Sales Assistant

BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION; Southampton; On-site; GBP 1,240,000 - 1,515,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount

Health cash plan

Pension

Job summary

British Heart Foundation Shirley is seeking a Sales Assistant for a part‑time 6‑hour weekly role in our busy clothing stores. You’ll be at the heart of our charity retail operation, delivering first-class service, handling tills and stock, and helping customers in a fast‑paced environment seven days a week.

You will work as part of a team with autonomy, covering weekends and bank holidays as needed. No prior retail experience is essential, but energy, enthusiasm and commitment to sustainability

Qualifications

• Previous retail experience isn’t essential.
• Passion, energy and the ability to deliver the very best customer service.
• Confident within a team and able to guide volunteers on the shop floor.
• Able to work well under pressure and on your own initiative in a dynamic environment.
• Attention to detail and a customer-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Engage with customers, delivering exceptional service and supporting the charity’s mission.
• Assist with sorting donations and merchandising stock to maximise sales.
• Collaborate with the E‑Commerce team to boost online sales.
• Act as Keyholder when needed, keeping the store running smoothly and customers supported.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Tools

Till

PC

Smartphone

Email

Job description

• Our teams
• Life at BHF
• What we offer
• Recruitment journey
• Vacancies
• Internal Vacancies

• The opportunity

• Would you like to be part of a retail team that are community based, offer amazing choice and genuine sustainability?

  Look no further – join us as a Sales Assistant in Shirley

  This is a part time role working 6 hours a week in one of our busy clothing stores. Our stores are fast-paced and trade 7 days a week. This role requires flexibility to work weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.

  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.

  Every day is different in charity retail, as well as working on the till or sorting donations, you can expect to:

  • 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 lifting large pieces of furniture / 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 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.

  Belonging at BHF

  BHF values the diversity of our communities and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. By fostering a culture of inclusion, we believe we are better equipped to achieve our mission of helping people have a healthier heart for longer.

  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 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