Merchandising assistant jobs

Vacancy type: Permanent, part-time
Location: Newtownards Store
Salary: £8,888.88, per annum + benefits
Hours per week: 14 per week
Closing date: 12th May. We are reviewing applications as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

Marie Curie is the UK's leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country. Our retail stores play a vital part in helping us achieve our mission by bringing in significant revenue generation, building awareness and engaging local communities.

Join our team and be part of a dynamic retail environment where your can-do attitude makes a real difference. We're looking for courageous individuals who take initiative, considerate team players who put customers first and trustworthy colleagues who take pride in what they do. If you thrive in a collaborative workplace and enjoy helping people, we'd love to hear from you.

As an Assistant Retail Manager, you will join an incredible team and support them to encourage sales, provide excellent customer service, and uphold the highest standards of stock presentation and store cleanliness.
You will be responsible for:

- Assisting the Retail Manager in maximising sales by maintaining high standards of display and layout, ensuring proper stock rotation, and securing realistic pricing on donated items.
- Merchandising awareness and making sure you are keeping up to date with trends and competition.
- Maximising Gift Aid income and oversee the proper display and administration of bought-in goods, ensuring minimal stock loss.
- Customer engagement and leading by coaching volunteers and staff to have great conversations with every customer on" Rounding up" their purchase, making an "add donation" for our charity and signing up for our loyalty scheme.
- Engaging with the community to drive repeat custom, stock donation, volunteer recruitment and community involvement.
- Supporting the Retail Manager in recruiting and managing volunteers and ensuring all staff and volunteers are following Marie Curie procedures and guidelines.
- In the absence of the Retail Manager, taking responsibility for the overall management and operation of the store.

Key Criteria:
- Previous retail experience, preferably in fashion/clothing.
- Experience of cash handling and financial management procedures (including completion of sales records).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer-first attitude and the ability to communicate with tact and discretion,
- Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload, balancing competing demands.
- Understanding of health and safety procedures in a retail environment.
- Experience in managing and motivating volunteers is desirable.

Application Process
- To apply, please send us your most recent CV and a cover letter detailing your experience, how you meet the person specification and why you would like to work for Marie Curie.
- In this role you will have sole responsibility for the running of the store, which will involve lone working. Due to this, we are unable to recruit anyone for this role who is under the age of 18.

Benefits you'll love:
- 35 hour working week
- 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
- Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
- Continuous professional development opportunities
- Industry-leading training programmes
- Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
- Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
- Access to Blue Light Card membership
- Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one. 
We believe that diversity makes us stronger. Join Marie Curie and be part of an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone's unique perspectives and experiences are valued. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and walks of life. Apply today to bring your talents to our diverse and inclusive charity.
We're committed to making reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the application and selection process.

Sussex Emmaus is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals who have experienced social exclusion or homelessness. We provide accommodation for up to 58 people, offering a home, tailored support, and the opportunity to gain skills and work opportunities through social enterprises run by the charity.

We are now recruiting for a Warehouse Co-ordinator to ensure the efficient running of the warehouse (Undercroft). You will be joining a friendly and enthusiastic team who are passionate about what they do.

The Coordinator ensures the warehouse is organised and is following applicable laws and regulations. This includes working with Companions and volunteers, overseeing receiving, sorting and pricing of donations, always maximising income. This is a hands-on role where your ability to lead by example will motivate our team of Companions and volunteers to provide exemplary customer service and to generate a financial surplus to support the charity.

You will supervise and work alongside Companions who are allocated to the warehouse during the business operating hours with conduct issues being managed by the Business Manager. You will also supervise and work alongside volunteers who are allocated to the warehouse during business operating hours with the Business Manager handling any conduct issues that may arise.

For the full job description and person specification, please download the job pack!

