Op Shop Assistant / Papanui (Casual)

SPCA; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Exclusive employee discounts and shop‑

Wellness support 24/7

Professional development opportunities

Contribution to animal welfare

Job summary

SPCA is opening a new Papanui Op Shop and seeks a Casual Op Shop Assistant to help establish the store, welcome customers, and coordinate with volunteers. You will contribute to sales and create engaging displays, while maintaining stock, pricing and POS operations.

You will work independently when required, support volunteers, and uphold SPCA values, delivering friendly service and reliable performance across busy periods and weekends.

Qualifications

• Retail and customer service experience, ideally including sole charge.
• Confidence taking responsibility for a store and managing competing priorities.
• Focus on driving sales and KPIs.
• Strong communication and ability to work with volunteers.
• Interest in second-hand goods and merchandising.
• Cash handling, balancing and banking.
• Tech-savvy with email, Word, Excel and POS.
• Organised, proactive problem-solver.
• Willingness to work Sundays and Mondays.

Responsibilities

• Support sales growth and help achieve budgets.
• Open/close shop and manage daily operations.
• Provide friendly service and encourage repeat donors.
• Support and guide volunteers.
• Sort, price and rotate donated goods.
• Create merchandise displays and promotions.
• Use email, Word, Excel and POS for communication and reporting.
• Handle cash and balance takings.
• Help establish new store's presentation and community links.
• Maintain a clean, safe shop environment.

Skills

Retail experience

Customer service

Cash handling

Merchandising

POS systems

MS Word

MS Excel

Communication

Independent work

Tools

POS software

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Join SPCA as a Casual Op Shop Assistant and help make our new Papanui store a welcoming destination for second‑hand treasures. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new store from the beginning, building connections with customers and volunteers while raising vital funds for animals in need.

• Casual Op Shop Assistant – Papanui
• Hours: Casual, as required, including leave cover, busy periods and weekends

ABOUT THE ROLE

Working with the Op Shop Manager and our volunteers, you’ll help deliver excellent customer service, create inviting displays and keep the shop running smoothly. From sorting donations to processing sales, you’ll take a hands‑on approach to making the store a success.

Working sole charge is an important part of this role. You’ll need to be confident taking responsibility for the shop when the Manager isn’t there, making day-to-day decisions and supporting volunteers to keep things running efficiently.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting sales growth and helping the store achieve its budgets and KPIs.
• Working sole charge when required, including opening and closing the shop, managing daily operations and resolving customer queries.
• Providing friendly, helpful service that encourages customers to return and donors to keep supporting us.
• Supporting and guiding volunteers, helping with task allocation, training and creating a positive team environment.
• Sorting, quality checking, pricing and rotating donated goods to keep the shop fresh and well stocked.
• Creating appealing merchandise displays and supporting in‑store promotions to maximise sales.
• Confidently using email, Microsoft Word, Excel and POS systems for store communications, administration, reporting and sales transactions.
• Managing cash handling, balancing daily takings and completing banking and records in line with SPCA procedures.
• Helping establish the new store’s presentation, routines and local community connections.
• Maintaining a clean, tidy and safe environment for customers, donors and volunteers.

ABOUT YOU

You’re a friendly, reliable retailer who enjoys variety and is happy to roll up your sleeves. You’ll be excited by the opportunity to help establish a new shop and create a great experience for everyone who walks through the door.

You’re comfortable working independently, taking initiative and making sound decisions. You’ll also enjoy working alongside volunteers and understand how teamwork, great service and thoughtful merchandising contribute to a successful store.

You’ll bring:

• Retail and customer service experience, ideally including experience working sole charge.
• Confidence taking responsibility for a store and managing competing priorities independently.
• A focus on driving sales and contributing to budgets and KPIs.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to support people from a range of backgrounds.
• An eye for merchandising and an interest in second‑hand goods.
• Confidence with cash handling, daily balancing and banking.
• A tech‑savvy approach, with confidence using email, Microsoft Word, Excel and POS systems.
• Strong organisation, initiative and a practical approach to solving problems.
• A commitment to SPCA’s mission and reliable availability for Sunday and Monday shifts.

SPCA PURRRKS

To support you in your role and beyond, we offer:

• Exclusive employee discounts, benefits and retail offers.
• Access to 24/7 confidential wellness support.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• The opportunity to contribute to a collaborative, purpose‑driven organisation working towards better outcomes for animals.

We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.