Shop Assistant

Overview

As our new Shop Assistant, you will help us to create a well-presented shop where customers get great service. You will sort and size stock and be on hand to help customers with their purchases. Remember that you could often be moving stock - which may involve lifting heavy goods or furniture.

• To help maximise donated income through proactive stock generation, optimum pricing, processing stock to agreed levels and stock planning.
• Set high standards of merchandising and housekeeping, ensuring you and your colleagues' health and safety is a priority.
• Manage effective stock processes to ensure your shop is well merchandised with fresh, seasonal stock at all times.
• Act as a brand ambassador for Sue Ryder, supporting in store campaigns to promote the brand and national fundraising initiatives.
• Cash Handling/Till work
• Basic IT skills (emails/instant messaging/video calls)
• Organisational Skills
• Lone working experience

• High street retail/leisure/hospitality background
• KPI and target experience
• Team Player
• Merchandising/Stock rotation

Sue Ryder is one of the largest charity retailers in the UK with over 400 shops. Every item sold in our shops generates funding so we can continue to provide 2.7 million hours of expert medical, practical, bereavement and emotional support every year, in our hospices, in people's homes and in the community. We are here to make sure that everyone approaching the end of life or living with grief can access the support they need.

We have a much-loved presence on high streets across the country - with a range of innovative shops, including boutiques, vintage and retro shops, and large format stores. As a member of the retail team, you'll be helping us inspire communities to provide more care for more people through innovating and collaborating on ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. You will also be contributing to drive up the income that generates the vital funds necessary to keep our care and support services running.

We understand our people are our most important asset and work hard to make sure you feel valued and included as part of a team. In retail most work every weekend, our managers mainly work only 1 in 2. We don't expect our teams to work past 5.15 in most of our shops. The earliest we start is 8.45am. We have every Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day off.

Conveniently placed on Ampthill Road Bedford and with dedicated parking, our warehouse-sized Sue Ryder superstore is a bargain hunter's paradise. We have an ever changing array of donated furniture - from sofas, chairs and suites to dining sets, coffee tables, sideboards, dressers, wardrobes and bedroom sets. We also have an eclectic mix of bric-a-brac, bikes, books, DVDs and music and a great choice of electrical items.

Sue Ryder Charity shop, 35-37 Ampthill Rd, Bedford MK42 9JP
22.5 Hours per week over 7 days £12.21 per hour + rewards & Benefits - As of 1st April 2026 the rate of pay will be increasing to at least £12.71 per hour. Closing date: 4th March. Interview date: 12th March. If you want more than just a job, we want you. Join the team and be there when it matters.

Closing statements:
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. At Sue Ryder, we recognise that a diverse workforce allows us to provide the best care and support. We are committed to encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we're proud to support the 'Offer an Interview' scheme. We will offer an interview to all disabled applicants who best meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.

We use inclusive recruitment practices including sharing interview themes or questions in advance, offering remote interviews where needed, and other accessibility support.