Charity shop retail assistant jobs

Assistant Store Manager

Salary£14,285.70 per annum

LocationThetford

Weekly Hours22.5

The Vacancy

Job Title: Assistant Store Manager

Location: Thetford

Salary: £14,285.70 per annum

Weekly Hours: 22.5

Reference: YMC1131800

Are you an experienced retailer?

Do you want to try a new type of retailing in Charity where you can support and deputise for a Store Manager raising money to help change young people’s lives?

You will work alongside paid staff and volunteers, proud of everything you achieve together at the heart of your local community and raise money for an amazing charity. If this excites you then we have a fantastic opportunity in our  store.

As an Assistant Store Manager, you will play a key role in the stores success. You will be highly organised with experience of merchandising, stock rotation and excellent customer service. You will work effectively and efficiently to maximise income for the shop and promote the work of YMCA within the local community. You will deputise for the store manager when needed and work in an environment that presents challenge and meaning.

Why join YMCA England & Wales?

You will have the opportunity to work in a role that is varied and stimulating, supporting the manager and shop team to represent and serve your local community. You will get real autonomy working with your Store Manager using your entrepreneurial skills to raise money and represent YMCA in your area.

You’ll also get a package that includes:

• Pension
• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata for part time staff)
• Regular salary reviews
• Sick pay (after a qualifying period)
• Services to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Health shield cash plan

This is an exciting time to join us as we embark on a journey of expansion. We are opening many new stores across England & Wales, Our Charity Shops are unique and offer a wide range of donated products. We are passionate about recycling and pride ourselves in selling over 95% of our donated stock and we don’t sell new goods! If successful, you will be joining an amazing team and receive support and guidance from your Store Manager and Area Manager.

 At YMCA England & Wales, we strive to create a workplace that fully reflects and serves its local community. We want all staff to feel empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work each day. We have diverse teams, we encourage everyone to do their best and support them to reach their full potential.

If you are passionate about improving young lives, this will be the role for you.

As an employer committed to inclusivity we welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, who are currently under-represented throughout YMCA England & Wales

Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration and undertake a DBS check.

Store Manager

Salary£24,375.00 per annum

LocationPeterborough

Weekly Hours37.5

The Vacancy

Job Title: Store Manager

Location: Peterborough

Salary: £24,375.00 per annum

Weekly Hours: 37.5

Reference: YMC1126765

Are you an experienced retailer?

Why not try a new type of retailing where you get to run your own store, inspiring a team of paid staff and volunteers to be proud of everything you achieve together at the heart of your local community and raise money for an amazing charity? If so we have a fantastic opportunity at our Peterborough store.

Operating within a fast paced environment, you will work effectively and efficiently to maximise income from sales, gift aid, and other promotional activities plus drive donations from the local area. Delivering a great store offer and standards, inspiring your team to give amazing customer service, you will raise funds for and promote the work of YMCA within the local community.

You will have exceptional organisational skills, creative flair and drive which, along with your commercial awareness, will enable you to motivate, develop and inspire your team of paid staff and volunteers. You will be looking for an opportunity to work in an environment that has challenge, excitement and meaning. This role is varied and no two days are the same.

Why join YMCA England & Wales?

We’ll give you real autonomy in a role that is varied and stimulating and the opportunity for you to use your entrepreneurial skills to raise money and represent YMCA in your area.  

You’ll also get a package that includes:

• Pension
• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata for part time staff)
• Regular salary reviews
• Sick pay (after a qualifying period)
• Services to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Health shield cash plan

This is an exciting time to join us as we embark on a journey of expansion. We are opening many new stores across England and Wales, Our Charity Shops are unique and offer a wide range of donated products. We are passionate about recycling and pride ourselves in selling over 95% of our donated stock and we don’t sell new goods! If successful, You will be joining an amazing team and receive support and guidance from your Area Manager, Regional Manager, other Store Managers and the wider Retail team at Head Office.

 At YMCA England & Wales, we strive to create a workplace that fully reflects and serves its local community. We want all staff to feel empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work each day. We have diverse teams, we encourage everyone to do their best and support them to reach their full potential.

If you are passionate about improving young lives, this will be the role for you.

Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration and undertake a DBS check.

For further information on YMCA, visit oput website 

We are excited to be bringing the legendary Choose Love Shop back to London’s Regent Street this winter.
This is the ultimate charity store where customers can buy essential items for refugees like hot meals, winter
coats for children and sleeping bags. Instead of taking them home, each purchase buys an item for someone
who truly needs it. Customers can also buy Choose Love merch as well as fabulous fashion and beauty
donated by stylists, brands and celebrities. At the Choose Love shop the world is a better place with every
purchase. Last year we raised over $1.1 million for our life-saving work and this year’s

shop promises to be bigger and better than ever!

The Sales Assistant’s primary responsibilities are making all shoppers feel welcome in the store,
educating them about the shop's concept and all the items, and taking donations on card machines.
You’ll also inform visitors about Choose Love’s work so that they feel connected and informed, which
will help raise much-needed funds. You’ll also work in the merchandise department, support the
daily volunteer teams, and get involved in some in-store events.

