Sales Assistant

Would you like to be part of a retail team that are community based, offer amazing choice and genuine sustainability?

Look no further – join us as a Sales Assistant in Gateshead

This is a part time role working 21 hours a week in one of our busy clothing stores. Our stores are fast-paced and trade 7 days a week. This role requires flexibility to work weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.

What does this role involve?

As a Sales Assistant you’ll be at the very heart of our retail operation. This is not just a standing behind the till or filling shelves type of role, we’re looking for someone who will deliver a first class customer service experience. It’s a fun, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same and everyone works as a team.

Every day is different in charity retail, as well as working on the till or sorting donations, you can expect to:

• Engage with customers, providing exceptional service and promoting our charity’s mission
• Organise and merchandise donated stock creatively to maximise sales potential
• Collaborate with our E-Commerce team to maximise online sales
• As a Keyholder, you’ll be the go-to person when there isn’t a manager on duty, keeping the store running and ensuring our customers have a great experience. You’ll need to be 18+ years old to apply for this role.

Please note, this role can be physically demanding and will involve moving a high volume of donation bags.

You will be given lots of autonomy in your role and will strive to continually build your knowledge of BHF.

What are we looking for?

• Previous retail experience isn’t essential. What truly counts is your passion, energy, and ability to deliver the very best customer service.
• You’ll be confident within a team environment and comfortable guiding the activity of volunteers on the shop floor
• Able to work well under pressure and on your own initiative in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail in everything you do
• Positive, creative, confident, customer service focussed and passionate about sustainability
• You’ll be comfortable with tech, able to use a Till, PC, Smartphone and e-mail with ease.

What’s important to us?

At the British Heart Foundation (BHF) we offer a huge range of new and used quality furniture, clothing, jewellery and more, available in store and online.

Since 1961, British Heart Foundation has been at the forefront of research that has helped to halve annual deaths from cardiovascular disease in the UK. But our work is needed more than ever.

In addition to raising funds for the BHF, we connect with our local communities and help reduce clothing and furniture waste across the UK. With over 700 stores we make a huge environmental impact by preventing around 70,000 tonnes of unwanted items going to landfill every year. We receive 1.6 million items donated to our home stores and 9.8 million bags of donated items and will continue to build upon our reuse agenda in the years to come.

Belonging at BHF

BHF values the diversity of our communities and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. By fostering a culture of inclusion, we believe we are better equipped to achieve our mission of helping people have a healthier heart for longer.

Why join the BHF?

We have a strong culture of internal progression and will actively support you to develop your career.

Our generous staff benefits include:

• 38 days annual leave (plus the option sell leave)
• Holistic support leave of up to 10 additional days off each year
• Enhanced family policies (maternity, paternity and adoption leave)
• Wagestream - early access to your wages
• 25% staff discount
• Health cash plan (Dental, Optical, Therapies, etc)
• Access to a 24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Pension with employer contribution of up to 10%
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounts on gym memberships
• Discounts with a wide range of retailers

Ready to apply?

To apply, please follow these simple steps:

• Click the “Apply” button below.

• You’ll be seamlessly redirected to the BHF Careers page .

• Complete the application form, submit your CV and upload your employment history.

What do I need to know?

Inclusivity Matters : We’re committed to fairness and consistency. As part of this commitment, we use anonymous CV software during the application process

Act Swiftly : Early applications are encouraged. We’ll be reviewing submissions throughout the advertising period and may close the advert early

Sponsorship: Please note that we are unlikely to be able to sponsor applicants in respect of this role due to the role not meeting the minimum salary criteria to be eligible for sponsorship.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact a member of the Recruitment team.

We support responsible use of AI to help shape your application. By applying for a role at BHF, you confirm that your application is authentic and reflects your own skills and experience, to ensure everyone is assessed fairly.