Description
Contract: Zero Hours Contract (shops open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm)
Salary: £13.69 p/hour
Location: Hythe, Southampton
Closing date: Sunday 2nd November 2025
Interview date: Interviews will be arranged as applications are received
Charity shops are the places to shop in 2025. By joining us, you won’t just be joining a shop — you’ll be joining a mission where every day, your work helps animals live happier, healthier lives. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by friendly faces, wagging tails and the occasional bargain that’s just too good to resist.
More about the role
Our charity shops are vibrant community hubs — loved by our brilliant customers, powered by generous donations, and buzzing with energy. Every sale helps us care for over 40,000 animals each year through our rehoming, veterinary, and education programmes.
As our Standby Shop Assistant, you’ll be the hero who steps in when needed to keep things running smoothly. One day you might be helping customers find their next treasure, the next you’ll be organising stock or supporting our volunteers.
This is a zero-hours, which means your hours will vary based on the shop’s needs. We are committed to paying the Real Living Wage, which is currently £12 per hour. For this role, the total hourly rate is £13.45, including additional elements like holiday pay.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
🐾 Has previous experience working in a retail environment.
🐾 Are confident in cash handling and reconciliation.
🐾 Has experience leading a team, providing supervision and taking the lead
🐾 Loves chatting with customers and creating a welcoming shop atmosphere.
🐾 Are comfortable with computers and basic admin.
It would also be great if you have experience:
🐾 Managing volunteers.
How to apply
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date. Applications will be reviewed as we receive them and interviews arranged accordingly. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Blue Cross benefits
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.
In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.
Our generous benefits package includes:
* Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
* Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
* Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
* Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.
If you’d like to learn more about Blue Cross, our mission, and the work we do to support animals and people, take a look at our About Us page