Duties & responsibilities
People

• To work alongside and train Companions to increase their skill base and confidence
• To organise the deployment of tasks to individuals and team members
• To train, supervise, motivate, and inspire volunteers and companions.
• To help devise and deliver induction on standards of work to new team members so that retail activities are delivered to the agreed brand, including customer service, merchandising, pricing, stock control, and culture
• To ensure that all activities under supervision are engaging, enabling, empowering and holding to account the team members

Warehouse Operation

• To ensure effective and efficient day-to-day operations by maximising quality donations and minimising waste
• To ensure day-to-day smooth and productive processes are being implemented to excellent standards for quality, culture, and legislative compliance
• To be proactive in the generation of donated stock, managing stock collection efficiently and effectively to the agreed standards and timescales under Emmaus guidelines
• To ensure premises, Health & Safety, security, and maintenance checks and actions are complete within the identified time, and to identify new checks or actions to schedule as to comply with Health and Safety requirements
• To ensure that cover for the safe operation of the Undercroft is always sufficient
• To cover van driving shifts as needed.

Stock Management

• To work closely with all Retail Managers to ensure each retail enterprise is receiving adequate stock to generate their required weekly sales targets
• To be responsible for ensuring that only sellable donations and those that conform to all relevant UK government and trading standards legislation are accepted for resale in the shop
• To disseminate any changes from Trading Standards as and when to relevant parties to ensure compliance
• To ensure all donated items are sorted and priced and merchandised to receive the optimum for the charity and the correct procedures are applied throughout the sorting process to allow for coding and pricing to be applied to items

Safety, Health, and Environment

• To oversee all Health & Safety requirements within the warehouse, taking corrective action as and when required, and informing/liaising with managers and team as necessary
• To assist in compiling risk assessments with team members
• Ensure safe working systems are adhered to in conjunction with the Emmaus policies and procedures, and are compliant with all relevant legal requirements
• To ensure that Health & Safety is adhered to in terms of equipment use and that manual handling guidelines are followed
• Ensure work areas follow correct processing procedures, ensuring that the work area is always kept clean and tidy
• Assist in delivering Health & Safety training to new Companions and volunteers
• Recycling/Re-use and Waste Management
• To recommend creative ways to upcycle, reuse and repurpose stock to maximise profit and reduce wastage
• To supervise the disposal of unsaleable items to minimise waste as appropriate in line with Sussex Emmaus’s Environmental Policy and procurement Policy.

To apply, please read the job pack thoroughly and upload your CV and supporting statement showing how you meet the person specification. The deadline is 9th May. Please note we can only accept applications from people who currently hold the right to work in the UK and are unable to sponsor work visas.

Sussex Emmaus is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals who have experienced social exclusion or homelessness. We provide accommodation for up to 58 people, offering a home, tailored support, and the opportunity to gain skills and work opportunities through social enterprises run by the charity.

We are now recruiting a Catering Assistant Supervisor to assist the Catering Manager in the efficient and effective running of the Cafe@Emmaus and Community Kitchen. You will be joining a friendly and enthusiastic team who are passionate about what they do.

This is a hands-on role where your ability to lead by example will motivate our team of resident Companions and volunteers to provide exemplary customer service and ensure Food Safety Practices are adhered to. You will be responsible for leading, supervising, and working alongside Companions assigned to the Café and Community Kitchen during operating hours. Any conduct-related matters will be addressed by the Business Manager.

For a complete job description and person specification, please download the job pack!

Duties & responsibilities
People

• To work alongside and train Companions to increase their skill base and confidence
• To organise the deployment of tasks to individuals and team members
• To train, supervise, motivate, and inspire volunteers and Companions
• To have responsibility for conflict resolution
• To ensure that all activities under supervision are engaging, enabling, empowering, and holding team members accountable
• To lead the Companions and volunteers in ensuring all stock is taken care of and not damaged and stored and merchandised appropriately
• To support the learning and skills development of Companions and volunteers
• To supervise the performance of individual team members ensuring their skills are developed to their maximum and ensuring correct procedures are followed

