Supporter care assistant jobs

JOB TITLE: Retail Manager

LOCATION: Alderley Edge

DATE WRITTEN: May 2026

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Retail Area Manager

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To manage an Age UK Cheshire Charity Shop located in the Cheshire area, ensuring efficient and effective management of colleagues, volunteers, premises, sales, and stock to provide a high-quality retail service in relation to agreed performance targets. 

To achieve the maximum potential of funds for Age UK Cheshire by achieving charity retail standards and community engagement.

To ensure all appropriate standards of security and health and safety are met. To organise and manage the day-to-day operations of the store including effective communication with the Head of Retail and reporting of relevant data.

Main Duties:

1. To ensure that the Age UK Cheshire Charity Shop achieves required standards of performance and agreed sales targets:

§  Maximisation of sales through stock rotation, correct pricing, brand awareness and merchandising, to use the full potential of the stock available to you.

§  To gain Gift Aid on eligible donations to Age UK Cheshire to maximise funds for the charity in line with HMRC guidelines. This includes signing up new donors to the scheme and selling stock accordingly.

§  Responsible for managing, training, and developing the Assistant Retail Manager to achieve pre-set objectives.

§  Support, train, and coordinate the work of volunteers in the shop as required.

§  Working with the Assistant Retail Manager to ensure that the shop complies with all the relevant legislation, trading standards and health and safety.

§  Ensuring stock from donors is correctly received and stored within the shop. Working with the Area Retail Manager to make certain of timely collections and suitable deliveries to merchandise appropriately and safely.

§  Administrative systems and working practices to include daily and weekly sales reports, charity log and financial information.

§  Identify stock which can maximise income when sold via e-commerce, auctions, or other sales opportunities.

§  To plan and prioritise special promotions, seasonal adjustments, and sale events.

§  Ensuring professional signage throughout the shop; to be clear and on brand.

§  Engage with the Retail Operations Manager regularly to create a cohesive working relationship with the wider retail team in order to gain support and advice

2. Maintain a high level of commercial awareness by staying informed of sales trends, stock position and local competition.

3. To work as a member of the wider retail team to ensure that all shops across the region are covered appropriately. Have a flexible approach to days worked and location, to provide support to other colleagues and providing holiday cover for the Assistant Retail Manager.

4. To participate in recruitment, induction, training and deployment of colleagues and volunteers. To work with other organisations when necessary to ensure compliance with all legislation and good practice.

5. To develop and manage “designated volunteers” through appropriate training and development, to ensure that they can take responsibility for the running of the shop in the absence of paid colleagues, including holiday cover if necessary.

6. Implement the highest standards of customer care and service.

7. To maximise income by participating in fundraising and trading opportunities.

8. To take responsibility for the shop to implement shop procedures, as follows: -

§  To act as a key holder at an assigned location

§  To prepare the shop for opening by the correct time

§  To close the shop at the correct time and ensuring the shop is secure before leaving

§  To assist in the acquisition of donations including furniture and to liaise with the Area Retail Manager on collection and delivery procedures

§  To sort, prepare and price stock to in line with charity retail processes.

§  To present stock in the sales area to the agreed standard

§  To recruit, train, organise, supervise, and care for the welfare of colleagues and volunteer helpers

§  To reconcile the cash register, banking and to work to Age UK Cheshire’s financial policies and procedures

§  To complete paperwork as necessary, to include use of information technology on computerised systems

§  To carry out Age UK Cheshire’s policy on Health and Safety of colleagues and customers, including all manual handling policies and procedures for goods and furniture, emergency and accident procedures, trading standard policy, refunds and exchange policy.

9. To use initiative to ensure any issues in the shop are resolved quickly and effectively. To follow the correct reporting procedure to inform the Health & Safety Manager of any problems or concerns.

10. To understand and achieve daily/weekly/monthly/annual targets which will be reviewed regularly with the job holder. To undertake performance related reviews with Assistant Retail Managers as required.

11. To be a role model for Age UK’s mission statement and values and to understand how the role of a Retail Manager complements this.

12. To undertake such duties as may from time to time be reasonably requested by management within the flexible definition of the post.

