Retail Assistant

In a lively, vibrant working environment, you’ll discover something new every day, whether it’s a new high street trend, a new community network or a talent you never knew you had. 

Millions of bargain-hunters. Endless pre-loved items. One meaningful purpose.  

Retail store assistant (with keyholder responsibility)

£12.71 per hour plusbenefits

Reports to: Shop manager

Department: Trading

Contract: 6 month fixed-term contract

Hours: 6 – Sundays only

Location: Potter Bar

Closing date: 22 November 2026 at 23:55 This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found

Closing date:

External: 22 November 2026 at 23:55  

Internal : In line with organisational policy this role will remain open for internal applications until: 22 November 2026 at 23:55  

Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship. 

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.

We’re looking for a motivated retail assistant to join Cancer Research UK’s trading team. You’ll be acting as an ambassador for Cancer Research UK and taking responsibility for the shop on a Sunday.

In a lively, vibrant working environment, you’ll discover something new every day, whether it’s a new high street trend, a new community network or a talent you never knew you had.

You’ll also be surrounded by people who are as dedicated to beating cancer as you are.  

What will I be doing?

-       Overseeing the running of the shop on a Sunday. This includes taking keyholder responsibility (training provided) and supporting a talented and diverse team of volunteers.

-       Assisting the wider shop team in achieving sales and fundraising targets.

-       Reviewing and processing donated goods and new stock.

-       Coming up with creative ideas to help generate new income, with guidance from the Shop Manager.  

-       Using your customer service skills to make sure our customers and supporters feel welcome and appreciated.  

-       Maintaining shop standards regarding safeguarding, compliance and health and safety.

What skills are you looking for?

-       A working knowledge of what makes great customer service.

-       Experience of working in a lively and vibrant environment.

-       Adaptability in changing situations, including being able to work effectively independently and as part of a team.

-       Commercial awareness.

-       The ability to create relationships and communicate well.

-       And ideally experience of working in, or an understanding of retail and fashion.

[Download the full role profile]

What will I gain?

Each and every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We think that’s impressive.

In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools, policies and processes to enable you to do your job well.

Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more.

Our work – from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy – will change the world. It’s exciting to be part of our team.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

Our retail teams cover the needs of their stores by working on a rota basis. Whilst a level of flexibility is needed to meet the needs of the business, we don’t forget that you have a life outside of work too.   

Owing to the nature of this position, any offer of employment for this role will be subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check.

You can learn more about our fantastic retail teams on our website.

For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].  

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact [email protected] or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.