Job Description

Summary

U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for a Thrift Shop Manager to join the Retail team in Strand. This is a full-time, onsite position and will initially be offered as a one-year contract.

This position

There is an opportunity for a person with strong retail skills and experience to join the U-turn team .Thus allowing them to apply their professional retail skills in a development setting. Reporting directly to the Retail Area Manager, the candidate will apply their retail skills to run our, Retail store in Strand to grow sales and profitability. At the same time, the person will be managing a team of sales assistants who were formerly homeless and are currently on the U-turn work-rehabilitation programme. The ideal candidate is happy to work in an organization with strong Christian motivations, displays a passion to see people grow (i.e., to work developmentally), and is excellent at customer service.

Background

U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to equip homeless people with the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe that every homeless individual is intrinsically valuable and should have access to an effective pathway to address their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term, productive member of society. To help people overcome homelessness, we operate a phased approach that includes addiction rehabilitation, counselling, life-skills training, and sheltered work placement in one of our social enterprises. Through this process, the programme inculcates a healthy work ethic, furnishes modern job skills, and gives 18-24 months of real work experience so that individuals can be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy. Our graduates enter the open market employment and show an above 85% long-term success rate! We are actively working to expand to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.

Social Enterprises

Actual work experience largely takes place within our social enterprises. U-turn's social enterprises comprise an extensive retail network connected to our Charity Stores as well as other companies owned by, or in partnership with, U-turn.

Key areas of responsibility

1. Operational Management

Ensure all daily, weekly, and monthly operational tasks are completed and recorded using the Google Checklist, with full accountability. Key operational focus areas include: Oversee cash handling in accordance with established operating procedures. Daily review and management of Facebook ads: loading new ads, maintaining campaigns, and engaging with customers. Ensure DIK forms are updated and completed daily. Update turnovers and timesheets daily. Address items on the To-Do list promptly and efficiently.

2. Staff Management & Team Development

Directly manage U-turn clients (Champions) under the guidance of the Retail Area Manager, Support Staff, and Development Team. Provide daily oversight, coaching, and support to ensure high performance. Handle HR-related matters, including: Leave approvals Disciplinary processes in collaboration with the Area Manager and Caseworker Payslip and payroll coordination Submit weekly feedback reports to the Caseworker. Maintain running notes on each Champion's behavior and development.

3. Store Leadership & Sales Performance

Manage the U-turn Charity Store to achieve or exceed sales targets. Ensure alignment with sales goals while maintaining the organization's values and mission.

4. Stock & Inventory Management Oversight of sorting, cleaning, and distribution of donations

Ensure optimal stock levels are maintained. Keep transfer verification sheets up to date. Review weekly counts, on-hand figures, and sales data for accuracy and relevance. Complete monthly stocktakes to reconcile with POS data Monitor shrinkage and implement effective loss prevention measures.

5. Pricing & Discounting Oversight

Ensure pricing of pre-loved goods aligns with the U-turn Pricing SOP. Use 90-day sales data to guide discounting decisions. Implement price markdowns and promotional strategies that are fair, transparent, and mission-aligned.

6. Visual Merchandising & Promotions

Prepare and maintain promotional materials and appealing in-store displays to enhance the customer experience. Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organization throughout the store.

7. Customer Service & Engagement

Deliver exceptional customer service; handle complaints and escalations efficiently. Promote participation in the U-turn Loyalty Programme. Ensure the store environment is welcoming, clean, and engaging.

8. Mission Integration & Supportive Culture

Lead daily team devotions rooted in Jesus, fostering a spiritually enriching workplace. Create and maintain a supportive, therapeutic environment for individuals in the U-turn Life Change Programme. Collaborate with Caseworkers and Support Staff to align the store's operations with the broader goals of the Life Change Programme.

9. Health, Safety & Security Compliance

Enforce all relevant health, safety, and security protocols to protect staff, customers, and programme participants. Regularly review and update safety procedures as needed.

Experience and Skills

? Previous experience in the retail sector (essential)

? Experience as a duty manager/ assistant manager or a manager in a retail setting (desirable)

? Excellent communication skills - verbal and written

? Well-developed interpersonal skills

? Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise

? A collaborative team player - concerned with the team's success as well as individual performance

? Ability to motivate, coach, and develop people. Commercial awareness

Personal attributes

? Passion for U-turn's mission and values.

? Strong leadership with a collaborative mindset.

? Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Organisational Fit (where applicable)

? If in recovery - actively engaged in own ongoing recovery, accessing accountability support, and

practicing recovery behaviour

? If employed as a Professional - affiliation with a professional board, continued personal

development, and accessing supervision

? Gospel orientation - connected to a local fellowship of believers, reading the Bible, and grounded in Gospel-motivated Social Action

Next Steps

Candidates interested in this position should apply online at https://homeless.org.za/career-form The letter of motivation should be approximately 1 page in length and include information on why you would like to work at U-turn and how you fulfil the required knowledge skills set outlined above. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered. IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US WITHIN 4 WEEKS, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION UNSUCCESSFUL.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person