Retail Donation Centre Manager
Not Your Average Warehouse Manager...
Can you turn a mountain of donations into a mission?
Every day, our community generously donates everything from designer handbags and vintage treasures to furniture, homeware and the occasional item that leaves us all scratching our heads.
We're looking for a Retail Donation Centre Manager who can see the potential in every donation and lead the operation that turns generosity into vital hospice income.
This isn't just about managing a warehouse. It's about leading people, spotting opportunities and making sure every donated item has the best chance of finding a new home while helping fund expert care for local patients and families.
You'll lead a team of 10 staff and around 30 volunteers, all working together to generate the stock that powers our shops, eBay operation and other retail channels.
What You'll Be Doing
Think of yourself as part people leader, part strategist, part problem-solver and occasionally part detective.
One moment you'll be:
- Leading, coaching and developing your team
- Planning how stock flows from donations to our shops, eBay and specialist sales channels
- Working with fundraising colleagues on donation campaigns and appeals
- Reviewing performance and identifying opportunities to increase income
- Organising resources and ensuring the operation runs smoothly
The next, you might be:
- Helping unload a van full of donations
- Finding space for a surprise corporate donation
- Solving a stock challenge
- Supporting the team during a particularly busy period
- Spotting a hidden gem that could generate significant income
No two days are quite the same.
You'll Lead People, Not Just Processes
Our Donation Centre is powered by an incredible mix of staff, volunteers and supporters.
We're looking for someone with proven experience of managing and developing people. Experience of leading staff teams is essential, while experience of working with volunteers would be a real advantage.
You'll:
- Lead and develop a diverse team of staff and volunteers
- Create a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture
- Support people with different backgrounds, experiences and needs
- Help individuals reach their potential
- Build strong relationships across the retail and fundraising teams
- Ensure everyone feels valued, supported and connected to our mission
We're Looking For Someone Who
✔ Has experience managing and developing teams
✔ Is confident leading people and making decisions
✔ Enjoys motivating others and bringing people together
✔ Can balance big-picture thinking with practical action
✔ Thrives in a fast-moving environment where priorities can change quickly
✔ Is organised, adaptable and solutions-focused
✔ Isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves when needed
✔ Sees opportunity where others see obstacles
✔ Understands that every donation has the potential to make a difference
A Little About You
You may currently work in retail management, charity retail, area management, operations management or a similar leadership role.
An interest in retail, fashion, homeware, second-hand retail, online selling, sustainability, upcycling or the circular economy would be highly beneficial. We're looking for someone who can recognise potential, understand what customers want and help maximise the value of donations received from the local community.
A Hands-On Role
This is an active role. You'll regularly spend time on the donation centre floor supporting your team and maintaining standards. The role involves periods of walking and standing throughout the day, along with occasional manual handling of donated goods.
If you're an experienced people manager who enjoys variety, thrives in a changing environment and wants to make a genuine difference in your local community, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £27,000.00-£29,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Wakefield WF1 5QU: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Management: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
