Charity Shop Retail Assistant

Purpose of the role:

To support the day-to-day operation of our charity shop at Four Lane Ends by providing excellent customer service, ensuring the smooth running of retail activities, and upholding the values of the charity. This role directly supports the charity’s mission by helping generate vital income through the sale of donated goods.

Responsible to:

Finance Assistant

Main Duties:

Customer Service & Sales:
– Greet and assist customers in a friendly and professional manner.
– Support customers with purchases and donations.
– Handle inquiries and resolve customer complaints to ensure a positive shopping experience.
– Process sales using the POS system, including handling cash and card payments accurately.

Store Operations:
– Open and close the shop as a key holder, following all security procedures.
– Cash up at the end of the day and ensure secure storage of takings.
– Maintain general housekeeping standards, ensuring the shop floor is clean, tidy, and welcoming.
– Restock items on the shop floor and set up attractive displays to enhance product visibility.

Stock Management:
– Check, tag, and price donated goods appropriately and restock shelves as needed.
– Support with sorting donations and ensure safe storage and handling of stock.
– Undertake significant amounts of manual handling, including lifting heavy bags and boxes.

Health & Safety:
– Maintain a safe working environment by ensuring that walkways and storage areas are free from hazards.
– Comply with all health and safety policies and procedures.

Teamwork & Flexibility:
– Work both independently (lone working) and collaboratively with other staff and volunteers.
– Be flexible and willing to cover staff absences due to sickness or holidays when required.
– Support volunteers with guidance and encouragement, helping to create a positive team environment.

Skills and Qualifications:

Requirements:
– Experience in a retail, customer service, or charity shop environment.
– Experience handling cash and card payments, including use of a POS system.
– Previous key holder or similar responsibility is desirable.
– Excellent customer service and communication skills.
– Ability to work independently and use initiative, particularly when lone working.
– Strong organisational skills, including stock handling and display setting.
– Good numerical skills for cash handling and reconciliation.
– Able to carry out manual handling tasks, including regular heavy lifting.
– Comfortable standing and moving around for extended periods.
– Reliable, trustworthy, and punctual.
– Friendly, approachable, and supportive—especially when working with volunteers.
– Flexible and willing to cover additional shifts, including weekends.
– Commitment to the values and mission of the charity.
– Understanding of and commitment to health and safety practices.

Desirable Experience:
– Experience working in a charity retail environment.
– Supervising volunteers or leading small teams.
– Awareness of Gift Aid and how it applies in a retail setting.
– Basic understanding of visual merchandising.

Time Commitment:

Permanent, Part-time

NEWCASTLE DOG AND CAT SHELTER

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