Cluster shop manager Review

My job as a Cluster shop manager is to manage my own shop whilst acting in a supporting role for my cluster of designated shops. I accept stock, process it, price it, replenish it, advertise it, I promote the store, recruit and train staff, I am responsible for the social media for my individual store, I ensure my shop works towards and usually over take our targeted budget, and with the help of my team we deliver excellent customer service and create a strong rapport wit our local community

I never worked for a charity before, so I've learnt the background of accepting and processing donated goods. My previous job role was a Cluster manager for another retail business, which actually was a lot more demanding then Sue Ryder. I'm not necessarily developing exisint skills, but I am keeping them used. I have learnt how to run a fundraiser, I joined forces with another manager and we fundraised around £1000 between the two shops, which was something I'd never done before.

I'm really enjoying the apprenticeship course, I find my coach really approachable and helpful, he's very supportive and gives constructive feedback. I'm finding that completing this course helps me to realise how many transferable skills I do actually posses, and how important it is to share my skills and knowledge to help support other individuals

I've found it to be very structured. I have set tasks to complete and work to do and get submitted at clear intervals. I've been very lucky that over lockdown I was able to really get ahead and make a dent in the tasks I could complete in order to really utilise the additional free time I had

So, since I started my apprenticeship my line manager has changed four times meaning that as far as individual support goes, it has been limited and complicated. We've also had numerous lockdowns meaning support from Sue Ryder as a business has been virtually impossible to secure in place. The good thing is im extremely self motivated, and don't need the additional support, however others may require it

My training coach has been brilliant, Geoff is always very responsive, helpful and supportive. He always offers constructive responses and quickly acknowledges any work I've submitted. His catch up sessions are nice and relaxed, with a positive atmosphere. He takes a genuine interest in the entire conversation and makes it perfectly clear that I can contact him anytime should I need help or have any queries

I believe that the qualification I am working towards helps me to really acknowledge the skills I have and to see what ones need improving and the different ways I can do that. It highlights areas that I can create opportunities for my shop and team as well as for myself to make us the best we can be

No, there aren't any extracurricular activities that are available for people to get involved in. Under one of my previous line managers with the company the extra curricular activities they suggested was staying late to get extra jobs done - i was already doing this as a contentious individual - Thankfully Sue Ryder as a whole are much more focused on work life balance - which is something I've had to learn to embrace

Yes

Like every company Sue Ryder have their faults, however I think ultimately you need to look at the positives such as that the shops are raising funds for Palliative and neurological care, and that every penny we make through our hard work help to provide people who really need it with the support and care they need.this makes the job very rewarding

I would give the same advice to any individual applying for any role, do your research, visit the shops, more importantly visit the location you are looking at applying for, complete a SWOT analysis on that location, meet the staff and volunteers, let them know you're applying and they will be honest with you about ideas, thoughts, positives and negatives, all of which will help you get a handle on the role, and if nothing else it will be enlightening to the people you could potentially be working with