AGE UK CHESHIRE

RETAIL MANAGER - PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria:

- strong communicator with the ability to deliver team messages, deal with customer issues and resolve problems with firmness and fairness.

- ability to understand and interpret financial information in order to manage shop performance outcomes.

- good administrative and organisational skills with the ability to undertake banking tasks, keep basic records and organise resources in a busy environment.

- the ability to recognise stock potential in order to generate income and the importance of attractive presentation.

- supervisory experience with the ability to motivate, inspire and lead a team.

- IT literate

- ability to travel freely between shops (ideally full driving licence and use of a properly insured vehicle during work hours).

Desirable Criteria:

- basic knowledge of Health & Safety and Fire regulations and ability to identify potential risks to include items that sold under Health & Safety regulations.

- proven retail experience

- experience of working with volunteers.

- general understanding/empathy with the aims of the organisation.

Processing stock deliveries will regularly involve carrying and moving heavy stock.  You will also be on your feet for long periods of time.  On occasions you may be required to work on your own within the shop.

AGE UK CHESHIRE

RETAIL MANAGER - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The organisation currently operates 9 charity shops and has ambitious plans to open more charity shops which all help to provide funds for the charity to deliver its services for older people in Cheshire, as well as being a location to promote Age UK Cheshire services.

All Age UK Cheshire shops sell unwanted household and personal goods donated by the public and other commercial companies. The success of the shops is dependent upon achieving a regular adequate supply of donations.  Age UK Cheshire shops have established a reputation for selling good quality items, well presented and at reasonable prices. 

The shop staffing structure is supported by volunteer helpers.  They do not receive any payment other than the reimbursement of their exact travel costs from their home to the shop. 

The shops are all expected to trade profitably. Their function is to provide income to the organisation. Each shop is given a weekly sales target to achieve to produce a targeted net profit once rents and other costs have been deducted.

Each shop has a mixture of staff and volunteers covering a 6- or 7-day working period.  The Retail Manager will be supported by an Assistant Retail Manager working flexibly to provide cover at the shop. At times you might be asked to cover other shops depending on staffing issues, so flexibility is a must. Volunteer support is key to the success of the operation and development of “designated volunteers” who can take responsibility for the shop, during some periods of staff absence. 

Location: Shop Base – Alderley Edge. You may be required to cover other shops on an ad hoc basis.

Hours: 36.25 hours per week, worked over 5 days Monday to Sunday.  Hours are required to be flexible to ensure that the shop is staffed appropriately.  There may be a requirement to travel between shops.  In exceptional circumstances you may be required to work 6 days per week. The role will require working over the Christmas period and potentially all bank holidays.

Salary:  £25452.03 per annum (£13.50 per hour).  Overtime payments can be paid for exceptional circumstances where additional days have been worked.

Pension: Age UK Cheshire has an automatic enrolment workplace pension scheme in place for eligible employees.

Leave: 25 days’ leave per annum (plus Bank Holidays) rising after 5 years’ continuous service by one day per year (pro rata) to a maximum of 30 days’ leave after 10 years.

Contract: All new staff are subject to a three-month probationary period. 4 weeks’ notice is required to terminate employment by either side i.e., the employee or Age UK Cheshire. During the probationary period, one week’s notice is required by either side.

Health Care: All staff will automatically join the Age UK Cheshire’s Health Care Cash Plan and will be entitled to receive healthcare benefits.

Criminal Disclosure:  Basic DBS Check applicable for this post.

Age UK Cheshire is a Mindful Employer and positive actions will be taken to ensure that people will not be excluded from working for Age UK Cheshire because of their age, race, ethnicity, faith, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, physical or mental health.

Registered charity no. 1091608

Enham Trust is one of the UK’s longest-established disability charities, supporting disabled people to live, work and enjoy life for more than 100 years. As part of the wider Aster Group, Enham continues to deliver specialist services with a clear social purpose.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Interim Head of Fundraising to provide operational oversight and work with senior leaders on the strategic development of income generation during an important period for the charity.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Income Generation, Fundraising and Engagement, you will lead and support a small but committed fundraising team, including the Corporate Partnerships Manager and Valued Donor Fundraiser, while ensuring robust governance and fundraising compliance across the function.

