Volunteer Shop Manager - Plymouth

About Us 

The RNLI shops started life as simple cake stalls, run by volunteers and their supporters to raise money for the local Lifeboats and stations.  These stalls started selling commemorative RNLI products in around 1920 and quickly moved on to selling souvenirs and Christmas cards.  The first shop to be run as part of an actual station opened in 1990.   

For many people, buying something from an RNLI shop will be the first time that they come into contact with our Charity, and as a Volunteer Shop Manager / Co-ordinator you could be the person that engages them and the other shop volunteers to support us now, and in the future. Your welcoming, organised and efficient nature will ensure that our shops are a friendly and attractive place to shop, fully representing the RNLI values.  

The impact you will make 

 You will help save lives at sea by generating vital funds as well as promoting the work of the RNLI to customers and raising awareness of key safety messages.  

What you will be doing  

• Leading and coordinating a team of retail volunteers to maximise opening times and deliver turnover to support the lifesaving work of the RNLI.
• Recruiting, building and inspiring a volunteer team to run the shop by providing motivational inductions, ongoing training and support in line with RNLI retail best practice and volunteer management guidance, supported by your Community Manager.
• Empowering the volunteer team to deliver smooth day-to-day running of the shop, maintaining a safe environment and alerting line management to any issues.
• Offering a great shopping experience, creating a friendly and welcoming environment.
• Ensuring all shop volunteers Champion the RNLI, it’s key messages, One Crew ethos and building its reputation in the local area. 

Find out more about becoming a shop volunteer  

What you need for this role  

• Enthusiasm.
• Good communication skills and personable manner.
• Ability to contribute as part of a team.
• Organisational skills.
• Customer service related skills or experience. 

What’s in it for you  

• Join an inclusive and diverse organisation
• Have fun, meet new people and join a motivated and enthusiastic team who are making a difference
• Learn skills and gain experience to enhance your CV
• Gain the satisfaction of giving back
• Training to fulfil your volunteer role will be provided and reasonable out of pocket expenses reimbursed