Donation Centre Manager

Overview

If you want to make a difference, be valued for your work and create a productive and happy environment for your colleagues, then look no further! Selection Process:
The initial stage will be a brief telephone conversation to discuss your experience and provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions. Candidates who progress will be invited to attend an assessment centre, which will include an interview, a group discussion, and a business planning exercise. This will take place on Wednesday 17th June. This isn't a typical charity shop role.

We're looking for a commercially minded, people‑first leader to run one of our large‑format Donation Centres (circa 8,000 sq ft) – high‑volume, high‑impact spaces handling up to 10 tonnes of donated goods per week. These are dynamic, warehouse‑style retail environments where community, sustainability and entrepreneurship come together. As Donation Centre Manager, you won't just manage stock – you'll generate it.

You'll build strong local relationships to drive donations, use social media creatively to attract supporters, and design engaging promotions and events that keep customers coming back. This is not compliance‑led retail. It’s about initiative, energy and making things happen. You'll lead a large and diverse team, predominantly volunteers, so you’ll need to be an exceptional people leader – someone who can inspire, coach and create a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated.

You'll balance operational oversight with creativity, community engagement and commercial drive. This role offers genuine autonomy. You'll have the freedom to shape your centre, experiment with ideas and grow both income and impact – all while contributing to the wider mission of The Salvation Army. If you're entrepreneurial, community‑focused and ready to lead from the front in a fast‑moving, purpose‑driven environment, we'd love to hear from you.

All key responsibilities and desirable skills can be found on the Job Description when you apply.

• Are resilient, supportive, caring, hands on and enthusiastic
• Possess a positive attitude in delivering exceptional customer service
• Take pride in everything you do to maintain the high standards promised to colleagues, stakeholders and yourself
• Have a dynamic leadership style with an appetite for success
• Have a passion for developing people
• Possess fantastic ideas for partnerships to deliver re‑use and repair services with local connections and knowledge to make them happen
• Have a keen interest in the environment and sustainability
• Have an engaging personality, the desire to succeed and be the best you can be