Job Description

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

We seek to raise standards of care through our numerous campaigns and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers, who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is specialised in the rehoming of small animals including cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and hamsters. The animals come into our care from various sources such as those which are rescued, abandoned, neglected or given up by their owners. Each animal is medically and characteristically assessed to ensure it is fit and well before being available for rehoming. This all costs money, and could not be achieved without your support.

Job Summary

This role is responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of the charity shop, ensuring it operates efficiently, safely, and in line with organisational standards. The Charity Shop Manager will oversee the shop's presentation, stock management, customer service, volunteer coordination, and financial processes. They will also maintain accurate records, support recruitment and training, manage communications, and represent the shop within the community.

Principal Accountabilities

Shop Operations & Administration

Act as a keyholder, responsible for opening, closing, and completing daily shop start and end of day procedures. Ensure the shop is well-presented, organised, and maintained to a high standard. Manage and support the receipt, triage, and preparation of donated stock, ensuring suitability for resale. Price and display stock appropriately to maximise sales. PAT Test all electrical items. Process customer transactions accurately, handling cash and card payments. Drive Gift Aid participation and maintain associated records. Handle and assist with customer enquiries in person, by telephone, and via email. Ensure the shop complies with all health and safety standards. Maintain accurate registers, databases, shop records, and statistics, ensuring GDPR compliance. Order necessary supplies, such as stationery and uniforms. Complete shop activity reports and undertake ad hoc tasks as required. Attend role-specific training as needed.

Personnel

Oversee the day-to-day management of shop staff and volunteers, ensuring a positive, productive working environment. Build and maintain positive relationships with all charity staff, volunteers, and stakeholders. Manage recruitment, onboarding, and training of shop staff and volunteers. Assist with staff and volunteer performance reviews and disciplinary procedures. Ensure all personnel records are up to date, securely stored, and GDPR compliant. Promote a safe working environment, ensuring all team members understand health and safety requirements.

Communications

Monitor and respond to communications across telephone, email, social media, and written correspondence. Support the development and maintenance of relationships with internal and external partners. Create and manage the staff and volunteer rota. Represent the shop at community and town meetings.

Essential skills, qualifications and experience:

Demonstrable experience in a retail environment. Proven experience in managing people. An awareness and interest in the RSPCA and animal welfare issues. High level of literacy with proficient use of Microsoft Office (including Microsoft Excel) and Google Workspace applications. Outstanding customer service and engagement skills. Flexible, with an ability to adapt to any situation, and a willingness to learn. Able to work with staff, volunteers, and customers in all scenarios. Approachable and very much a people person. Effective communicator across all levels, both written and verbal. Confident and able to make decisions. Proactive and forward thinking. Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and personal accountability. Capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Commitment and passion to further animal welfare. Holder of a full driving license and willingness to drive Branch-owned and operated vehicles. Resident within, or just outside, the local area.

Desirable skills, qualifications and experience:

Experience working within a charity or not-for-profit organisation. Experience working within a retail environment. Experience working within an animal welfare environment. Experience in e-commerce, especially selling on eBay. Understanding of Charity Commission & RSPCA Branch rules and legislations. Skilled at building and maintaining positive relationships with a range of stakeholders. Strong planning skills with the ability to identify gaps and opportunities to enhance charity performance.
We promote an inclusive working environment in which diversity is recognised, valued, and encouraged. We acknowledge the multi-cultural and diverse nature of the UK workforce and society in general. We are committed to principles of fairness and mutual respect where everyone accepts the concept of individual responsibility.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 12.50-14.15 per hour

Expected hours: 20 - 30 per week

Application question(s):

Do you have a right to work in the UK?
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 28/07/2025