Job Details

Save the Children shops are vibrant community hubs with children at their heart.

They are welcoming spaces where communities come together, to share, connect, and create homes for loved products. We tell children's stories, listen to their voices, and act in their spirit with generosity, creativity and kindness.

Every decision you make in this role helps unlock a child's potential. Together, shoppers, donors, and volunteers help build a brighter future.

• As Retail Area Manager, you'll be responsible for leading and supporting a portfolio of approximately 10 to 15 charity shops across your region. Currently, there are 9 shops in this area, located in Cockermouth, Doncaster, Hexham, Matlock, Penrith, South Shields, Ulverston, Wetherby, and Whitby. Though this may change as our retail network evolves.
• While our long-term vision is to have paid Shop Managers in all our shops, approximately 80% in this area are currently run by volunteers and do not have a paid Manager. You'll work closely with and through volunteer teams (150 to 200 people) to drive income growth, meet key commercial targets, and deliver an exceptional experience for customers and donors alike.
• You'll lead with purpose, inspiring, coaching, and empowering teams while ensuring operational excellence and championing our mission on the high street.
• This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate and collaborative team, supported by strong systems, values led leadership, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
• This is a home-based role with regular travel across your region and occasional overnight stays.  You will be expected to spend an average of four days per week in the shops and reside within the area served by one of the region's shops.

We are especially interested in people whose childhood experiences of life on a low income, of migration, of being in a racialised community, of the care system, of being LGBT+ or in an LGBT+ family or living with (or with someone with) a disability. Help us to see things we might otherwise miss. Whatever your story is we want to hear it because we know that different voices, ideas, perspectives and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of children around the world. This is the reason why we are all here. 

You're an experienced and commercially minded retail leader with a proven track record in managing multi-site operations, ideally in a charity or high-street retail environment. You lead with strength and kindness, combining strategic thinking with a hands-on, supportive approach.

• Extensive multi-site retail management experience, essential for overseeing a large, dispersed region.
• A strong commercial background, with a focus on delivering results through data-driven decision-making and KPIs.
• Experience leading and motivating diverse, remote teams, including volunteer-led shops, 7 out of 9 stores in this region currently operate without paid Shop Managers.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire others, lead by example, listen actively, and offer clear, timely feedback.
• A deep understanding of volunteer engagement, with the ability to attract, retain, and motivate volunteer teams.
• A collaborative, non-judgmental approach, fostering an inclusive and supportive culture.
• A full UK driving licence and the flexibility to travel regularly across the region, with occasional overnight stays.
• Residency within or near one of the listed shop locations: Cockermouth, Doncaster, Hexham, Matlock, Penrith, South Shields, Ulverston, Wetherby, or Whitby.

If you're passionate about community engagement, thrive in a volunteer-led environment, and want to make a real impact. We'd love to hear from you.

We will be interviewing for this role as suitable applications are received and may close this role before the closing date upon a successful candidate being appointed.