ABOUT US

As a Retail team, we offer supporters a way to engage with our brand, raise income, and connect with our campaigns through our high street shops and online platforms.
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.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION:

Save the Children UK believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable where all children have the opportunity to change their world. We apply this to our workforce and we are committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation where all employees have a sense of belonging and feel that they can be “Free to Be Me”. We are not looking for just one type of person - we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas or challenge that disrupts the risk of group think.
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.
To see our full statement please visit this link: https://jobs.savethechildren.org.uk/our-policies/diversity/

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Retail Area Manager, you’ll be responsible for leading and supporting a portfolio of approximately 10–15 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 (150–200 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.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

• Act as an ambassador for our brand and retail strategy, motivating and inspiring your teams.
• Line manage Shop Managers, supporting with recruitment, development and performance.
• Lead commercial performance by analysing shop data, identifying opportunities, and making sound commercial decisions.
• Work closely with Business Managers during shop launches/relaunches to ensure successful handovers.
• Support volunteer recruitment, engagement and training with the support of our volunteering team.
• Manage operational and risk-related shop issues, escalating where necessary.