Job Description

Retail Assistant

We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive individual with outstanding interpersonal skills and a strong customer service ethic to join our busy Retail and Catering Operations team.

Position:Retail Assistant (2069)

Location:Sidmouth

Hours:Part Time

Salary:£12.21 per hour

Contract:Permanent

Closing Date: Tuesday 21 October 2025

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.

We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive individual with outstanding interpersonal skills and a strong customer service ethic to join our busy Retail and Catering Operations team. A true team player and ambassador for the charity, you will be responsible for the retail of Donkey World products in the Gift Shop, whilst ensuring that excellent customer service is a main priority.

About you

• Demonstrable customer service skills and experience of dealing with enquiries from members of the public.
• Able to interact with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
• Strong communication
• Good I.T. skills (proficient in Word, Outlook and Excel).
• Numeracy skills and cash handling experience.
• A genuine interest in the work of The Donkey Sanctuary.
• A full, valid driving licence.

About the role

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include:

• Giving a warm welcome to all visitors and engaging them in the charity at every opportunity.
• Selling Donkey World goods, proactively up-sell merchandise and charity products (such as Adopt a Donkey), and promoting all onsite events and activities to members of the public.
• Helping maximise sales in the Gift Shop by maintaining attractive merchandising displays, and ensuring all visitor facilities are presentable to visitors.
• Informing visitors about the donkeys around the site, advising visitors of the work of the charity, answering queries and advising on visitor facilities at Slade House Farm.
• Answering emails and telephone enquiries and booking customer visits.
• Working closely with the Retail Manager and Retail Operations Manager to support the wider strategic commercial plans, carrying out any duty that may be required to fulfil this.

What we offer in return

Based in Sidmouth, Devon - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - this is a part-time, variable hours permanent contract starting as soon as possible. Working a guaranteed minimum of 7.5 hours per week. The working pattern will be agreed between the line manager and post-holder, you should be able to work Friday's and flexibility will be required for some weekend working.

Benefits

• Competitive pension.
• Life assurance.
• 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
• Wellbeing team.
• Recorded Pilates classes.
• Long service awards.
• Healthshield plan - Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership.
• Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets.
• Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.
• Free parking.
• Subsidised restaurant and shop.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.