Charity shop retail assistant jobs in croydon, greater london
Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. In 2024 we embarked on our new 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.
Our shops generate valuable income to support our services, create opportunities for homeless people to learn new skills and contribute to Crisis’ work in the community. They have a unique contemporary visual identity and are dynamic and creative places to work.
Location: 330 Mare Street, London, E8 1HA
Hours: 40, five days over a seven-day rota
About the role
We are recruiting for an Assistant Shop Manager to join a busy and creative team in Hackney. You will join an exciting team and collaborate to build a group of volunteers from all walks of life, raising money to fund Crisis’ work ending homelessness. We are bold with a culture of continuous review and improvement, where we try new things, take risks, and sometimes fail. There will be numerous opportunities to improve our team’s effectiveness. Your voice will count!
We also work closely with local artists and universities. We’d love you to bring your own ideas, along with your experience of fashion, retail and current trends, to this role. You will have opportunities to build your own skills and career progression through training and development – many of our shop managers were promoted internally. Ensuring our recruitment practices are as equitable as possible is our number one priority so we are looking for someone who advocates for others and challenges injustice.
You will be primarily based in the Hackney shop, but you may be required to travel to other shops within London 1 & 2 on a short-term basis.
About you
To be successful in this role you will have retail experience at a supervisory level alongside a genuine interest in charity retail. You will be keen to build your people management skills including working with Crisis members. We are particularly interested in meeting candidates with an interest or background in visual merchandising, although this is not essential. You will be committed to Crisis’s values and mission to end homelessness.
You may have experience in: assistant shop manager, assistant store manager, shop supervisor, store supervisor, charity shop manager, retail manager, charity retail
Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.
We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.
Working at Crisis
Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.
Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- A competitive salary. Please note, our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
- 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
- Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
- Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.
When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How do I apply?
Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.
Closing date: Thursday 15 May 2025 at 23:59.
Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for my application?
We strongly discourage applicants from using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. This is so we can run a fair, transparent process which gives all applicants an equitable chance of success. We want to hear about your own experience and perspectives in your application and if shortlisted, during the interview too.
Accessibility
We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.
Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Organisation
The Royal Parks (TRP) is a charity created in March 2017. We manage over 5,000 acres of diverse parkland, rare habitats and historic buildings and monuments in eight Royal Parks across London. These are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park.
We also manage other important public spaces including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. Our eight Royal Parks and other iconic green spaces are among the most visited attractions in the UK with 77 million visits every year.
We are now looking for a Retail Administration Assistant to join us on a full-time basis, working 36 hours per week, for a 12- month fixed term contract.
The Benefits
- Salary of £27,864 - £29,500 per annum, depending on experience
- 26 days' annual leave plus public holidays, increasing to 29 days after 3 years’ service
- Pension scheme (3% employee contribution; up to 10% employer contribution)
- Hybrid/agile working options
- Private medical insurance and healthcare cash plan
- Employee assistance programme and access to mental health first aiders
- Learning and development opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme
- Work in a beautiful location
This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly organised and customer-focused individual to join our iconic and passionate organisation.
You'll play a vital part in shaping the retail experience across some of London’s most famous green spaces, gaining practical experience with a wide variety of retail operations while working in truly inspirational surroundings.
What’s more, you'll enjoy a generous benefits package that supports your wellbeing both inside and outside of work, including private healthcare, flexible working options, and learning and development opportunities!
The Role
As a Retail Administration Assistant, you will support the day-to-day running of our new Hyde Park shop and online retail offer.
Working closely with the Buying and Ecommerce teams, you’ll help to deliver an exceptional customer experience both in-store and online.
Playing a vital role in ensuring a smooth and efficient buying and fulfilment process, you’ll assist with everything from processing purchase orders and invoices to liaising with suppliers and tracking deliveries.
