SVP is a large, national, voluntary organisation with extensive experience of working with a diverse range of people who experience poverty and exclusion. Through its network of volunteers and  staff, it is strongly committed to working for social justice and advocates the creation of a more just and caring society. SVP employs people to support volunteers in a variety of settings including home visitation, Retail, Social Housing, Child and Family Services, and other specialist areas.

The Role and Purpose

SVP Retail Charity Shops (RCS) are a key Special Work of the Society, generating income, supporting communities, promoting sustainability and enhancing public trust. The National Retail Charity Shops Operations Manager provides national leadership of the RCS network, ensuring operations are mission-led, compliant, consistent and effective across all regions.

The role translates the One Model RCS Framework into operational standards, governance, reporting and performance improvement, while providing assurance, analysis and recommendations to support decision-making.

Working within SVP's member-led governance structures, the post holder acts as the principal operational liaison with the National Retail Committee (NRC) and leads professional and volunteer retail operations, supporting National and Regional Councils to deliver a consistent, accountable and well-controlled retail model that advances the Society's charitable mission and values.

Key Working Relationships

The post holder works closely with Regional Presidents,  Regional Councils, Regional Retail Committees, retail managers, volunteers, shop teams and national support functions including Finance, HR, Safeguarding, Governance, Risk, Compliance, Property, Fundraising, Communications and Internal Audit. The role requires awareness and adherence to the governance codes approved by the National Management Council.

Reporting directly to the CEO and forming part of the senior management team, the role provides operational leadership for the RCS network and works closely with the NRC to support its oversight responsibilities. The role operates within established governance structures, applying the Retail RACI framework to ensure clear accountability, appropriate escalation, and a distinction between operational management and trustee, committee and council responsibilities.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder is responsible for leading and improving SVP's RCS operations, ensuring alignment with the Society's mission, governance framework, policies and the One Model RCS Framework. The role provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, assurance and evidence-based recommendations to support effective decision-making by the NMC, CEO and National Retail Committee (NRC).To include

·       National Retail Leadership - Lead and support consistent retail operations, providing performance, risk, resource and improvement insights to the  NMC, CEO and NRC.

·       One Model Implementation - Embed the One Model RCS Framework through standardised processes, controls, reporting and operational discipline.

·       Governance and Decision Support - Provide assurance, reporting and recommendations, ensuring clear accountability and adherence to the Retail RACI framework.

·       People Leadership - Lead, develop and performance manage RRM's, fostering accountability, capability and a mission-focused culture.

·       Operational Standards and Assurance - Maintain effective controls, compliance, audit readiness and continuous improvement across shops and operational facilities.

·       Data and Performance Reporting - Deliver reliable management information, performance reporting and data-driven insights to support informed decision-making.

·       Risk, Compliance and Safeguarding - Ensure robust management of operational risk, safeguarding, health and safety, compliance and escalation processes.

·       Audit and Improvement - Oversee implementation and closure of audit recommendations and corrective actions.

·       Supply Chain and Commercial Operations - Provide oversight of stock flow, logistics, recycling, online sales and operational efficiency initiatives.

·       Regional and National Alignment - Ensure effective communication and coordination between regional structures, the NRC, CEO and National Management Council.

·       Strategic Planning and Development - Contribute to retail strategy, operational planning, network development and sustainable growth.

·       Stakeholder Engagement and Public Trust - Build strong relationships across SVP, promote clear communication and support initiatives that enhance sustainability, reputation and mission impact.

Stewardship

The role supports effective stewardship of retail income, donated goods, assets and public trust through transparent, responsible operations. It provides reporting, assurance and recommendations to support informed governance, accountability and decision-making.

Essential Criteria and Key Competencies

·       Significant experience leading multi-site retail, charity retail or similar operations, with a proven ability to drive performance, implement change, embed standards and strengthen operational controls.

·       Strong people leadership skills, with experience developing managers, building capability and fostering accountability and results.

·       Experience overseeing logistics, warehousing, stock flow, recycling or fulfilment operations within a complex, distributed environment.

·       Strong understanding of governance, risk, compliance, audit and assurance, with the ability to use financial and operational data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.

·       Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with experience working effectively across staff, volunteers and governance structures.

ü Demonstrates strategic and operational leadership, sound judgement, integrity, resilience and a strong commitment to SVP's mission, values and charitable purpose.

A full clean Driving license as travel across the regions is necessary to fulfil the role.  

If you meet these requirements and have the desire to join one of Ireland's best known, trusted, and respected not-for-profit organisations please visit www.svp.ie/careers and click 'Apply for this Job'.

Appointment is subject to Garda Vetting and satisfactory references. Canvassing will not be accepted and may lead to disqualification. Due to the large volume of applications, we are not in the position to provide individual feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested in being considered for this ​position, please apply as soon as possible as the role may be closed in advance of the date shown above due to high volume of applications.

SVP is an Equal Opportunities Employer