School Shop Support Assistant

Role Overview

Provide reliable and flexible support to the School Shop and various areas of the School throughout a 12-month fixed-term contract. This position involves planned work during twice-yearly stock takes in January and July, as well as the annual Essentials Fair. Outside of these scheduled periods, the role includes responding to additional support needs such as staff sickness cover, alumni reunions, special occasions, and other operational requirements. As an ambassador for the institution, you are expected to deliver a helpful and professional service while adapting confidently to different duties, teams, and working environments.

Contract and Availability

• Fixed-term contract of 12 months.
• Planned attendance for the January and July stock takes and the annual Essentials Fair, with dates communicated in advance.
• Additional assignments may be offered as operational needs arise, agreed upon according to requirements and availability.
• Hours may vary depending on the assignment and may include early mornings, evenings, or weekends for special events.

General Requirements

• Be reliable, punctual, flexible, and available for planned work periods.
• Respond promptly and professionally when contacted about additional work.
• Possess effective communication and good interpersonal skills.
• Work well as part of a team and independently after instruction.
• Be confident, approachable, and reassuring when supporting students, families, visitors, and colleagues.
• Be methodical, organised, and attentive to detail.
• Be comfortable working with numbers and have basic IT skills.
• Exercise discretion and respect confidentiality.
• Be willing and able to undertake physical work, including lifting boxes and standing for extended periods.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Twice-Yearly Stock Takes (January and July)

• Count merchandise accurately and follow stock-take procedures as instructed.
• Record and input quantities clearly and correctly, double-checking discrepancies when required.
• Reorganise shelves and storage areas, ensuring products are correctly labelled and sized.
• Identify damaged, missing, or obsolete items and report inconsistencies promptly.
• Support restocking, merchandising, and preparation of the shop for reopening.

Essentials Fair

• Help set up the Fair, including moving boxes and furniture, counting and labelling stock, checking barcodes, and preparing displays.
• Distribute stationery orders and deliver goods to buildings or boarding houses as required.
• Welcome and advise students and parents on uniforms, expedition kit, and other purchases.
• Use the checkout system to invoice purchases and label clothing with name tapes.
• Pack away remaining stock and restock the School Shop after the Fair.

On-Call and Additional Support

• Provide temporary cover when a member of staff is absent or when another short-term need arises.
• Support alumni reunions, school events, special occasions, and other periods of increased activity.
• Assist with customer service, reception, sales, stock handling, setup, pack-down, deliveries, administration, or other suitable duties according to the assignment.
• Follow the instructions of the manager responsible for each assignment and work cooperatively with the team.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks consistent with the purpose of the role and the post holder’s skills and training.

Working Conditions

• Work may take place in the School Shop, storage areas, event spaces, or other locations across the campus.
• The role can involve lifting and moving boxes or furniture, standing for extended periods, and working in busy, fast-paced environments.
• Appropriate induction, instructions, and task-specific training will be provided.

Other Tasks and Responsibilities

• Undertake any other tasks which may be reasonably required by the School Shop Manager to assist in the smooth running of the School Shop.
• Understand and implement all school policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding children and young people.
• Understand the School’s Guiding Principles and uphold the ethos of the School at all times.