JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Retail Sales Assistant

Department:

Retail

Location:

19 Bank Street, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 2JL

Job Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Part-time, 28 hours over 4 days per week

Reporting to:

Shop Manager

Direct Reports:

None

Purpose of the Role:

Responsible  for  the  day  to  day  running  of  the  charity  shop  to  maximise  sales  and
profitability.

Assist in the support of volunteers by providing communication, guidance and direction
to their efforts.

Deliver the highest level of customer service and shop standards.

Principal Responsibilities:

  To be responsible for cash handling, credit card procedures and cashing up.
  Selecting goods for sale in the shop from those donated and arranging the cleaning,
polishing, repairing and steaming/ironing of the goods that need attention. Must be
able to lift heavy items.

  Pricing goods for sale in the shop.
  To sort donated goods efficiently and educate customers on the appropriateness

of donated goods.

  To act as a key holder as required in the event of an emergency call out and to be
conversant  with  emergency  procedures  to  ensure  that  any  issues  are  dealt  with
effectively.

  To organise and plan workload in with the consultation of the Shop Manager.
  To be aware and take direct action when high value items are donated which may

need special attention and pass these items to the Retail Support Manager.

  To ensure Health & Safety at work is adhered to and to attend in-house manual

handling and fire safety training as requested.

  To  ensure  that  the  shop  and  working  environment  is  safe  and  welcoming  for

volunteers, other members of staff and members of the public.

  To inform volunteers about developments at Animals in Distress and communicate
positive feedback from the wider team on their value to the Charity and to share
information in a positive manner.

  To be prepared to undertake training that will improve skills and retail knowledge.
  To  create  displays  and  seasonal  promotions  to  attract  customers  and  improve

sales.

  To support and promote new initiatives in raising funds from donated goods such

as Gift Aid registration.

  To  ensure  good  housekeeping  throughout  the  shop  and  to  work  with  other
members of staff for the disposal or recycling of goods that cannot be sold in the
shops.

  Establish good communication with all of the Charity Shops, Warehouse, Rescue

Centre and Head Office.

  To  ensure  relevant  administration  and  requests  from  the  Shop  Manager,  Retail

Support Manager and/or CEO are dealt with efficiently.

  Represent  the  Charity  at  the  Shops,  Rescue  Centre,  off  site  and  at  events  as

required.

  Any other duties within your competence and training as required by the Charity’s

Retail Support Manager and/or CEO.

Required Competencies

  Respect and empathy for animals and a proven commitment to their welfare.
  Good interpersonal and communication skills, able to communicate with people at
all  levels,  including  staff,  clearly  and  precisely  and  to  ensure  a  high  quality  of
customer service.

  Professional, reliable and hardworking and able to work as part of an effective team.
  Motivated and dedicated to the role and the work of the Charity.
  Good physical endurance during physically challenging work days.
  Good  behaviour  and  dress  code  whilst  at  work  must  reflect  the  working

environment and the Charity.

  Good literacy and numeracy skills and basic computer skills.
  Possess emotional strength, stability, maturity to cope with all types of customers.
  Willingness to help cover in other shops when required.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  Good general standard of education.
  Previous retail experience is an advantage as well as working with volunteers.

Person Specification – Retail Sales Assistant

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

Experience and Job

Knowledge

Retail experience with a
proven track record of success

Cash handling & banking
experience

NVQ in customer care

Experience of working
within a charity retail
environment

Experience of working in a
customer care environment

Experience of working with
volunteers

Experience using Epos
systems and Gift Aid

Working within a retail
environment with some
responsibility for staff, stock,
cash and premises

Understanding of basic finance
Basic Knowledge of Health &
Safety and Fire Regulations.

Demonstrable flair and
creativity in maximising the
shop’s potential

Ability and confidence to
communicate new ideas
and implement them

Merchandising flair for
attractive window and in
shop displays

Skills & Competencies  Self-motivated using initiative

to achieve goals

Well organised and able to
adapt and prioritise to
changing circumstances

Numerate with the ability to
analyse figures and
demonstrate commercial
acumen

Effective interpersonal /
communication skills

Good organisational skills and
ability to prioritise workload

Good communication skills to
deliver information, resolve any
issues and encourage
volunteers

Good IT and administrative
skills for accurate record
keeping and banking

Strong organisational skills to
maximise resources across the
operation

Personal Qualities

Additional requirements

Hardworking, highly motivated
& focussed. Target driven

Excellent interpersonal skills

Flexible

Work on own initiative

Trustworthy, honest & reliable

Committed to the needs of the
customer

Commitment and
conscientious approach to
work

Responsive and helpful
manner

Confidence, drive and
enthusiasm

A commitment to anti-
discriminatory practice

The ability to exercise
sensitivity towards voluntary
staff and customers

Ability to positively promote the
Charity externally and
internally at all times

The ability to travel to fulfil
relief duties at other shops / to
enable attendance at meetings

Weekend working

Participate in events

Commitment to animal welfare