SWACA Shop and Volunteer Lead

About the role

SWACA is looking for a motivated and entrepreneurial Shop and Volunteer Lead to transform its charity retail operation into a thriving community hub. This role combines retail management, fundraising, volunteer leadership, community engagement, and marketing to increase unrestricted income and raise awareness of the charity’s work.

The successful candidate will develop a financially sustainable retail operation that generates income through shop sales, online retail, fundraising activities, and grant funding. The postholder will be expected to generate sufficient income to cover the cost of their employment while delivering a measurable financial surplus for the charity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the charity shop.
• Increase income through improved retail performance and develop an online retail offer using platforms such as eBay, Vinted, and Shopify.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers, coordinate volunteer rotas, and encourage volunteer development.
• Identify funding opportunities and prepare low to medium value grant applications.
• Develop fundraising initiatives and support wider income generation activities.
• Promote SWACA through marketing campaigns, social media, and community engagement.
• Build strong relationships with local businesses, schools, and community organisations.
• Encourage donations and maximise Gift Aid income.
• Produce reports on sales, income, volunteer activity, and grant performance.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements, financial procedures, and Gift Aid regulations.

Requirements

• Experience in retail management.
• Proven track record in sales and income generation.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Online selling experience.
• Experience writing successful grant applications or fundraising bids.
• Strong organisational, communication, IT, and social media skills.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working within the charity sector.
• Knowledge of Gift Aid.
• Marketing experience.
• Experience of impact reporting.
• Understanding of domestic abuse or wider social justice issues.

Schedule

3 days per week initially, with the opportunity to increase to 5 days per week subject to agreed income targets being achieved.

Contract

Fixed-term for 6 months, with the possibility of extending to 12 months if funding and income targets are met.

Success Metrics

• Increased shop sales and unrestricted income.
• Development of a successful online retail operation.
• Growth in volunteer numbers and retention.
• Successful grant applications.
• Increased awareness of SWACA.
• Generation of sufficient income to cover salary costs and create a financial surplus.