Habitat ReStore Manager (Athlone)

About the Role

Habitat for Humanity Ireland is preparing to open a new Habitat ReStore in Athlone later this year and is looking for a Store Manager to lead it. The role is hands-on and focuses on running the store so it generates sustainable income while also creating positive outcomes for people, communities and the environment.

Habitat ReStore is a social enterprise that supports local people to improve their homes at lower cost, creates learning opportunities for volunteers from varied backgrounds and abilities, and keeps reusable materials out of landfill. The organisation already operates ReStores in Dublin, Belfast, Drogheda, Lisburn, Ballymena, Lisnagelvin, Newry and Newtownards.

Operational Responsibilities

• Work closely with the wider Habitat for Humanity team to help deliver strategic goals while ensuring all activity follows the charity’s values, policies, procedures and relevant legislation.
• Increase donations, sales and the net contribution of the ReStore.
• Oversee stock levels and make informed decisions on inventory control.
• Use computer systems to capture sales data for reporting, analysis and future planning.
• Maintain high standards in product quality, customer care, security, health and safety, and deal promptly with any issues.
• Ensure all legal, regulatory, governmental and licensing obligations are met.
• Be able to clearly communicate the mission of Habitat for Humanity and Habitat ReStore across all store operations.

Staff and Volunteer Management

• Make sure the store is properly staffed by employees and volunteers with the right knowledge, skills and capability to complete assigned work.
• Support the recruitment and training of employees and volunteers in line with the relevant personnel and safety rules.
• Lead, encourage and coordinate volunteer teams to deliver strong customer service and donor relationships, while following safety and HR policies.
• Ensure employees and volunteers can explain Habitat for Humanity and Habitat ReStore’s mission to the public confidently and accurately.

Public Relations, Marketing and Advertising

• Help shape and deliver marketing and promotional activity that grows donations, sales and volunteer involvement.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with prospective and existing donors, including individuals, businesses, community groups and church groups, to improve both the volume and quality of merchandise donations.

Finance and Administration

• Set up and monitor systems for daily sales, cash handling, donations and collection pickups.
• Keep accurate financial records covering income, expenses and stock movement.
• Maintain detailed records of employee and volunteer activity.
• Review invoices, ensure correct coding and submit them promptly, making sure spending stays within approved limits.

Person Specification

Applications should address each criterion in the personnel specification and draw on all relevant experience, whether gained in paid work or on a voluntary basis.

Essential Requirements

• At least 3 years of responsible leadership experience, ideally in retail, with a track record of leading teams and meeting objectives.
• Strong people and communication skills, both internally and externally, with the confidence to represent Habitat for Humanity’s work clearly and credibly.
• Experience building, maintaining and managing relationships with key stakeholders.
• Good computer literacy, including practical use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook.
• Experience using social media effectively.
• Ability to handle stock safely, including items weighing up to 25 kg.
• A valid driving licence and access to a car for duties linked to the role.
• Strong commitment to Habitat for Humanity’s vision, mission and values, with a working style that reflects humility, courage and accountability.

Desirable Experience

• Familiarity with retail accounting systems or software.
• Background in social enterprise or the home improvement retail sector.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Practical experience using a CRM database such as Salesforce.
• Broad knowledge of community relations, community regeneration and global development.

Additional Information

This opportunity is for the launch of Habitat ReStore in Athlone later this year. The role is full-time and based onsite in Athlone, Ireland.