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Job description

Concern Worldwide (UK) is looking for a full time Retail Development Manager to join the retail development team on a permanent basis. About us: Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental, international humanitarian organisation dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living in extreme poverty. We work with 25 million people each year, in some of the hardest to reach and most fragile places. Places prone to conflict, natural disasters, climate change and extreme hunger. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Concern Worldwide encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity and origin, disability, political beliefs, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status to apply to become a part of the organisation. Concern is against all forms of discrimination and unequal power relations, and is committed to promoting equality. About the role: We are seeking an innovative and highly motivated Retail Development Manager to lead and transform our charity retail operations across Northern Ireland. The role focuses on driving sustainable growth, optimising return on investment (ROI), and increasing community engagement. Reporting to the Northern Ireland Director, you will oversee all aspects of retail operations, including strategic development, budgeting, property management, and team leadership. Collaborating with communications and fundraising teams, you will maximise income and engagement opportunities while ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion underpin the retail strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a forward-thinking retail strategy to grow the shop portfolio and maximise net income.
• Lead the creation and execution of annual retail plans aligned with wider Concern UK goals.
• Identify opportunities for development and expansion, including new shop locations, e-commerce, and retail partnerships
• Ensure compliance with charity retail regulations and best practices.
• Contribute to the wider NI & UK fundraising management team activity.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to ensure the portfolio remains competitive, and relevant.
• Plan, set, monitor and manage the annual retail income and expenditure budget, ensuring that the appropriate resources, systems, processes, and policies are in place to meet targets and grow income year on year.
• Prepare and present retail financial reports for senior leadership and board meetings.
• Analyse shop performance and implement cost-effective measures to optimise profitability.
• Analyse financial expenditure and take corrective cost-effective actions as necessary to meet budgetary targets.
• Oversee Gift Aid compliance, claims, and reporting in line with HMRC guidelines.
• Manage all retail expense transactions to ensure accurate and timely payment processing and ensuring Concern’s financial policies and guidelines are followed.
• Monitor charity retail developments and evaluate performance to recommend and implement improvements to achieve maximum return investment.
• Inspire and manage staff and volunteers to create a high-performing, motivated team.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide training and development opportunities, to ensure a high performing and motivated team.
• Ensure compliance with employment regulations, health and safety, and safeguarding practices.
• Recruit and support volunteers to ensure efficient shop operations.
• Ensure all shops have an up-to-date set of procedures manuals, and all outlets comply with relevant legislation and good practice.
• Work closely with the HR team to ensure staff wellbeing and enhance key retail relationships within the retail operation, CNI and CUK.
• Ensure that appropriate communication and feedback mechanisms are in place for staff and volunteers to engage with, and to encourage contribution.
• Contribute to monthly team meetings, updating Concern NI & UK colleagues on retail activity.
• Collaborate with other departments as necessary, to assist with the implementation of shared team fundraising and retail objectives. Ensure that all opportunities to maximise income are explored and realised.
• Represent the retail team at CNI Trustee meetings where appropriate and report on performance for the review period.
• Develop good working relationships with external bodies, suppliers, charities and voluntary organisations.
• Collaborate with communications and fundraising teams to enhance local community support.
• Develop and deliver innovative campaigns and events to increase footfall and donations.
• Promote the charity’s brand through impactful retail initiatives.
• Oversee the leasing, maintenance, and refurbishment of retail properties.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and other legal requirements.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with landlords and suppliers to secure favourable terms.
• Lead expansion projects, including site sourcing, preparation of business cases, lease negotiation, shop fit-outs, and staff and volunteer recruitment and training.
• Liaise with the Head of Facilities Management in Dublin, in respect of ongoing property management including maintaining and updating the existing property database of leases, and monitoring expiry dates, break notices and rent reviews etc.
• Ensure that appropriate practices, checks, and risk assessments are maintained to comply with regulatory standards.
• Implement new technologies and practices to improve efficiency and customer experience.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement.
• Pilot innovative initiatives to expand Concern’s retail offering.
• Represent Concern at sector events and with external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational updates, reports, and fundraising objectives.
• Perform additional duties as required, aligned with the scope of the role.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in senior retail management, including strategy and operational leadership.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, income analysis, and cost control.
• Ability to develop and implement retail strategies that drive growth and profitability.
• Experience in leading, managing, and motivating a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
• Proficiency in budgeting, financial management, and reporting.
• Experience of stock acquisition, merchandising, inventory control to maximise sales.
• Commitment to delivering high standards of customer service and enhancing the donor experience.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations, trading standards, and other legal requirements to retail operations.
• Competence in using retail management systems and standard office software, including Word, Excel and email.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, capable to engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Familiarity with charity retail operations, regulations, and best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible approach with a willingness to travel regionally as required.

Desirable Skills

• Experience of working in the charitable retail sector.
• Familiarity with online sales platforms and strategies to expand retail operations digitally.
• Ability to develop and execute marketing initiatives to promote retail activity.
• Experience in recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers.

Further Information

Retail Development in Northern Ireland: We are a small network of eight shops across Northern Ireland. Two of these are bookshops, located in Derry/Londonderry and Holywood, Co. Down. There are five standard charity shops situated in Ballycastle, Newcastle and Belfast’s Andersonstown, Antrim and Ormeau Road and one boutique charity shop in Lisburn Road. With more shops opening in the coming years, it is a great time to join us! Benefits: -25 days’ annual leave, pro-rated for part-time employees. -Office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. -Flexible hours and hybrid working. -Annual leave purchase scheme. -Enhanced parental leave pay. -Stakeholder pension. -Season ticket loan. -Cycle scheme. -Life assurance. -Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Details of our benefits could be found on our website: https://www.concern.org.uk/working-concern-worldwide-uk About our office: Our Belfast office is based in a listed building in a busy area close to lots of useful local amenities. Concern is currently trialling a hybrid model. Staff are expected to come into their base office once per week or the monthly equivalent i.e. 4 times per month. Staff are also able to flex their start and finish times between the hours of 7am to 7pm daily. Condition of Appointment: Please complete your application form by the 9th February 2025. All candidates who are short-listed for an interview will be notified via email after the application deadline. Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the UK at the time of application. The successful post holder will be required to complete a criminal records self-declaration form and an AccessNI check. Full driver’s license and access to your own transport is essential for this role. Occasional travel to Concern offices in London and Dublin is also required including occasional overnight stays. https://www.concern.org.uk/fair-processing-notice https://www.concern.org.uk/jobs/recruiting-people-criminal-records Your application and personal data will be kept securely in accordance with our Privacy Statement https://www.concern.org.uk/privacy-statement