Shop Assistant

Purpose of the Role

To provide support and assist the Manager in the operation of running Vincent’s shops in a manner which reflects SVP’s high retail standards and maintains the professionalism and profile of the Society in all areas of operation.

Guidance and Authority

The post holder is expected to operate with considerable autonomy, referring matters to their line manager when significant resistance is encountered in implementing good practices or policies, when actions may place stakeholders such as children, vulnerable adults, scheme participants, volunteers, or the Society's reputation at risk, or when decisions could substantially impact the workload of others.

Principle Accountabilities

The role holder will be responsible for:

Business Development

• Effective Resourcing (Staff/Volunteers & Stock)

• Engage with shop customers to encourage volunteer recruitment.

• Sustain Substantial Donations

• Replenish donation bags with SVP-branded bags and thank-you cards.

• Review Daily Shop Operations

• Ensure compliance with Shop Policies and Procedures Folder.

• Recommend changes to improve customer care, retail standards, financial control, H&S, and staffing.

• Maximise Financial Contribution

• Price garments for maximum yield based on guidelines.

• Deliver outstanding customer experience every visit.

• Minimise in-store costs (e.g., waste, utilities).

Customer Service

• Promote Sales Through Service Culture

• Build two-way relationships with regular customers.

• Gather feedback via surveys, focus groups, and events.

• Promote thank-you cards and loyalty cards.

• Enforce a consistent "meet and greet" policy.

• Encourage Regular Self-Assessment

• Use Vincent’s Retail checklist to assess atmosphere, displays, and after-sales service.

• Maintain shop cleanliness and order.

• Manage Customer Complaints

• Investigate and attempt resolution where possible.

• Refer unresolved complaints to the Regional Retail Manager.

Team Satisfaction

• Foster a Positive Work Environment

• Ensure all staff/volunteers are free from intimidation, harassment, or discrimination.

• Provide work aligned with individuals' skills and motivations.

Compliance

• Cash Handling & Reporting

• Complete the Cash Reporting Sheet daily.

• Policy Adherence

• Follow all SVP and Retail policies and procedures (provided in the shop’s folder).

• Raise compliance concerns to the Regional Retail Manager.

• Health & Safety Compliance

• Promote and ensure adherence to Health & Safety best practices and legislation.

• Cash & Stock Control

• Address non-compliance through agreed action plans.

• Report non-compliance immediately to the Regional Manager.

• Operational Risk Reassessment

• Reevaluate risks in response to economic, legal, or procedural changes.

• Collaborate with management or relevant departments to address issues.

Challenges

There are a number of challenges in this role, largely determined by the scale, complexity, voluntary nature and high levels of local autonomy with the Society.

• Acceptance of the dynamic of a complex, national, membership organisation and an understanding of how this both contributes to and constrains the work.

• Influencing others not under direct authority.

Other Information

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, the job holder may be required from time to time to perform other duties as deemed reasonable and necessary by the employer. The job holder may also be required from time to time to work or attend training/meetings at another location. As much notice as is reasonably practicable will be given of any such requirement/change.

Employees are responsible for notifying their manager in writing of any statutory rest period or break to which they are entitled to and were not able to avail of on a particular occasion and the reason for not availing of such rest period or break within one week.

The Society is committed to the Right to Disconnect Code of Practice which applies to all employees irrespective of where they work, be that office, service, home or other remote location, or their working pattern, either core, shift, or flexible hours.

Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills Required

Qualifications

• Job holder should ideally be educated to Leaving Certificate standard.

Experience

• At least 2 years retail experience ideally some of which will have been gained in the community/voluntary sector.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Society and of its mission and values.

• Commercially aware.

Skills

• Experience of working in a customer-facing environment, be motivated, have excellent customer care skills, be a confident communicator and have a passion for helping people.

• Excellent organisation skills.

• A positive outlook with resilience and persistence in the face of barriers and setbacks.

• An ability to display empathy, patience and a well-developed sense of humour.

• A keen eye for visual merchandising and display.

• Self-motivated and take pride and satisfaction in your own work.

• Outgoing and energetic and enjoy working on your own and as part of your wider team.

• Excellent numerical skills.

• Willingness to work in a flexible manner and provide cover for the Shop Manager when required.

The person must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:

• Be honest and trustworthy.

• Be respectful.

• Be flexible.

• Demonstrate sound work ethics.

• Confidentiality.

• Other.

Salary: €9,466.08 per annum; paid monthly