Site Assistant

SunderlandFull-timeClosing 17th September 2026
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About the role

Site Assistant RET009

Vacancy Type
Full Time / Permanent
Location
Revive Sunderland
Salary
26,227.50
Application Deadline
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Job Advert

About the Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated

Revive Site Assistantto join our Sunderland Revive team. This role is a full time position, working 5 out of 7 days (Monday-Sunday). This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about customer service, sustainability, reuse and recycling, and making a positive difference within the local community.

Reporting to the

Sunderland Revive Store Manager, you will play a key role in the day-to-day operation of the Revive store, supporting customers, processing donations and ensuring the store remains safe, welcoming and well presented.

Working as part of the wider retail team, you will help maximise sales and the volume of reusable items diverted from landfill by accepting and processing donated goods, merchandising stock effectively and providing excellent customer service. You will also work closely with local authority staff and support the Society's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You'll combine strong customer service skills with a practical hands-on approach, helping to generate vital income while contributing to the reduction of waste and supporting the St Vincent de Paul Society's mission to help those experiencing poverty and hardship.

Key Responsibilities

  • Accept, sort and process donated items for sale within the store.
  • Merchandise stock effectively to maximise sales and ensure the best use of available retail space.
  • Maintain attractive displays and high visual merchandising standards throughout the store.
  • Remove damaged, unsuitable or slow-moving stock from the shop floor in line with retail procedures.
  • Process customer purchases through the till and provide excellent customer service at all times.
  • Respond to customer enquiries in a professional and helpful manner.
  • Ensure the store is kept clean, safe and tidy, maintaining a welcoming environment for customers and volunteers.
  • Help minimise health and safety risks by ensuring walkways, work areas and fire exits remain clear and hazard free.
  • Move suitable reusable items from the waste site, including the Reuse Container, to the store for resale.
  • Support recycling activities by transporting non-saleable items to designated recycling areas.
  • Remain vigilant to reduce stock loss through theft or damage.
  • Develop and maintain positive working relationships with council staff and other key stakeholders on the household waste and recycling site.
  • Carry out Meet & Greet duties on the waste site when required, promoting the benefits of reuse and recycling.
  • Undertake administration duties as required to support the effective operation of the store.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues and provide support across other retail operations when business needs require.
  • Complete mandatory and role-specific training to support continuous professional development.
  • Ensure compliance with all Society policies, procedures and health and safety requirements.

About You

Essential Criteria

  • Experience working within a retail environment, including cash handling responsibilities.
  • Experience delivering excellent customer service.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage positively with customers, colleagues and external partners.
  • Good level of English and Maths.
  • Good IT skills and confidence using computer-based systems.
  • Experience using retail till or cash handling systems.
  • A passion for sustainability, reuse and reducing landfill waste.
  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • A proactive and flexible approach to work.
  • Empathy with, and commitment to, the aims, values and mission of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
  • Commitment to supporting environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

Desirable Criteria

  • Previous experience working within a charity retail environment or voluntary sector organisation.
  • Understanding of the reuse and recycling sector.
  • Experience using EPOS systems.
  • Knowledge of visual merchandising and stock presentation.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
  • Experience carrying out administrative duties in a retail environment.
  • Experience working alongside local authority or community partners.

Additional Information

This role is based within the Sunderland Revive operation and will involve working both within the retail store and on the adjacent household waste and recycling site.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake manual handling activities and will regularly move donated and reusable items between site locations.

The role may require flexibility to work additional hours and provide support across other retail operations in line with business requirements.

As a customer-facing role, the successful candidate will be expected to act as an ambassador for the St Vincent de Paul Society, promoting the benefits of reuse, recycling and community engagement at all times.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team committed to making a difference in communities across the UK. We offer flexible working, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to contribute to meaningful projects.

Key Dates & Additional Info
  • Closing Date:17th September 2026
  • Interviews:W/C 21st September 2026

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Whilst we ask that staff have sympathy with Christian values,

we celebrate and value people of all faiths or none -diversity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the role, feel free to contact our friendly HR Team on

0207 703 3030 (option 5).

Please note: If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of your application, unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion. We encourage early applications as we may close the listing early if we receive a high volume of interest.

About the SVP

The

St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)has been a beacon of hope since 1844, part of a vibrant international Christian movement working in 153 countries. We are dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by offering practical, person-to-person support to those in need. Our mission is rooted in dignity, compassion, and respect - serving anyone, regardless of faith, race, gender, or background.

Join us in making a real difference -

your skills could help transform lives.