This is a leadership role where success will come from your ability to guide and support the team, and ensure fundraising activity is delivered in line with best practice and regulatory requirements.

There is an established senior leadership presence within the fundraising function, and this role has been created to provide additional capacity and continuity during a period of need. It offers an opportunity to build on existing work and maintain momentum while supporting the team and wider organisational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the fundraising team, supporting performance, development and delivery.
• Produce high-quality reports, analysis and updates for senior stakeholders and Boards.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising legislation, the Code of Fundraising Practice and wider governance requirements.
• Oversee fundraising policies, processes and risk management frameworks.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Enham Trust and the wider Aster Group.
• Monitor fundraising performance, KPIs and budget management.

About You

We welcome candidates from a broad fundraising leadership or management background. What is essential is your ability to provide strategic leadership and confidently navigate fundraising governance and compliance frameworks.

You will bring:

• Fundraising leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of the Code of Fundraising Practice, fundraising regulation and charity governance.
• Experience producing reports and presenting information to senior leadership teams and Boards.
• A track record of leading, motivating and developing fundraising teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Confidence working autonomously in a remote environment
• Experience using CRM systems, ideally Donorfy.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to challenge and improve existing ways of working.

Why Join Enham Trust?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a unique organisation that has been championing opportunities for disabled people for over a century. From its accessible community and employment programmes to its care, housing and retail services, Enham Trust delivers life-changing support every day.

You'll join a passionate team with strong organisational backing, ambitious plans, and the freedom to bring fresh thinking, leadership and expertise to the fundraising function.

Working Arrangements

• Fully remote role (Travel to Andover approximately once per month to meet with the team)
• Occasional travel to fundraising events and meetings as required.
• Fixed-term contract for 4 months.

If you're an experienced fundraising leader who thrives on strategy, governance, team development and driving improvement, we'd love to hear from you. To register your interest please apply here, or for more information contact Leanne or Jen at Charity Horizons.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format, such as audio or video upload, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this. Also, please let us know if you require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition, and pregnancy.

This is a hands-on role that moves between two registers: structured qualitative research with proper analytical underpinning, and fast-turnaround reactive policy work. You will need to be genuinely comfortable in both able to run a multi-month thematic publication and turn around a tight briefing or consultation response within 48-72 hours when a policy window opens.

The role will lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, including research workstreams tied to the Difference Schools Partnership's annual thematic priorities, and our Harmful and Abusive Behaviours (HaB) workstream convening a sector council to build a shared framework for how schools understand and respond to peer-on-peer harm. You will produce briefings, evidence submissions and publications, manage external research partners, and work with the CEO, Head of Policy and Communications team to launch research with real impact. The role reports to the Head of Policy and works closely with colleagues across Strategy, Research and Programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, running research workstreams tied to annual DSP thematic priorities and emerging strands on MAT inclusion and LA working
• Design and deliver qualitative research with schools, MATs and local authorities interviews, focus groups, school visits and thematic analysis  translating findings into evidence and policy recommendations
• Lead the Harmful and Abusive Behaviours research workstream, convening a sector council, producing briefing material and managing the route from convening to publication
• Produce timely, citable evidence for policy influence  including drafting briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions on fast turnaround
• Project manage publication cycles from scoping through to launch, working with coalition and media partners to maximise reach and tracking policy traction post-launch
• Brief, manage and integrate the outputs of external research partners where commissioned (e.g. FFT Datalab, Pro Bono Economics)
• Capture and develop case studies from DSP schools and the wider Difference network

About The Difference

• Every day, the equivalent of 5,500 children are suspended from England's schools, doubling their likelihood of being NEET by 24. The Difference is a young education charity founded to change this story through whole school inclusion. We train school leaders, carry out our own research, and turn frontline insights into policy recommendations lobbying Ofsted and the Department for Education to improve funding and support for inclusion. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030.

