Cover Manager

Job Overview

 We're looking for a Cover Manager to support our shop teams and help us become the South East’s premier destination for treasures and eco-conscious retail.

The role will cover services across Essex, primarily along the A12 corridor, so flexibility and the ability to travel between locations within this area are essential.

At the heart of our mission is something much bigger than just great clothes and bargains — we’re here to generate vital income for Havens Hospices, supporting exceptional care for local people and their families.

Why join us?

Because working here means more than just a job; it means being part of something meaningful. You'll be supported, appreciated, and know you're making a difference.

At Havens Hospices, we care for children, young people and adults with complex or incurable conditions. Our specialist Care Teams can support them and their family living throughout illness, death and bereavement in the comfort of their own home and through our hospice services, Fair Havens and Little Havens. 

Our Purpose and Values are the foundation of our charity identity and everything we do. They guide our decisions, actions and strategy toward a shared goal.

Our Purpose is ‘Making every day count with expert, compassionate hospice care — for today’s families and tomorrow’s future.’

Our Values are: 

1. Lead with Compassion
2. Connect with our Community
3. Value Everyone
4. Build Trust
5. Drive Progress 

Working at Havens Hospices 

Working at Havens Hospices allows you to give the gift of time to patients and families, creating memories. Although you may not be giving direct care to our patients, your contribution will have an immediate effect on our care services. 

In return for your expertise and passion, you will receive a competitive salary package, and most of all, by making the most of every day you work at Havens Hospices you’ll be helping us continue ‘Making every day count’ for those who need us most. 

At Havens Hospices we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and patients and expect all colleagues to share this commitment. 

We value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

Main Responsibilities

• To effectively manage the day to day running of the shop staff and volunteers
• To manage stock, optimise profit and maximize sales, retaining oversight for all transactions taken
• To be aware of, and help the store to hit all sales targets, providing effective leadership to encourage the team to maximise potential
• To take responsibility for managing your shop and brief the Area Manager at regular agreed intervals on progress
• To maintain an awareness of developments in local shops, especially in the Charity sector, updating the Area Manager as required
• To maintain an awareness of the work of Havens Hospices and relevant local or national issues through press, media, and local views
• To actively promote Gift Aid, sign up donors and achieve performance targets
• To decide, without reference, but with procedural guidelines, what prices to charge for individual items to maximise both turnover and income
• Hold shop keys, opening and closing the premises for trading hours, ensuring that the hours are strictly adhered to, and responding to emergency call out if, and when necessary
• Ensuring the shops are kept clean and tidy and goods are displayed in an attractive and presentable manner
• Ensure that all statutory responsibilities are met, including Fire and Health & Safety regulations

Person specification

The following outlines the key skills, experience and qualifications we are looking for in the successful candidate; this is not an exhaustive list.

• GCSE or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English
• Demonstrable experience working as a manager, or comparable work experience
• Demonstrable experience in people development and management, including performance
• Intermediate knowledge of MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and proficiency in IT skills
• Full driving licence and access to own vehicle

For further details contact:

Emma Taylor, Area Manager (etaylor@havenshospices.org.uk/ 01702 220350)