Community Shop Manager (Residential)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and capable Shop Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our community hardware and craft shop in Handcross, West Sussex and steer its development as a community hub for the local area. This is a residential position, with accommodation provided on site in the house adjoining the shop. The successful candidate must live on site as a condition of the role.

This is a hands-on role combining shop management, customer service, stock control, staff and volunteer coordination, and general responsibility for ensuring the shop runs safely, efficiently and profitably.

The shop is operated by Dudley House Trust, a not-for-profit organisation serving the local community. We are looking for someone who can combine good commercial awareness with a genuine commitment to community-focused retail.

Key Responsibilities -Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the shop. -Provide friendly, knowledgeable and helpful customer service. -Open and close the shop and ensure appropriate staffing throughout trading hours. -Lead, support and coordinate part-time staff and volunteers. -Organise rotas and ensure staff and volunteers have appropriate tasks and support. -Manage stock levels, ordering, deliveries, pricing, merchandising and stock rotation. -Monitor sales, margins, wastage and other key aspects of shop performance. -Maintain accurate records using our EPOS and stock management systems. -Handle cash, card payments, refunds and other transactions in accordance with procedures. -Ensure the shop, stock and equipment are kept clean, secure, organised and presentable. -Maintain high standards of health and safety, safeguarding and general compliance. -Liaise with suppliers, contractors, customers and the Trustees as required. -Identify opportunities to improve the shop's range, service and financial performance. -Support community activities associated with the shop, including the tool library, repair café and other local initiatives. -Deal appropriately with customer queries, complaints and operational problems. -Ensure the shop complies with relevant legal, insurance and organisational requirements. -Provide regular updates to the directors on the shop's performance, staffing, stock and any significant issues.

Requirements

Essential:

• Experience of supervising, managing or coordinating people.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Confident dealing with customers, suppliers, staff and volunteers.
• Good basic IT skills and the ability to learn and use EPOS and other computer systems.
• Numerate and comfortable dealing with cash, sales figures and basic financial information.
• A practical, hands-on approach to solving problems.
• Reliable, responsible and able to work independently.
• An understanding of the importance of health and safety in a retail environment.
• Willingness to work alongside and support volunteers.
• Sympathy with and respect for the Christian ethos and values of the organisation.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a management or supervisory retail role.
• Experience of hardware, DIY, craft, gardening or similar retail.
• Experience of stock management and ordering.
• Experience of working with volunteers or within a community organisation.
• Experience using EPOS, stock control or accounting systems.
• An interest in supporting local communities and community-based organisations.

What we're looking for:

The successful candidate will be someone who is approachable, organised and practical, with the confidence to take responsibility for the shop while also being willing to get involved with whatever needs doing.

You don't need to be an expert in every product we sell. A willingness to learn, good customer service skills and the ability to build positive relationships with staff, volunteers and customers are more important.

This is an opportunity to take a leading role in a much-loved local community shop and help shape its future.