Deputy Shop Manager
Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Part time, 15 hours per week – 2 positions available

£24,242.40 (pro-rated to £9,828.00) per year

We are committed to paying the Real Living Wage.

About Us

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.

The Benefits

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more.

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Deputy Shop Manager, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.

The Role

You will manage the day-to-day operation of the shop in the absence of the Shop Manager, including managing a team of volunteers, ensuring accurate accounting and handling of assets, delivering high standards of customer service, and adhering to all charity policies and procedures. You will lead by example and ensure that volunteers, supporters, donors, and customers understand how their contributions are making a difference to the lives of people in Yorkshire and beyond.

Specifically, you will:

· Play an active part in running our shop in Hornbeam, supporting the Shop Manager in implementing processes and ways of working.

· Provide cover for days off, holidays and sickness as required, with possible occasional travel to other shops to provide support if needed by the charity.

· Support the Shop Manager to maximise the income and profit of the shop through active stock management, replenishment, and rotation.

· Manage a team of well-trained volunteers in the absence of the Shop Manager and take every effort to create a positive retail environment.

· Support the Shop Manager to ensure accurate accounting and handling of assets (items donated and money received).

· Support the Shop Manager to ensure accurate record keeping of items donated and the amount paid for each item for Gift Aid tax reclaim purposes.

· Create a welcoming professional atmosphere and deliver high standards of customer service for all customers and supporters.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will need:

· To ideally be educated to GCSE level or equivalent but not essential.  

· Experience of managing people/volunteers including recruitment and development.

· To be highly organised with good time management skills.

· To be able to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.

· To be able to use own initiative.

· To be resilient and adaptable to change.

· To have good planning, guiding and motivation skills to successfully achieve targeted income is desirable.

· A willingness and ability to occasionally travel across the Yorkshire region as needed for training sessions and team meetings.

· A willingness and ability to safely lone work.

· A willingness to complete our pre-employment checks (to be undertaken once the role is offered and accepted) which include:

o A check on your employment history, by seeking two references

o A check on your eligibility to work in the UK as per the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006

o To undertake a DBS check at the level relevant to your role.

Please note, this role is not eligible for a visa sponsorship.

Application

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People, before 15 October 2025. Please read our privacy notice before applying.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer.  We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact the People Team.

Centre Support Assistant

Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Part-time, 14 hours per week – Weekends only

We are committed to paying the Real Living Wage.

About Us

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.

The Benefits

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more.

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Centre Support Assistant, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.

The Role

We are currently looking for a Centre Support Assistant to join our Retail, Services and Operations team.

The role will be interesting and varied and will provide support across departments to ensure the centre is able to operate efficiently and effectively 7 days a week. We recognise that this a varied role and all appropriate training will be provided, to ensure you possess the knowledge to effectively operate as part of all our customer facing teams, as well as within our donation centre.

Reporting to the Centre Manager, as Centre Support Assistant, your primary role will be to provide a professional and warm welcome to the Yorkshire Cancer Research Hornbeam Centre. You will undertake administrative tasks to support the delivery of the Active Together Harrogate service and the smooth running of the centre. You will also provide cover across our Donation Centre, Delivery Team, Café and Hornbeam Shop as required.

Specifically, you will:

· Help create a welcoming, professional atmosphere and deliver high standards of customer service for all donors, customers and supporters.

· Establish good working relationships with all visitors to the centre.

· Show responsibility for personal health and safety and security, and that of others in the conduct of the role.

· Take ownership of all workplace areas ensuring a high standard of presentation, cleanliness and functionality throughout.

· Respond to and report safeguarding concerns in line with Yorkshire Cancer Research safeguarding policy and procedures.

· Communicate in person, by phone or in written communication to provide information about the Active Together service and wider charity.

· Support Active Together service users to navigate the service and sign-post to approved educational, health and wellbeing resources as necessary, ensuring information is up to date.

· Process referrals and questionnaires, handle eligibility queries and bookings, working closely with the Service Manager and delivery team to ensure consultations and classes are appropriately booked.

· Follow all policies and procedures to contribute to the smooth running of the Donation Centre.

· Ensure donations are sorted and stored appropriately and in-line with Yorkshire Cancer Research procedures.

· Accompany a member of the team to carry out deliveries and collections of furniture and goods across Yorkshire, to and from shops and customers, including disposal of waste materials.

· Assist in all aspects of running our café at Hornbeam Park, including opening and closing procedures, food production, preparation of hot drinks, till operation and cleaning tasks.

· Assist in all aspects of running our shop at Hornbeam Park, including merchandising, till operation and cleaning/tidying tasks.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• To ideally be educated to GCSE standard including Maths and English.

· To have previous experience in a customer facing role and a high level of commitment to customer care is essential.

· To have proven administration experience and experience of maintaining accurate records is essential.

· To have high computer literacy with comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Excel and Outlook. 

· To be up to date with safeguarding and confident in raising any concerns. 

· To have a good knowledge of GDPR requirements and how to apply them is essential.

· To enjoy delivering excellent customer service and customer/supporter interaction.

