Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary
Job Description – Retail Manager
Job Title
Retail Manager – Shelthorpe - Loughborough Charity Shop
Reporting To
Retail Operations Lead Manager, with accountability to the Board of Trustees for shop performance, compliance and contribution to charity income.
Location
Shelthorpe - Loughborough, with occasional travel to Redgate Farm (Markfield) for meetings, training or operational support.
Working Hours
- Full‑time, 9am–5pm
- Every Saturday is a required working day
- One fixed day off during the week
- 37.5 hours per week
Salary
£26,325 per year
Job Purpose
To lead the day‑to‑day operation of Redgate’s Loughborough charity shop, ensuring high retail standards, strong income generation, excellent customer service and a positive, safe environment for staff and volunteers. The role directly supports the financial sustainability of Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary and contributes to animal welfare through effective retail performance.
The Retail Manager also plays a key part in providing accurate, timely information to the Board of Trustees, supporting governance, oversight and strategic decision‑making.
Key Responsibilities
Shop Operations & Retail Standards
- Daily shop operations — ensure the shop is clean, organised and welcoming.
- Maintain high standards of merchandising, stock rotation and shop presentation.
- Ensure consistent, friendly and professional customer service.
- Manage opening and closing procedures, including security and cashing‑up.
- Maintain — organised stockrooms with controlled access.
Sales, Income Generation & Gift Aid
- Drive sales performance through effective merchandising, pricing and stock management.
- Promote and maximise Gift Aid sign‑ups, ensuring staff and volunteers understand the process and follow correct procedures.
- Maintain accurate Gift Aid records and ensure compliance with HMRC requirements.
- Monitor daily takings, identify trends and implement improvements.
Volunteer Leadership & Staffing
- Recruit, train and support volunteers to ensure adequate cover and a positive team culture.
- Plan rotas, manage absences and maintain clear communication.
- Provide guidance, coaching and constructive feedback.
Compliance & Safety
- Maintain health and safety standards, including risk assessments and incident reporting.
- Ensure safeguarding awareness and appropriate escalation of concerns.
- Uphold GDPR compliance in handling donor, customer and volunteer information.
- Follow cash‑handling procedures and financial controls.
Stock Management
- Oversee donation intake, sorting, pricing, and rotation.
- Maintain a clean and efficient back‑of‑house area.
- Ensure seasonal and promotional stock is well‑presented.
- Identify high‑value items and ensure correct processing.
- Coordinate stock transfers between shops following internal procedures.
- Manage — rag collections and recycling streams.
Community & Donor Engagement
- Build positive relationships with donors, customers and the local community.
- Promote Redgate’s mission and encourage ongoing support.
- Ensure donors understand the benefits of Gift Aid and encourage participation.
Reporting & Governance
- Provide weekly updates on takings, stock levels, staffing, incidents and operational issues.
- Supply accurate information to support trustee oversight, including financial performance, risks, staffing concerns and compliance matters.
- Work collaboratively with trustees during shop visits, audits or governance reviews.
- Implement actions arising from trustee decisions, policies or strategic priorities.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Confident leading staff and volunteers.
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
- Excellent customer service and communication abilities.
- Ability to manage busy periods, donations and stock flow.
- Comfortable with basic admin, reporting and digital tools.
- Understanding of Gift Aid processes or willingness to learn.
Personal Qualities
- Positive, hands‑on and proactive.
- Reliable, consistent and able to work independently.
- Supportive leadership style with a focus on team wellbeing.
- Commitment to Redgate’s values and animal welfare mission.
- Comfortable working within a trustee‑led governance structure.
Additional Requirements
- Must work every Saturday.
- Occasional travel to Redgate Farm for training or meetings.
- Ability to undertake manual handling tasks (with training provided).
- Willingness to support charity events or seasonal activities when required.
Pay: £26,325.00 per year
Experience:
- Retail management: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person
