Contract:   Permanent, full time (35 hours over 5 days) Salary:   £33,156 - £41,970 p/annum Location:   Across Hampshire, Dorset, Surrey, London, Hertfordshire and Wiltshire Closing date:   Sunday 17th August 2025 Interview stages:   Virtual Interview – 26th or 27th August 2025 followed by a second stage interview with a presentation - 9th or 10th September 2025

At Blue Cross, we’re proud of our growing retail operation which plays a vital role in funding our mission to support pets and their owners. Following a strong 2024 and being shortlisted for Outstanding Retail Charity of the Year 2025 by the Charity Retail Association, we’re looking for a talented Retail Area Manager to join our ambitious team and to build on that momentum.

More about the role As Retail Area Manager, you will oversee a portfolio of Blue Cross shops across Hampshire, Dorset, Surrey, London, Hertfordshire and Wiltshire. You’ll be responsible for leading and supporting Shop Managers and volunteers to drive performance, maximise income and deliver an outstanding customer experience – all while upholding our animal welfare values. You’ll travel regularly between sites (approx. 10,000 business miles/year), supported by a hybrid automatic company vehicle in line with our environmental strategy.

About you You will bring experience managing multiple retail sites, preferably within the charity sector with vast experience in growing sales and improving net profit. You will be a hands-on leader who can effectively manage and develop both employees and volunteers whilst demonstrating excellent communication and problem-solving skills. A collaborative approach is essential, as the retail team plays a key role in wider Blue Cross initiatives such as Pet Food Banks and the campaign to End Greyhound Racing.

Knowledge, skills, and experience Full UK driving licence and confident driving an automatic vehicle Retail management within a commercial company and/ or a UK registered charity Experience of achieving success against financial targets Experience of developing and monitoring budgets and operating plans Experience of managing, training and developing people The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values Although not essential, it would be great if you also had: Experience of direct management and on-going development of staff in a multi-site situation UK charity sector retail management

How to apply Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date. 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: Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays) 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 Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention Health cash plan Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support. Life assurance 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance Enhanced family friendly policies Recognition scheme Annual volunteer days 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.