Job Description

Job Title: Retail AssistantReports to: Retail Manager

Base: Hospice (Hindley, Wigan)Date:February 2015

Objectives / Typical Tasks
Provide support to the Retail Manager /
  • Conduct regular shop visits to collect/deliver post and update/maintain Hospice information points.
  • Ensure shop notice boards are up to date and well ordered.
  • Liaise with shop co-ordinators on any volunteer issues and escalate as appropriate.
  • Support shop volunteers when required (overstocked shop, understaffedetc).
  • Liaise with Finance Team to reconcile discrepancies on daily balance sheets, reporting on-going issues to Retail Manager.
  • Maintain rotasand co-ordinate the work ofvolunteer drivers.

Provide support to the Retail Manager
Liaise with the Voluntary Services Manager /
  • To carry out inductions with new shop volunteers and support their on-going training and development.
  • Co-ordinate staffing levels across all shops to ensure high levels of customer service.
  • Liaise with Volunteer Services Manager to update volunteer rotas for each shop.
  • Liaise with the Volunteer Services Manager in the recruitment and selection of shop volunteers.
  • Co-ordinate and plan the work of electrical testing volunteers.

Stock management /
  • Ensure that the shops are well stocked with quality merchandise and that stock is sorted, displayed and priced effectively, as well as rotated betweenshops and the warehouse to maximise sales.
  • Maintain stock levels of stationery and equipment for shops by prompt ordering & ensuring that deliveries of stationery are made by retail drivers.

Branded merchandise /
  • Support the research, development and distribution of a selection of hospice branded products, conducting regular stock takes and ensuring timely orders are placed for replacement items.

Income generation /
  • Help ensure that all shops provide a safe, welcoming and pleasant environment that encourages a wide range of consumers to shop with us and to attract new volunteers.

Health and safety /
  • Ensure that shop records and health & safety documentation (risk assessments, equipment tests, accident books etc) are maintained and up to date.
  • Liaise with Maintenance & Estates Officers to ensure any H&S or maintenance issues at the shops are addressed promptly.
  • Be aware of own and volunteer’s obligations under Health & Safety legislation.

Continuous self-development:
ensure knowledge, skills and competence are relevant to the service /
  • Take responsibility for own professional development, identifying training and development needs to line manager.
  • Complete annual electronic mandatory training.
  • Attend any relevant specialist training and development activities within the hospice.

Hospice Philosophy:
Actively support the vision, philosophies and values of the Hospice. /
  • Promote the core values of the Hospice i.e. compassion, respect, dignity, hospitality, justice and trust.
  • Act in a non-discriminatory manner.
  • Maintain confidentiality at all times.
  • Act as a positive role model to other staff and the wider community.
  • Act with professionalism, dignity and empathy when dealing with members of the public.
  • Undertake any other duties that are in keeping with the values of the Hospice that you have the skill and ability to carry out.

Person Specification
Essential / Desirable
Qualifications
  • Good basic education to ‘O’ Level/GCSE/GCE standard

Skills and abilities
  • Ability to prioritise tasks and manage own time and workload effectively.
  • Good numeracy and literacy skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well within a team.
  • Ability to manage and resolve conflict.
  • Ability to work independently and unsupervised using own initiative.
  • Good organisational skills.
  • Good record keeping skills.
  • Enthusiasm for development and innovative practice.
  • Willingness to work outside of normal hours on occasions, e.g. Hospice fundraising events
  • Good level of physical fitness.
  • Awareness of and empathy for the Hospice’s work and service provision.
  • Ability to empathise with bereaved relatives and families.
  • Car Driver.
/
  • An understanding of retail principles and shop management, including stock control.

Experience
  • Experience of using MS Office, including using spreadsheets.
/
  • Experience of working with and managing volunteers.
  • Experience of working within a retail environment.
  • Experience of ordering and monitoring stock.

Personal
  • An ability to demonstrate the core values of the Hospice.
  • Ability to work flexibly.
  • Organised, with excellent time management skills .
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.