Retail Area Support Manager

At Prospect Hospice, we believe in a community where everyone lives and dies well. As part of our ambitious five-year strategy to grow and diversify our income, we’re looking for a dynamic retail Area Support Manager to help lead our retail operations into an exciting new chapter.

We’re an established charity based in Swindon, providing specialist care to people in Swindon, Marlborough and northeast Wiltshire. Our retail operation is at the heart of our mission, raising over £2.5 million annually to support individuals and families through life-limiting illness.

Our Vision for Retail:

Retail is a central to our growth and income generation strategy. With plans to open new stores and invest in our existing network, this role is pivotal to our future success. You’ll be empowered to innovate, lead change, and help us build a sustainable future for hospice care.

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (5 days from 7, including weekends and bank holidays).

About the Role:

As Area Support Manager, you’ll work closely with the Retail Area Manager to support store performance and KPI delivery through effective action planning and team development. You’ll support recruitment, onboarding and induction, and ensure accurate stock management and reporting. You’ll also play a key role in new store openings and refits.

Your mission: to drive profitability, inspire high-performing teams, and expand our retail footprint — all while championing our brand in the community.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Drive sales across stores, identifying growth opportunities and improving performance

·         Analyse trading patterns and use insights to inform marketing, operations, and stock planning

·         Maximise Gift Aid income and ensure effective donation and stock management

·         Support the growth of new goods and deliver strong merchandising and promotional activity

·         Lead, coach, and support Store and Assistant Managers to achieve targets

·         Build a positive, high-performing team culture and support people management

·         Maintain high standards of store presentation, customer service, and health & safety compliance

·         Oversee stock control, rotation, and visual merchandising to optimise sales

·         Work with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure efficient stock distribution

·         Conduct regular store visits and provide management cover where required

·         Support retail events, new store openings, and team recruitment and induction

·         Strengthen community engagement and ensure stores are fully resourced

·         Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures

About you:

·         Experience of delivering to targets and budgets

·         Proven experience in leading and motivating high performing teams to deliver against targets

·         Knowledge of P&L management

·         Experience of effective stock control management and product display.

·         A team player, experienced in delivering accurate work on a timely basis in order to ensure team success.

·         Experience of managing and motivating volunteers

·         A passion for community engagement and a commitment to our values

·         A full driving licence and access to a vehicle

This is a high-impact role for a strategic, hands-on retail leader who thrives on performance, innovation, and community engagement. If you’re ready for your next challenge and want to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.