Additionally, you will:
- Set up new suppliers and products on internal systems
- Manage ecommerce enquiries and returns
- Support digital marketing and reporting tasks
- Help manage stock deliveries in collaboration with the Retail Operations team
- Compile ecommerce data and reports
About You
To be considered as a Retail Administration Assistant, you will need:
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint) and the ability to learn new systems quickly
- Confidence in handling data in spreadsheets and managing high volumes of information accurately
- Experience or a good understanding of ecommerce platforms – knowledge of Shopify is highly desirable
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly when dealing with suppliers, couriers, and internal teams
- A proactive attitude with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Other organisations may call this role Retail Administrator, Retail Administration Officer, Retail Operations Assistant, Ecommerce Officer, Retail Buying Administrator, Ecommerce Administrative Assistant, or Retail Logistics Assistant.
We want to put everyone in the best possible position to succeed and use Recite-me accessibility software. At the top of the application page, there is an “Accessibility Tools” button which you can use to complete the application form in a way that works for you. If you think that you may need more support to complete our application process, please do get in touch.
The Royal Parks is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Please visit our website to find out more on our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
So, if you are interested in this unique opportunity as a Retail Administration Assistant, please apply via the button shown. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.
We provide free access to London’s beautiful, natural and historic green spaces, to help improve everyone’s quality of life and wellbeing.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Organisation
The Royal Parks (TRP) is a charity created in March 2017. We manage over 5,000 acres of diverse parkland, rare habitats and historic buildings and monuments in eight Royal Parks across London. These are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park.
We also manage other important public spaces including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. Our eight Royal Parks and other iconic green spaces are among the most visited attractions in the UK with 77 million visits every year.
We are now looking for an Assistant Buyer to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 36 hours per week.
The Benefits
- Salary of £33,666 - £37,000 per annum, depending on experience
- 26 days' annual leave plus public holidays, increasing to 29 days after 3 years’ service
- Pension scheme (3% employee contribution; up to 10% employer contribution)
- Hybrid/agile working options
- Private medical insurance and healthcare cash plan
- Employee assistance programme and access to mental health first aiders
- Learning and development opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme
- Offices in a beautiful location
This is a brilliant opportunity for a commercially minded retail buyer with product development experience and leadership expertise to join our iconic organisation.
You’ll have the chance to shape product ranges that reflect the history, beauty and purpose of our world-famous parks, developing sustainable, story-driven collections that celebrate nature, culture and heritage.
What’s more, you’ll enjoy a generous benefits package including hybrid working, a great pension scheme, and extensive development opportunities, all while working in one of London’s most stunning natural and cultural environments.
The Role
As our Assistant Buyer, you’ll support the development of compelling, brand-aligned product ranges across our shop and online platforms.
From product concept to delivery, you’ll help bring seasonal collections to life and ensure they reflect our brand values and meet our customers’ expectations.
Working closely with the Buying and Development Manager, you’ll co-ordinate the product pipeline, track performance, and liaise with suppliers to ensure all seasonal deadlines are met.
You’ll also help maintain stock accuracy, contribute to income forecasting, and support the creation of a transparent and sustainable supply chain.
Additionally, you will:
- Manage product samples and liaise with suppliers to ensure timely delivery
- Analyse product performance by category and support remedial actions
- Co-ordinate product launches and promotional activity
- Attend industry events and monitor trends to inform product decisions
About You
To be considered as an Assistant Buyer, you will need:
- Experience gained within a retail buying and product development environment
- Experience of data analysis measuring performance trends and producing reports
- Experience of leading, developing and motivating a team
- The ability to engage with the supply chain in managing terms and conditions and service level agreements
- Strong numerical and analytical skills
Other organisations may call this role Retail Buyer, Retail Procurement Executive, Buyer, Purchasing Category Specialist, Procurement Specialist, Procurement Team Lead, Retail Buying Team Leader, or Purchasing Team Supervisor.
We want to put everyone in the best possible position to succeed and use Recite-me accessibility software. At the top of the application page, there is an “Accessibility Tools” button which you can use to complete the application form in a way that works for you. If you think that you may need more support to complete our application process, please do get in touch.
The Royal Parks is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Please visit our website to find out more on our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
So, if you are interested in this unique opportunity as an Assistant Buyer, please apply via the button shown. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.
We provide free access to London’s beautiful, natural and historic green spaces, to help improve everyone’s quality of life and wellbeing.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.