Job Description
At Prospect Hospice, we believe in a community where everyone lives and dies well. As part of our ambitious five-year strategy to grow and diversify our income, we’re looking for a dynamic retail Area Support Manager to help lead our retail operations into an exciting new chapter.
We’re an established charity based in Swindon, providing specialist care to people in Swindon, Marlborough and northeast Wiltshire. Our retail operation is at the heart of our mission, raising over £2.5 million annually to support individuals and families through life-limiting illness.
Our Vision for Retail:
Retail is a central to our growth and income generation strategy. With plans to open new stores and invest in our existing network, this role is pivotal to our future success. You’ll be empowered to innovate, lead change, and help us build a sustainable future for hospice care.
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (5 days from 7, including weekends and bank holidays).
About the Role:
As Area Support Manager, you’ll work closely with the Retail Area Manager to support store performance and KPI delivery through effective action planning and team development. You’ll support recruitment, onboarding and induction, and ensure accurate stock management and reporting. You’ll also play a key role in new store openings and refits.
Your mission: to drive profitability, inspire high-performing teams, and expand our retail footprint — all while championing our brand in the community.
Key Responsibilities:
* Drive sales and profitability across stores by identifying growth opportunities, improving performance, and analysing trading patterns to inform marketing, operations, and stock planning
* Maximise Gift Aid income while ensuring effective donation handling and stock management, and support the growth of new goods through strong merchandising and promotional activity
* Lead, coach, and support Store and Assistant Managers to achieve targets, building a positive, high-performing team culture with strong people management practices
* Maintain high standards of store presentation, customer service, and health & safety compliance, while overseeing stock control, rotation, and visual merchandising to optimise sales
* Work closely with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure efficient stock distribution, conduct regular store visits, and provide management cover where required
* Support retail events, new store openings, recruitment, and induction, while strengthening community engagement and ensuring stores are fully resourced
* Ensure full compliance with financial policies and procedures
About you:
* Experience of delivering to targets and budgets
* Proven experience in leading and motivating high performing teams to deliver against targets
* Knowledge of P&L management
* Experience of effective stock control management and product display
* A team player, experienced in delivering accurate work on a timely basis in order to ensure team success.
* Experience of managing and motivating volunteers
* A passion for community engagement and a commitment to our values
* A full driving licence and access to a vehicle
This is a high-impact role for a strategic, hands-on retail leader who thrives on performance, innovation, and community engagement. If you’re ready for your next challenge and want to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. For full details and how to apply, visit our website.
First interviews will be held via Teams on Tuesday 21 April 2026 with in-person second interviews planned for Tuesday 28 April 2026.
DBS Check
This role requires a DBS check. We consider all disclosures fairly, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 (Exceptions Order).
Equality & Diversity
Prospect Hospice is committed to encouraging a diverse and inclusive working environment. We recognise that promoting diversity and eliminating discrimination in our workplace will bring benefits for our people, our business and the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, offending background, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we support. As part of our SAFER recruitment process, offers of employment will be subject to thorough checks, which may include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, online and social media checks and verification of qualifications. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.