Donation and Distribution Centre Manager

Overview

Ashgate Hospice is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. This means we are committed to inclusive hiring and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.Hours: 37.5 hours per week, worked over 7 days, including weekends and bank holidays. Join our team as the Donation and Distribution Centre Manager and make a difference!Our retail outlets are a vital part of what we do, generating essential income that directly supports the hospice. With 15 retail shops across North Derbyshire, a dedicated Furniture Store, Donation Centre, two Clearance Shops, and two Coffee Shops, our retail presence continues to grow. We also operate two eBay platforms (clothing and general goods) and a fully online furniture shop. Our shops provide volunteering opportunities, affordable goods, and a welcoming space for people in local communities. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced operation that makes a real difference every day.The Donation and Distribution Centre is the heart of our retail operation, serving as the main hub where donated and new goods are received, sorted, processed, and prepared for distribution to our network of charity shops across North Derbyshire. It ensures items are handled efficiently and safely to maintain high standards of stock for our shops.What you’ll do

Income Generation and Stock Management: Manage the timely and efficient distribution of donated and new stock to retail shops and online platforms, prioritising high-value items to maximise income.Team Leadership and Development: Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of staff and volunteers, overseeing recruitment, training, performance management, and rota planning to ensure smooth donation centre operations.Customer Experience: Act as an ambassador for Ashgate Hospice, delivering a welcoming and respectful environment for donors, customers, and visitors, reflecting the Hospice values and commitment to compassionate care.Health, Safety and Compliance: Ensure all Donation Centre activities comply with health and safety legislation and organisational policies; deliver training, promote safe working practices, and oversee safe vehicle use and waste management to maintain a secure operation.Pre-employment Checks: If successful, complete a DBS check as part of the recruitment process.Vaccination Guidance: Encourage vaccination against COVID-19 and flu where appropriate, in line with policy.Accessibility and Recruitment Support: Work with HR to assist candidates and ensure inclusive recruitment processes; provide information on adjustments as needed.Gift Aid and Fundraising Support: Manage Gift Aid processes to maximise income and collaborate with the Fundraising team on donation drive initiatives.What you’ll bring

Strong leadership and team management skills with experience in motivating staff and volunteers in a fast-paced environment.Excellent organisational abilities to manage stock distribution, Gift Aid, and operational efficiency.Knowledge of health and safety regulations and a commitment to a safe, compliant workplace.Effective communication skills with stakeholders including Retail Managers, donors, volunteers, and external partners.Ability to prioritise and multitask, balancing daily operations with long-term goals.Values-driven approach aligned with Ashgate Hospice values; strong planning and delegation skills.Excellent people management and leadership abilities to motivate others to achieve results.Ability to establish and maintain relationships with staff and volunteers across diverse backgrounds.Clear verbal and written communication to influence at all levels.Strong numeracy skills to manage budgets and procedures.A full UK driving license.About Ashgate

Ashgate Hospice, based in North Derbyshire, offers free palliative and end-of-life care for adults with life-limiting illnesses. We care for over 2,400 people annually and provide practical and emotional support, including bereavement services. We are committed to compassionate care, teamwork, and inclusion, and we value diversity. Our benefits include flexible working arrangements, training opportunities, and a range of staff wellbeing initiatives.Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy/sell annual leave.Flexible working, including job-sharing.Cycle to Work and Tech Benefit schemes.Westfield Health Cash Plan and Westfield Rewards.Confidential Employee Assistance Programme.Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%.Life assurance up to age 65.On-site parking at the hospice and discounted on-site café.Wellbeing initiatives and opportunities for personal and professional ..... full job details .....