We're looking for a part time (22.5 hours) enthusiastic, customer-focused, and commercially minded Trading Assistant to join our team . You'll be passionate about delivering excellent customer service, generating income, and supporting our charitable mission through successful retail, e-commerce, and hospitality operations.
The ideal candidate will have experience in retail and/or hospitality, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a busy trading environment. You'll be proactive, well organised, and motivated by achieving targets while creating a positive experience for customers, donors, volunteers, and visitors.
About the Role
Working closely with the Operations Manager, you will help ensure our trading operations are safe, efficient, and commercially successful. You'll play a key role in maximising income through retail sales, donations, Gift Aid, online selling platforms, and catering services.
No two days are the same. You'll be involved in everything from merchandising and stock management to customer enquiries and online sales, helping to create an excellent experience for customers, volunteers, and supporters.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the achievement of trading income and Gift Aid targets.
- Maximise sales through retail, e-commerce, recycling, and catering activities.
- Encourage and manage stock generation through local donations.
- Maintain attractive and well-stocked displays through effective stock rotation.
- Process donations and maximise eligible Gift Aid opportunities.
- Use online sales platforms to list, sell, and dispatch items.
- Deliver excellent customer service across phone, email, online, and face-to-face channels.
- Handle customer enquiries, bookings, and collection requests effectively.
- Resolve customer concerns professionally and escalate issues when required.
- Follow cash handling and financial procedures accurately.
- Maintain food safety standards for storage, preparation, and catering activities.
- Ensure compliance with organisational policies, operational procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Work collaboratively with volunteers, colleagues, and community groups.
- Monitor and contribute to achieving key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Complete mandatory and role-specific training as required.
About YouEssential Requirements
- Good standard of English and Maths.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Good IT skills and confidence using digital systems.
- Retail and/or hospitality experience.
- Proven ability to achieve targets.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Experience handling customer enquiries and resolving complaints.
- Knowledge of cash handling and trading systems.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- A proactive approach to income generation.
- Commitment to continuous improvement.
- Empathy with our values and charitable mission.
- Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification or willingness to obtain one.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Charity retail experience.
- Experience working with volunteers.
- Experience in a fast-paced trading environment.
- E-commerce experience and knowledge of online selling platforms.
- Understanding of EPOS systems.
- Visual merchandising skills.
- Knowledge of hospitality operations.
- Understanding of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) and its mission.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team committed to making a difference in communities across the UK. We offer flexible working, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to contribute to meaningful projects.
Key Dates & Additional Info
- Closing Date: 2nd September 2026
- Interviews: w/c 7th September 2026
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Whilst we ask that staff have sympathy with Christian values, we celebrate and value people of all faiths or none - diversity and inclusion are at the heart of who we are.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about the role, feel free to contact our friendly HR Team on 0207 703 3030 (option 5).
Please note: If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of your application, unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion. We encourage early applications as we may close the listing early if we receive a high volume of interest.
About the SVP
The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) has been a beacon of hope since 1844, part of a vibrant international Christian movement working in 153 countries. We are dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by offering practical, person-to-person support to those in need. Our mission is rooted in dignity, compassion, and respect - serving anyone, regardless of faith, race, gender, or background.
Join us in making a real difference - your skills could help transform lives.
Pay: £15,736.50 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