Café/ Community Kitchen Operation

• To ensure effective and efficient day-to-day operations of the Café and Community Kitchen
• To ensure day-to-day smooth and productive processes are being implemented to excellent standards for quality, culture, and legislative compliance
• To ensure premises Health & Safety checks and actions are complete within the identified time, and to identify new checks or actions to schedule to comply with Health & Safety requirements
• To ensure that cover for the safe operation of the Café and Community Kitchen is always sufficient
• To ensure that Food Hygiene processes are followed by all

Stock Management

• To assist the Catering Manager with daily ordering
• To assist the Catering Manager with stock take
• To ensure all goods are rotated and waste recorded accordingly

To apply, please download the job pack and upload your CV and a supporting statement showing how you meet the person specification. The deadline is 9th May. Please note we can only accept applications from people who currently hold the right to work in the UK and are unable to sponsor work visas.

The Finance Assistant will play a key role in supporting KCLSU's finance operations, maintaining strong financial controls, and ensuring accurate financial reporting across the organisation.

Main Tasks

• Process and reconcile purchase invoices, sales invoices, and supplier payments, maintaining accurate ledgers.
• Reconcile daily income from multiple systems to banking records and update the finance system accordingly.
•  Support month-end processes, including bank reconciliations, journal postings, and assisting with management accounts.
• Assist with reconciling Balance Sheet accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
• Generate financial reports and data extracts from the finance system to support financial reporting.
•  Support the maintenance of internal financial controls and ensure compliance with relevant financial procedures and regulations.
• Respond professionally to financial queries from staff, students, and suppliers, providing accurate and timely information.
• Other finance-related ad hoc tasks

General Responsibilities
• Support the efficient operation of the Finance Department, ensuring organisation and professionalism. Provide cover for colleagues where necessary, contributing to a cohesive team environment.
• Develop a strong understanding of Finance Business Partnering, providing financial advice and insights to internal budget holders, aiding informed decision-making and improved financial performance.
• Lead or contribute to projects supporting the implementation of KCLSU’s Finance Strategy, driving process improvements and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with KCLSU’s financial regulations, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial operations.
• Deliver excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders, addressing finance-related queries and providing accurate, timely information.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of financial systems, ensuring sound financial controls and best practices are in place.
• Represent KCLSU professionally, supporting its objectives and upholding its positive reputation.
• Adapt flexibly to evolving responsibilities, assisting with tasks that support the wider needs of the organisation.
• Collaborate across departments, adopting a team-oriented approach to support the overall functioning of KCLSU.

Other Responsibilities
• Assist in the delivery of finance systems and procedures training for over 400 student groups, ensuring they have the necessary tools and knowledge to manage their finances effectively.

Working Hours
• The role requires 35 hours per week. On occasion, working hours may exceed this, including evening or weekend work to meet deadlines. These additional hours are included in the role's grading and contract.

Additional Information
• This job description is accurate as of 28th April 2025 and outlines the core responsibilities of the role. It is intended to assist both the post holder and KCLSU in understanding the position’s primary duties.
• The description is not exhaustive, and duties may evolve over time. The post holder may be required to work at various King’s College London sites.
• KCLSU operates a hybrid working policy, requiring employees to work in the office at least once a week and five days per month.
• KCLSU reserves the right to vary the duties and responsibilities after consultation with the post holder.
• Please note that the starting salary for this role is £31,041 with annual increases.

Candidate Specification

Qualifications
• A finance-related qualification (such as part-qualified Chartered Accountant or equivalent) is highly desirable, with at least two years of relevant finance experience, ideally within a student union or higher education environment, though other sectors will be considered.
• Alternatively, candidates with strong hands-on financial experience in a similar setting, or who are working towards a finance qualification, are also encouraged to apply.

Experience
• Proven, hands-on experience working with integrated accounting systems.
• Demonstrable experience managing all aspects of financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, reconciliation, and financial reporting.
• Experience in finance business partnering or providing financial advice and support to non-finance staff is highly desirable.
• Experience in presenting financial information clearly and effectively to senior management is desirable.
• Any experience in treasurer or fund investment management is an additional advantage but not essential.