· To be happy to work independently and ask for support where this is needed, but also like to both work with and support colleagues as part of a team working towards a common goal. 

· To have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with an ability to use active listening skills, and write professionally and appropriately for a range of diverse audiences.

· To have strong organisational skills and a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• A willingness to complete our pre-employment checks (to be undertaken once the role is offered and accepted) which include:

• • A check on your employment history by seeking two references
  • A check on your eligibility to work in the UK as per the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006
  • A DBS check at basic level

Please note, this role is not eligible for a visa sponsorship.

Application

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People, before 29 October 2025. Please read our privacy notice before applying.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer. We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact the People Team.

We are excited to be bringing the legendary Choose Love Shop back to London’s Regent Street this winter. This is the ultimate charity store where customers can buy essential items for refugees like hot meals, winter coats for children and sleeping bags. Instead of taking them home, each purchase buys an item for someone who truly needs it. Customers can also buy Choose Love merch as well as fabulous fashion and beauty donated by stylists, brands and celebrities. At the Choose Love shop the world is a better place with every purchase. Last year’s we raised over $1.1 million for our life-saving work and this year’s shop promises to be bigger and better than ever!

The Deputy Store Manager is a key part of the team representing Choose Love in the exciting winter fundraising period. You will support the Store Manager in monitoring and managing the Choose Love store in London. Your primary remit is raising much-needed funds to help Choose Love reach their fundraising target this winter. You will supervise 2 Sales Assistants and engage with customers and volunteers to ensure everyone feels valued and welcomed. It’s not a traditional retail environment - it’s a joyful experience to be in the store, and you’ll help make it memorable.

Alongside the Sales Assistants, you will interact directly with customers at the store, processing card-only donations and answering any questions. You will also need to help coordinate corporate and community volunteers when they arrive on ‘shift’ and provide them with a thorough training briefing before they begin their shift. You will manage merchandise stock and keep the store looking tidy and slick.

We are looking for someone to join the team as a Retail Superstore Supervisor in our Abbey Wood Superstore.

Are you someone who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment, passionate about charity, and ready to take the next step in your career? If you’re organised, proactive, and love leading a team to success, we’d love to hear from you!

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is commercially minded, hands-on, and driven to make a real difference. You’ll be part of a dynamic team working for one of Bristol’s most cherished charities, helping to generate vital income through our retail operations.

The details:

• Working 37.5 hours, 5 in 7 days
• Salary: £25,633 - £26,620 per annum, dependent on experience
• Permanent position

Key responsibilities:

• Support the Shop Manager and Assistant Manager in leading the team to achieve sales and performance targets
• Deliver excellent customer service and maintain high shop standards
• Deputise for the Manager when required, using initiative and sound judgement
• Drive commercial decisions using data and retail systems
• Recruit, train and retain a multi-skilled team of volunteers
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, gift aid, and operational procedures
• Promote the hospice’s values and build relationships within the local community

What we are looking for:

• Retail experience and at least 12 months of leadership experience
• Commercial awareness and strong numeracy skills
• Excellent communication, customer service, and team leadership abilities
• Confidence using MS Office, Teams, and retail systems
• A proactive, flexible, and organised approach
• A genuine interest in charity retail and second-hand goods
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

We know the 'perfect candidate' might not tick every box, so if you're excited about this role and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please apply — you could be just who we need!

Due to the nature of the work, this role is exempt from the ROA and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Age UK is recruiting! With over 250 locations across the UK, our stores raise funds for some of the incredible services and support provided by the charity.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our fantastic Kentish Town team as an Assistant Manager.

Our amazing Assistant Managers support our Store Managers in all aspects of the business, helping to guide and support our valued team of Sales Assistants and volunteers while ensuring customers are provided with an exemplary shop experience.

If you have a passion for retail and would like to use your skills within a charity that supports thousands of older across the UK, then this may be the role for you!

To ensure the smooth running of our stores, we will be conducting interviews throughout the advertising process. Early applications are advised.

You will have:

• The ability to work collaboratively and consultatively with the Shop Manager
• Ability to lift and carry bags of stock up to 10kg's.
• Be able to lead a team of volunteers and staff
• Ability to delegate and coach staff
• Excellent customer services skills
• The ability to manage time under conflicting priorities
• IT literacy and numeracy skills

Ideally you will also have:

• The ability to understand and establish successful retail processes
• Ability to understand basic financial reports
• Experience in a customer facing role

What we offer in return:

• Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave (pro rata for our part-time colleagues) + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Wellbeing days - 2 paid days per year (pro rata for our part-time colleagues)
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Bupa health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit scheme, Cycle to Work scheme
• Home & Tech - apply to buy any Home & Tech items from 'Currys' & 'IKEA', up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free.
• Blue Light Card scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

To comply with UK legislation, we cannot accept applications from candidates under the age of 18 as the successful candidate will be required to work on their own in the shop without the aid of other staff.

Supporting statements and anonymisation

Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme

Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme. Please note that on occasion, due to high numbers of applications, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Is this the job for you? We know that men, of all backgrounds, and men and women from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are currently under-represented in our workforce, and we want to change this! So, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants from these groups.

Reasonable adjustments

Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.