Job Description

Job Overview

Can you inspire--and be inspired?

Do you deliver outstanding customer service?

Are you ready for a new opportunity to shine?

We're looking for a

creative, resourceful, and experienced Manager

to lead our

St James St shop

. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who can drive sales, build customer and donor loyalty, and bring out the best in their team.

As one of our Shop Managers, you'll need to be

highly organised

and an

excellent communicator

, confident in leading your team to meet targets and maximise sales and profit.

This role is more than just retail--it's about making a real difference. Every penny you help raise goes directly to support

vital services for people living with HIV

. If you're passionate, motivated, and ready to use your talent for good, we'd love to hear from you.

Please read the full and Person Specification before sending your CV with a covering letter outlining why you are applying

for this role to ensure this opportunity aligns with your skills and experience.

Sussex Beacon is committed to safer recruitment. As part of our process, successful candidates will be asked to consent to a

Basic criminal records check

.

Who We Are

Our charity was established in 1993 to provide care and support to people in Sussex living with and affected by HIV. Over the past three decades there have been huge advances in treatment and care for those affected by this virus and those taking anti-retroviral medication (ART's) can live long lives with HIV becoming undetectable and untransmittable.

Whilst people who are living with HIV live longer, many develop other physical co-morbidities as they age, many experience social and self- stigma, our service users are often from marginalised groups who often experience inter-sectional discrimination and health inequalities. Many of our service users experience socio-economic disadvantage and have multiple and complex needs.

The Sussex Beacon offers a range of services to people who have been living with HIV for decades to those who are newly diagnosed. Our services include:

Community Outreach Support Services Peer Mentoring Living Well Exercise Programme Day Services and Group Work.
The Sussex Beacon has two charity shops in Brighton and an active fundraising team who help raise the money we need to keep our services running for the people who need them across Sussex.

The Role

Our Charity Shop Managers play a vital role in fundraising by turning generous public donations into essential income that supports our charitable work. As a sustainable and community-focused retail model, our shops not only provide affordable goods for local people but also reduce waste through reuse and recycling.

Every item sold helps fund vital Sussex Beacon services and initiatives, making each transaction a meaningful contribution. Managing a charity shop is more than retail--it's about creating a welcoming space that brings people together, raises awareness, and directly supports the beneficiaries at the heart of our charity.

Shop managers oversee the daily operations of their shop, ensuring it runs efficiently, meets sales targets, and reflects the values of the charity.

Key responsibilities include: -

managing a team of staff and volunteers

handling and processing donations

pricing and stock management

maintaining high standards of customer service

visual merchandising

ensuring compliance with health, safety, and trading regulations

Our shop managers are part of a wider team with collective responsibility for delivering the Sussex Beacon strategy and trading business plan.

Our managers are responsible for promoting the shop within the local community, maximising income for the charity, and creating a positive, inclusive environment for customers and team members alike.

Duties and Responsibilities

Sales and Profitability

Take ownership of the shop's financial performance, regularly reviewing sales and profitability to ensure targets are met or exceeded. Inspire the team to think creatively and explore new ways to grow revenue, both in day-to-day operations and long-term planning. Lead efforts to optimise Gift Aid contributions on donated goods, ensuring team awareness of Gift Aid Schemes. Work proactively to maximise trading hours, including ensuring full cover and management continuity in your absence. Ensure sales are maximised through e-commerce and social media.

Team

Work collaboratively with the Sussex Beacons Volunteer Co-Ordinator and Trading Manager to recruit, onboard, and retain a well-rounded team of volunteers, ensuring the team reflects the diversity of the community.

Support training and induction into processes that equip volunteers to thrive in their roles.

Encourage a supportive, inclusive work culture where contributions are valued and team members feel motivated and engaged.

Schedule and allocate duties effectively to ensure smooth day-to-day running, from shop floor activities to backroom operations.

Attend regular team meetings to promote clear communication and shared goals to volunteer workforce.

Apply organisation policies and procedures consistently when managing performance, wellbeing, and safeguarding concerns.

Merchandising and Standards

Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and visual appeal throughout the store, including display windows, retail space, and stockroom areas.

Carry out regular walkthroughs to assess presentation and merchandising quality, addressing any issues immediately

Ensure stock rotation and shop floor replenishment is performed regularly.

Stock Management and Donations

Take responsibility for maintaining consistent stock levels by driving donation efforts and collaborating with the team to source items.

Manage the sorting, selection, pricing, and preparation of donated stock according to brand standards and pricing guidance. Maintain efficient backroom operations, ensuring a continuous flow of stock from intake to shop floor.

Finance and Administration

Ensure all cash handling, security, and banking procedures are followed accurately and securely.

Maintain responsibility for shop keys and ensure proper opening/closing procedures are adhered to.

Complete necessary administrative tasks and data input into retail systems promptly and accurately.

Follow all organisational policies related to financial controls, IT use, and back-office documentation.

Relationships & Wider Responsibilities

Liaise closely with the Trading Manager and other Shop Managers to identify and resolve operational issues quickly and constructively.

Uphold all safeguarding and compliance procedures, ensuring a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and customers.

General Expectations

Attend meetings and training sessions Demonstrate energy, adaptability, and a proactive approach in a fast-changing environment. Build positive relationships with both customers and volunteers through effective communication and interpersonal skills. Be flexible with working hours, including occasional evening and weekend shifts (with time off in lieu provided). Take part in relevant training and personal development opportunities. Use IT tools and systems to support administration and reporting tasks.
Carry out other duties relevant to the role as requested

Person Specification

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Demonstrable experience of working in a busy retail environment

Experience of training and supporting staff and / or volunteers in a management or supervisory capacity

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with volunteers, other Managers, staff, and other stakeholders

Experience of setting priorities for team and meeting targets with regards to sales and operational tasks

Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in a busy work environment

Good communication and relationship building skills within the community

Self-efficient and self-motivated

Good technical and numeracy skills

Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise

Attitude & Approach

Compassion and empathy for individuals facing stigma or challenges related to HIV

A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and a proven ability to work within a diverse work culture

A commitment to working with a diverse group of volunteers

Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional guidelines in all interactions.

A commitment to safeguarding and respond appropriately to risk

A commitment to self-development through supervision and training

A commitment to strong team working and collaboration with Managers, staff and volunteers at all levels.

Have a consistently positive and solution-focused outlook, with the ability to proactively address challenges and contribute to constructive problem-solving within the team

General

Ability to plan and manage own time

Calm under pressure, organised and methodical worker working in a busy environment

Ability to take decisions and use initiative

Positive energy and the ability to motivate others

To be a positive ambassador for Sussex Beacon

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent pass level in Maths and English

Pay: 12.21 per hour

Benefits:

Company pension
Work Location: In person