Job Description
As our successful retail operation continues to expand, we are seeking a passionate Retail Operations Manager to help drive performance, support our shop teams and contribute to the generation of vital income that supports our charitable work.
Retail Operations Manager
Location: Gloucester or Tewkesbury (with regular travel across a network of 9+ charity shops)
Reporting to: Head of Retail
Contract: Full Time
About National Star
National Star is a national charity dedicated to enabling young people with complex disabilities to realise their aspirations. Through specialist education, employment programmes, social enterprises and income-generating activities, we support individuals to develop the skills and confidence needed to live fulfilling lives.
As our successful retail operation continues to expand, we are seeking a passionate Retail Operations Manager to help drive performance, support our shop teams and contribute to the generation of vital income that supports our charitable work.
The Role
This is a varied, fast-paced and highly practical role. You will work closely with the Head of Retail to support the day-to-day operation of our growing portfolio of charity shops.
This is not a desk-based position. You will spend the majority of your time visiting shops, supporting managers, developing teams, ensuring operational excellence and helping stores achieve their full potential.
Key Responsibilities
Support the day-to-day operations of multiple charity shops across the retail network.
Manage staffing rotas and coordinate holiday, sickness and emergency cover.
Oversee floating deputy managers and bank staff deployment.
Maintain and update rota and payroll systems, including absence and overtime records.
Provide first-line support to shop managers on operational issues, training and retail processes.
Deliver hands-on support within stores during staffing shortages or busy trading periods.
Approve shop consumable orders and monitor operational requirements.
Support stock management and stock movement across the retail portfolio.
Assist with staff development, performance reviews and training programmes.
Promote volunteer recruitment, engagement and retention.
Ensure compliance with policies and procedures relating to health and safety, GDPR, safeguarding and retail operations.
Support the delivery of exceptional customer service and strong visual merchandising standards.
Help implement new processes, controls and operational improvements across the retail estate.
About You
We're looking for an energetic and enthusiastic retail professional who thrives in a hands-on environment and understands the unique challenges and opportunities within charity retail.
Essential Skills & Experience
Significant charity retail experience.
Proven experience managing and coordinating charity shop teams.
Experience recruiting, training and developing staff and volunteers.
Strong operational and organisational skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Strong attention to detail and administrative accuracy.
Ability to prioritise workloads and work independently.
Experience conducting staff appraisals and supporting performance development.
Competent user of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.
Passion for retail, merchandising and delivering excellent customer experiences.
Full clean UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Desirable
Knowledge of the local area and charity retail sector.
Specialist retail qualifications or training.
First Aid qualification.
Why Join National Star?
This is an exciting time to join National Star as we continue to grow our retail presence and develop new opportunities to generate sustainable income for the charity. Your contribution will directly support life-changing services for young people with complex disabilities while helping shape the future of our retail operation.
National Star is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Full Job Description available on request.
Contract Type: Permanent | Contract: Full time 37hrs, 52 weeks | Salary: £35000 - £40000 per annum | Location Status: Multisite | Interview Date: TBC | Closing Date: 04/09/2026
