8 Manager assistant jobs

Team: Retail

Location: Blackheath, London

Work pattern: 14 hours on a rota basis (to include weekends)

Salary: Up to £9,345.68 per annum plus London Weighting Allowance £817.20

Contract: Permanent

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Assistant Shop Manager:

• To assist the Shop Manager to maximise shop income and profitability through the safe day-to-day operational management of shop activity and key performance indicators, to support the work of Cats Protection
• To act as brand ambassador for Cats protection, being a role model for the values and behaviours of the Charity, taking responsibility for the shop operation in the absence of the Shop Manager.

About the retail team:

• Our retail operation consists of over 80 charity shops
• Each of our shops has its own charm and personality due to our dedicated volunteers and colleagues. From vintage jewellery and jigsaws to harps and handbags, whether our customers are looking for that 'must have' item or simply a 'missing piece'.

What we’re looking for in our Assistant Shop Manager:

• Demonstrable learning and experience from working in a relevant retail environment
• Experience and/or understanding of working to sales targets
• Experience of cash reconciliation and financial controls
• Ability to motivate and manage a team of employees and volunteers

What we can offer you in a role where you make a difference to cats’ lives every day:

• Health and wellbeing benefits to help you stay well at work
• Ongoing learning and development to help you build your skills and grow your career
• 26 days’ annual leave, increasing with service
• A competitive contributory pension scheme and life assurance for peace of mind
• Practical financial support, including access to Salary Finance
• Everyday support such as eye care vouchers and confidential advice services
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most
• Access to discounted pet insurance to help care for your pet’s health
• Find out more about our reward package: 

Interested? Here’s how to apply:

Application closing date: 11 October 2026

Virtual interview date: TBC

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable.  You may be just the right candidate. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

1. Anonymised application form
2. Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.

Please email [email protected] if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey