U-Turn– Thrift Store Manager, Viking Park

Summary

U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for a Thrift Store Manager to join the Retail team. 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, Thrift Store in Voortekker 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 Christianmotivations, 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

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 by 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.
• Staff Management & Team Development
• Directly manage U-turn 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 the Caseworker
• Payslip and payroll coordination
• Submit weekly feedback reports to the Caseworker.
• Maintain running notes on each Champion's behavior and development.
• 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.
• Stock & Inventory Management
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Team Management & Empowerment
• Lead, support, and mentor a team that includes individuals with a history of homelessness.
• Foster a positive, inclusive work environment that encourages growth, goal setting, and skill development.
• Provide daily oversight, guidance, and training to help team members thrive in the labor market.
• Collaboration with Retail Managers
• Coordinate with retail store managers to manage new stock arrivals and fulfill store stock requirements.
• Distribute stock lists and verification sheets; maintain clear and consistent communication around all stock-related activities.
• Receiving & Dispatching Goods
• Oversee the receiving process for donations and deliveries, verifying contents against orders and invoices.
• Prepare outgoing stock by ensuring correct items are packed, labeled, and dispatched on schedule.
• Stock Management
• Monitor stock levels, including clothing, furniture, consignment goods, bric-a-brac, and purchased items.
• Perform regular inventory counts and stock takes.
• Maintain accurate records using tools like Facebook Marketplace and designated inventory sheets.
• Organize the warehouse floor and sorting rooms to optimize space usage and workflow.
• Order Fulfillment
• Locate stock items based on incoming orders and ensure accurate, secure packing and labeling for collection or delivery.
• Loading & Unloading
• Supervise the safe and efficient loading and unloading of goods from delivery vehicles.
• Enforce safety procedures to minimize the risk of injury or damage.
• Cleanliness & Safety
• Ensure the warehouse is kept clean, orderly, and safe at all times.
• Lead the team in daily cleaning routines, keeping aisles clear and maintaining hygiene standards.
• Help maintain compliance with safety regulations, especially in the handling and storage of hazardous items.
• Stock Control
• Conduct regular stock audits and investigate discrepancies or issues in inventory records.
• Internal Communication
• Coordinate effectively with all team members, including warehouse assistants, Champs, logistics managers, and drivers.
• Foster open communication to resolve issues and ensure smooth operations.
• Compliance with Protocols
• Follow all U-turn policies and procedures regarding stock handling, workplace safety, and equipment use.
• Ensure the team adheres to operational guidelines at all times.
• Customer Service
• Provide exceptional service when interacting with customers.
• Model professional, friendly, and helpful behavior, ensuring a positive experience for all visitors and clients.

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 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 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