About You

Essential

• Dual capability across reactive and structured research : comfortable producing tight briefings on a 48–72 hour turnaround and running multi-month qualitative publications
• Experience in education research, policy research or applied social research, with examples of published, commissioned or internally-influential work
• Strong qualitative research skills : interview and focus group design, thematic coding, framework development, synthesis across multiple sources
• Persuasive writing for mixed audiences : able to write clearly and concisely for policymakers, school leaders, the press and the sector, and comfortable ghost-writing for senior colleagues
• Project management discipline : able to run multiple workstreams in parallel, manage your own deadlines, and keep colleagues and external partners on track
• Comfortable working at pace in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift as policy windows open and close : self-directed, flexible and able to make good judgement calls under pressure
• Shared values with The Difference and personal commitment to improving life outcomes for young people

Desired

• Strong working understanding of UK education policy, particularly around inclusion, exclusion, SEND, accountability and school improvement
• Confident data literacy and basic quantitative analysis : comfortable interrogating population-level datasets and translating findings into accessible policy language
• Understanding of why language matters when writing about behaviour, exclusion and vulnerability, and the ability to frame behaviour as a signal of unmet need consistently across all work
• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people
• Experience of working in or with schools, multi-academy trusts or local authorities
• Existing relationships in education research, policy or sector organisations

Please see the attached Job Description for full role details and person specification.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector. As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and protected characteristics redacted.

Planning & Integration Manager - 12-month FTC

It starts with community – and so does everything we do at The National Lottery Community Fund (the Fund). As the UK's largest community funder, we will distribute over £4 billion by 2030 to projects that strengthen society and improve lives. Our UK-wide Communications & Engagement Team is at the heart of telling that story, and we're looking for an exceptional Planning and Integration Manager to join us on a 12-month maternity cover basis.

This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in one of the most ambitious periods in the Fund's history. As we enter phase two of our It Starts With Community strategy, our communications are more important than ever – positioning the Fund as a credible, influential voice on community resilience, cohesion and change. You'll be the operational linchpin that turns our strategic ambitions into coordinated, measurable reality.

Role Expectations

Working closely with the Head of Communications Strategy and the wider communications leadership team, you'll bring together integrated plans for our media, marketing, digital and external affairs functions, ensuring clear milestones, measurable outcomes, and efficient use of resources. If you're energised by complexity, thrive on bringing order and clarity to busy teams, and care about the power of communications to make a difference, this role is for you.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing design and delivery of planning and project management tools and systems across the Communications & Engagement function.
• Acting as the central point of contact/traffic manager between Communications teams and the rest of the Fund, managing incoming requests and allocating resources effectively.
• Developing project dashboards and reporting tools that track delivery progress and highlight risks or dependencies to drive project decisions and provide business insights.
• Establishing, monitoring and evaluating integrated objectives and metrics across media, marketing, digital and external affairs, ensuring our campaigns are based on evidence and focused on outcomes.
• Managing a team of two Communications Assistants.​

Skills & Requirements

You'll bring a strong track record in planning and delivering integrated communications activities in a complex organisation, with proven experience in operational planning, resource management and building effective planning frameworks across multiple teams. You'll be confident using data and analytics to drive operational improvements, and skilled at working across and between teams in a matrix environment.

Experience in people management is essential, as is the ability to build relationships and influence at all levels. A background in communications or marketing agency planning would be an advantage, as would familiarity with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

We have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Newtown. The role requires semi-frequent travel to other offices.

Interview details:

• Date: July 22nd and 23rd
• Format: Online
• Location: UK-wide

We will be hosting a briefing session on Thursday 18th June, 11am. To register for the session or for any questions about the recruitment process, please email the recruitment team.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the recruitment team.

How to apply:

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (1000 words) with the following criteria, we will use this to score your application.

Essential Criteria

• Strong track record in planning and delivering integrated communications activities in a complex organisation to deliver against organisational KPIs.
• Experience in operational planning and resource management across multiple teams, with proven ability to build and maintain effective planning frameworks and processes.
• Success in stakeholder management and matrix working.
• Experience using data and analytics to improve operational effectiveness.
• Experience in people management and development.

 Desirable Criteria

• Background in communications or marketing agency planning.
• Relevant project management qualification.
• Understanding of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ​

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)