Retail Manager

Located in the heart of the community, our shop thrives thanks to the incredible generosity of our loyal customers and the wonderful donations we receive.

Our Stourbridge shop offers a wonderful variety of items, from clothing, books, and toys to household goods, soft furnishings, and a selection of new goods and greetings cards. Our Stourbridge shop also sells a range of pre loved furniture, making it a true treasure trove for shoppers.

More about the role

Blue Cross is a leading UK animal welfare charity, with a network of over 50 charity shops across England and Wales. Our shops are more than just retail spaces—they’re vibrant community hubs that play a crucial role in supporting our mission to care for animals in need.

Our dedicated supporters generously contribute various items—ranging from clothing, books, and toys to household goods, soft furnishings, and a selection of new goods and greetings cards. Our Stourbridge store also offers a range of pre-loved furniture. All these items find their way into our shops and online platforms. The funds raised through these sales play a pivotal role in supporting Blue Cross's mission: aiding sick, injured, and homeless pets and ensuring the care of over 40,000 animals each year through our rehoming, veterinary, and education programmes. 
 
The money raised through these sales play a pivotal role in supporting Blue Cross's mission: aiding sick, injured, and homeless pets and ensuring the care of over 40,000 animals each year through our rehoming, veterinary, and education programmes.
 
As Shop Manager, you'll be the heart and soul of our Stourbridge store, driving sales, fostering community connections, and ensuring our shop thrives. Your responsibilities include: 

• Working towards sales targets and maximising profits. 
• Building strong community ties.
• Creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers, delivering exceptional service and representing Blue Cross with pride.
• Keeping things running smoothly with efficient paperwork, accurate data management, and adherence to retail standards.
• Maintaining optimal stock levels, ensuring our shelves are always full of treasures for our customers.
• Liaising with our furniture collection and delivery partners.
• Prioritising the safety of our team and customers, following all health and safety protocols with care and diligence.

Now, let's talk about your team. We're fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who are the lifeblood of our shops. Your role will involve recruiting, training, and supporting these amazing individuals to ensure our shop runs smoothly and efficiently.
 
Our shop is open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 til 17:00. Your normal working pattern may change each week, subject to the needs of the business and the levels of staff and volunteers available to work and will involve a significant element of weekend working.
  
Given the nature of the role, there may be some lone working, and flexibility to support other shops when needed is essential. As this position involves handling furniture, we’re looking for someone who is comfortable with physical tasks, including lifting, while working within our strict health and safety guidelines.

We encourage applicants of all abilities, and we'll ensure you're supported with the right tools and training to carry out the role safely.

About you
 
You'll have a background in retail management, supported by a proven track record of driving sales and exceeding targets. Your leadership and team management skills will be pivotal to success in this role, as you cultivate strong relationships with both customers and volunteers.
 
Your great organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail will guarantee smooth operations, while your unwavering commitment to upholding high standards of health and safety underscores your reliability and professionalism. Adaptability and flexibility are also essential attributes we're seeking.
 
Essential qualifications, skills, and experience:

• Retail management experience
• Commercial awareness to deliver sales
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong external relationships.
• Good IT skills and a basic understanding of finance
• Good people management skills
• Excellent customer service skills 

It would also be great if you had: 

• Full driving licence
• Experience of working with volunteers
• Experience of fundraising  

Why Blue Cross? 
 
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make a difference that we do today.  
   
In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. 
  
We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.  
   
Our generous benefits package includes: 

• 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support 
• Free access to GP via MetLife - 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family 
• Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
• Health cash plan 
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme 
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution  
• Claim for professional fees 
• Life assurance  
• 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance 
• Enhanced family friendly policies 
• Recognition scheme 
• Annual volunteer days
• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
• Personal development programme

How to apply  
 
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date Tuesday 8 October 2024 .

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.