Purpose of the job
To ensure the smooth daily operation of the RSPCA Surrey East Branch's charity shop.
To achieve agreed sales and profit targets by maximising sales and controlling direct shop expenses. To recruit and train a motivated team of staff and volunteers, whilst promoting the work of the RSPCA.
Key Tasks/Job Description
- Responsibility for the management of all aspects of the charity shop, including the management of staff and volunteers, stock management, merchandising and financial procedures.
- To meet the agreed sales targets and ensure that direct costs are kept to a minimum
- Ensure that the shop and window presentation standards are met, including the rotation of goods, window displays and promotional activities
- Ensure the appropriate standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the shop.
- Be proactive in the generation of donated stock, managing stock collection efficiently and effectively in accordance with Branch & Society guidelines
- Ensure trading hours are strictly adhered to
- Process donated stock to the agreed standards and timescale, minimising stock loss.
- Ensure all financial management, cash handling, daily banking and security procedures are followed
- Ensure all relevant administration is completed within the agreed timescales
- Manage the sales and administration of any bought-in (i.e. new) goods
- Manage the sale of goods online.
Property
- Assume overall responsibility for the shop premises, including key holding
- Ensure compliance with the branch's health and safety policy (including fire safety, risk assessments and security procedures) and relevant legislation
People/Line Management
- Recruit, train, manage and support staff & volunteers while adhering to the agreed Branch standards, policies and relevant legal legislation
- Complete annual appraisals, including the setting of targets for shop staff within the agreed timescales, and conduct regular one-to-one review meetings with staff
- Ensure that the level of volunteers is sufficient to operate an effective charity shop operation
- Complete relevant training for volunteers and ensure volunteers feel included and motivated
- Ensure that appropriate HR policies and procedures are adhered to in compliance with the relevant employment legislation and branch employment policies and procedures, seeking guidance from the Branch Manager as required
General
- Actively promote all initiatives and campaigns to promote awareness of the charity
- Ensure high levels of customer service are maintained
- Build and develop positive internal and external relationships to ensure maximum income for the charity
- Promote the shop in the local area using all available promotional opportunities (subject to any Branch rules for communication with the media)
- To carry out such other tasks as directed by the Branch Manager
Branch Policies
- Adhere to the Branch's charitable objectives.
- To fully comply with RSPCA Surrey East Branch's procedures, ensuring these are carried out in relation to the post.
- To be an ambassador for the Branch and professionally represent the Charity at all times.
Health And Safety
While at work, all staff are required to:
- Take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts and omissions.
- Co-operate with Branch policies and procedures for health and safety.
- Ensure, so far as is reasonably practical, the health, safety and well-being of their staff, volunteers and others who may be affected by branch activities
- Encourage staff and volunteers to report any unsafe acts or conditions.
Knowledge, skill and experience
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Essential: Good general level of education, at least to GCSE standard or equivalent
Desirable: Retail management qualification
EXPERIENCE
Essential:
Comprehensive retail management experience
Proven line management experience
Experience of managing budgets and accounts
Experience of handling difficult people management issues
Experience of cash handling and financial management procedures (including completion of sales records)
Desirable:
Charity retail management experience
Experience of recruiting and working with groups of volunteers
Training, coaching and mentoring skills
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Essential:
Excellent communication skills both written and oral
Excellent organisational skills, with an ability to follow procedures and pay attention to detail.
Computer literate
Ability to motivate and influence others
Ability to prioritise workload, balancing competing demands
Ability to meet tight deadlines
Knowledge of health and safety legislation
Desirable: Understanding of charity law
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential:
Sympathy with the RSPCA's aims and policies
A proven leader with drive and enthusiasm
Calm under pressure
Resilient in the face of setbacks
Ability to relate well to people from all backgrounds
Honest, trustworthy and reliable
Desirable:
Ability to be flexible when working with volunteers, willing to seek compromise rather than the "perfect solution"
Willingness to learn and acquire new skills through training and development
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Essential: Willing and able to work longer than the contracted hours on occasion, when the job demands
Desirable: Full valid UK Driving licence
Additional Duties
- To foster the highest standards of performance, discipline, honesty, and integrity from Branch staff and volunteers.
- To maintain and cultivate a culture where everyone is valued, respected and equipped to do their job.
- To carry out such additional or other duties of a reasonable nature as directed by the Branch Manager from time to time, in consultation with the post holder, to meet the needs of the Branch.
Review
The main responsibilities of this job will be reviewed on a regular basis in conjunction with the post holder to comply with agreed Branch Strategies and operational needs.