Knowledge
• Solid understanding of accounting concepts, financial reporting, and VAT regulations, ensuring compliance and accurate financial operations.
• A working knowledge of data protection requirements, particularly in the context of a membership organisation, is beneficial.

Skills
• Excellent multitasking ability and a keen eye for detail, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced IT skills, including proficiency with Excel (intermediate to advanced), and strong Office 365 competency to produce reports and manage data efficiently.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact diplomatically with staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently under pressure, demonstrating initiative and a solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.

The list above is not exhaustive. We recommend that you read through the Job Pack to understand the scope of what the role entails.

Application Process

To apply, please visit our website, download and complete the application form and the equal opportunities monitoring form below and email your completed application directly to our HR email address.

Once shortlisting is completed, we will contact you and inform you of your progress.

At KCLSU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of everything we do and we endeavour to ensure equal treatment of all candidates. We welcome a diverse range of applicants and are open to discussing flexibility with the right candidate. Reasonable adjustments will be made for candidates with disabilities at all stages of the recruitment and selection process, and to ensure that a successful candidate with a disability can undertake the post.

As you will also see on our Job Pack that we are an equal opportunities employer and live by our 4 main values: Inclusive, Collaborative, Open and Brave. KCLSU is a fun, social and flexible work environment which offers opportunities for development as well as great staff benefits.

Benefits of Working for KCLSU include:

• Hybrid Working Policy 
• Pension Contribution
• Interest Free Season Ticket Loan & Computer Loan
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Eye Tests & single focal glasses allowance
• 25 days holiday entitlement & bank holidays & discretionary closure days per annum
• Discounts on KCLSU venues
• Employee Assistance Programme
• "No meeting Friday" ethos
• KEATS Learning Platform & LinkedIn Learning subscription
• Death in Service
• Access to Kings Libraries

Eligibility 

To be eligible to apply for this role you must: 

• Be eligible to work in the UK, and provide proof of this (i.e. a passport/visa) prior to your start date. Please note that KCLSU is unable to provide a visa sponsorship.
• Not be a trustee of King’s College London Students’ Union 
• Have a National Insurance number, or be in the process of applying for one

Thank you for applying with us. We look forward to bringing your talent onboard and working with you!

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a can-do attitude to join our Fundraising & Engagement Team and help raise vital funds for children with cancer. You don’t need previous fundraising experience—just strong organisational skills, creativity, a talent for building relationships, and a genuine passion for making a difference and raising money for charitable causes. 

In this varied role, you’ll support the planning and delivery of fundraising events, care for our amazing supporters, and assist with individual, community, and corporate fundraising activities. You’ll gain hands-on experience across multiple fundraising areas, playing a key role in ensuring the smooth delivery of the team’s work through excellent administrative and project support. 

This is a hugely rewarding opportunity for someone looking to take their first step into the charity or fundraising sector, or to build on existing experience. If you’re ready to learn, grow, and be part of something meaningful—we’d love to hear from you! 

Who are we looking for? 

To succeed in this role, you will need to be passionate about fundraising and demonstrate key qualities that will help you thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A keen interest in fundraising with a willingness to learn and develop as a professional fundraiser (and if the opportunity arose, a willingness to study for a Level 3 Fundraising Apprenticeship over 13 months)

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to provide excellent supporter care and build relationships. 

• A positive, enthusiastic and results-driven attitude with the ability to work on your own initiative or as part of a team. 

• IT literacy with knowledge of Microsoft packages.

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for more information about the charity.

Location: Home-based, ideally located in London or within a short commutable distance. Regular travel to the London office is a key requirement of the role, with occasional national travel also expected. 

Interviews: 20 May 2025 (London Office)

Safeguarding: As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.  

Promoting equality and diversity: We actively encourage applications from those with lived experience of neuroblastoma and/or other childhood cancers. As an equal opportunity employer, we also welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.