We are currently recruiting for an experienced Retail Manager for our Charity shops, based at our Hythe shop, but also overseeing our operation in Whitstable. Travel will therefore be required.

The successful applicant will have strong management retail experience, with a passion for working for a nationally recognised and respected charity. The retail operations are a major source of income for the charity and well supported by the local community; as such they sell a wide range of quality donated goods.

Purpose
Reporting to the Centre Manager, you will be responsible for: the day to day running of the shop in Hythe and accountable for the Whitstable store; ensuring outstanding customer service; maximising sales; motivating the sales teams and effective merchandising and stock control. You will also ensure that the ethos and values of the charity are adhered to and embedded in all activities associated with the shops.

Specific Tasks & Responsibilities
• Direct line management of Whitstable shop manager
• Managing and motivating teams to meet exceed sales targets, increase sales and ensure efficiency
• Re-establishing and Maintaining the Virtual/online shop (eBay)
• Generating Gift Aid through setting up a Donor system for clothes received
• Managing stock levels and making key decisions about stock control;
• Analysing sales figures and forecasting future sales;
• Analysing and interpreting trends to facilitate planning;
• Using information technology to record sales figures, for data analysis and forward planning;
• Organising special promotions, displays and events;
• Dealing with staffing issues such as interviewing potential staff, conducting appraisals and performance reviews
• Providing or organising training and development;
• Updating colleagues on business performance, new initiatives and other pertinent issues
• Ensuring standards for quality, customer service and health and safety are met;
• Resolving health and safety, legal and security issues;
• Responding to customer complaints and comments;
• Talking to customers and working with colleagues to identify or resolve urgent issues;
• Maintaining awareness of market trends in the retail industry, understanding forthcoming customer initiatives and monitoring what local competitors are doing;
• Initiating changes to improve the business, e.g. revising opening hours to ensure the store can compete effectively in the local market;
• Promoting the organisation locally by liaising with local schools, other local businesses and the community in general.