offer a huge range of new and used quality furniture, clothing, jewellery and more, available in store and online.

Since 1961, British Heart Foundation has been at the forefront of research that has helped to halve annual deaths from cardiovascular disease in the UK. But our work is needed more than ever.

In addition to raising funds for the BHF, we connect with our local communities and help reduce clothing and furniture waste across the UK. With over 700 stores we make a huge environmental impact by preventing around 70,000 tonnes of unwanted items from going to landfill every year. We receive 1.6 million items donated to our home stores and 9.8 million bags of donated items and will continue to build upon our reuse agenda in the years to come.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.

Why join the BHF?

We have a strong culture of internal progression and will actively support you to develop your career.

Our generous staff benefits include:

• 38 days annual leave (plus the option to sell leave)
• Holistic support leave of up to 10 additional days off each year
• Enhanced family policies (maternity, paternity and adoption leave)
• Wagestream – early access to your wages
• 25 % staff discount
• Health cash plan (Dental, Optical, Therapies, etc)
• Access to a 24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Pension with employer contribution of up to 10 %
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounts on gym memberships
• Discounts with a wide range of retailers