Job Description
Lead, Inspire & Make a Difference!
Are you passionate about retail and ready to take on a new challenge that makes a real difference in your community?
We re thrilled to be opening a brand-new charity shop in Stacey Bushes, Milton Keynes and we re looking for an enthusiastic and driven Shop Manager to lead the way from day one! This is a unique opportunity to shape something from the ground up, bring your ideas to life, and build a vibrant team of staff and volunteers.
With your retail expertise and passion for purpose, you ll be at the heart of launching a very large, successful shop that supports our mission, drives sales, and becomes a valued part of the local community. You ll be used to working in a fast paced environment and dealing with the challenges this brings.
If you're ready to make your mark and lead an exciting new venture we d love to hear from you!
What you ll do:
Running a large, high density shop efficiently and profitably, maximising sales, Gift Aid, and round-up donations
Managing visual merchandising, stock rotation, and product display to the highest standards
Overseeing the effective sorting, pricing, and presentation of donated goods
Leading and inspiring a team including an Assistant Manager (3 days/week), a Sales Assistant, and a team of volunteers
Organising staff and volunteer rotas to ensure adequate cover, including on weekends
Providing excellent customer service and handling queries or complaints professionally
Monitoring financial performance, managing shop expenses, and ensuring compliance with audit and cash handling processes
Ensuring full compliance with health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR, and equality policies
Acting as an ambassador for the charity in the local community and supporting fundraising events
What you ll need:
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Retail management experience (charity retail experience is a bonus, but not essential)
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Strong commercial acumen with proven track record of delivering financial targets
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Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and support staff and volunteers
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A customer-focused approach with a friendly and professional manner
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Experience handling cash, banking, and financial reporting
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Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
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Ability to work flexibly in a fast paced environment, including weekends, and to provide occasional cover in other shop locations
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A passion for the charity sector and supporting local communities
Who we are:
Set in the tranquil grounds of Willen Lake, Willen Hospice is the leading provider of specialist palliative care in the Milton Keynes area. We offer round-the-clock, expert care to local patients with a life-limiting illness, both in their own homes and in our In-Patient Unit. Our passionate staff and volunteers make sure our care is personalised to each patient s needs and supports their loved ones too. We have a thriving Therapeutic & Wellbeing service providing counselling, physiotherapy, activity groups and more, and a specialist Lymphoedema service. As a registered charity, we raise vital funds through our dedicated Business Development team and our growing portfolio of high street and online shops, to ensure our care stays free of charge.
Why join us?
The chance to make a real impact in your community
A supportive team and collaborative working environment
Great benefits package including 35 days' holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays), contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity/sick pay, and ongoing professional development.
Blue Light Card discounts (with membership), and an Employee Assistance Programme.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply today and help shape the future of retail at Willen Hospice!
This appointment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
For more information and to apply please visit our website
We may close this position early if sufficient applications are received.
Closing date: 5 November 2025
Interviewing: 14th & 15th November 2025
