Summary

U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for a
Senior Thrift Shop Manager to join our Cape Town Team. They will be based at Canal Walk.
They will report to the Retail Area Manager in their area.

This position- Retail with purpose

There is an opportunity for a person with strong retail skills and experience to join the U-turn team as a Senior Thrift Store Manager thus giving them the opportunity to apply their professional retail skills in a development setting.

The candidate will apply their retail skills to run our retails stores 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 someone who 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. This is a full time position and will initially be offered as a one-year contract.

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 homeless 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

• 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 3 years + 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

• Resourceful individual that is not easily flustered
• Ability to self-motivate, and work with minimal supervision
• Collaborative team player, concerned with team success as well as individual performance
• Emotionally mature individual
• Problem solver who is open to change and able to take initiative
• Willingness to learn and grow personally

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 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

Summary

There is an opportunity for a person with strong retail skills and experience to join the U-turn team
Reporting directly to the Charity Shop Manager. This is a full-time, onsite position and will initially be offered as a one-year contract

This position

The candidate will apply their supervisory skills to run our Retail store in Canal Walk to grow sales and profitability. At the same time, the person will be supervising 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 a 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

• Manage a U-turn charity shop under the direction of the retail manager and occupational therapist
• Deal with customers’ complaints and queries
• Deal with HR queries about the store, e.g. days off, reporting conflict and tasking of participants on the floor
• Ensure cash handling at the store is done as per instructions
• Manage and grow our e-commerce presence on Facebook for the store
• Manage a U-turn charity store to meet sales targets, including motivating staff to do so
• Use and contribute to the existing planning and record-keeping system

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 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

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 – Retail with Purpose
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 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

• 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 individualmperformance
• Ability to motivate, coach, and develope people. Commercial awareness

Personal attributes

• Passion for U-turn’s mission and values.
• Strong leadership with a collaborative mindset./li>
• 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 using the online application form. You must include a CV and a letter of motivation as part of the application. 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 skills and attitudes outlined above. 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

Summary

U-turn is looking for a senior occupational therapist to set up the third phase of their intervention model, assisting homeless individuals to leave the streets and gain independence. The programme consists of a supporter work component, with an accompanying therapeutic and personal development component. This is a pioneering position and will require the OT’s role to change over time as the team grows. Starting date 1 September, location Bosman Street, Pretoria.

This position:
Initially the full case-load of 14 clients will be managed by the OT, with the therapeutic support of a counsellor. The position will require the OT to develop a contingent of case-workers to take over certain case-management functions, while continuing to provide therapeutic oversight and growing the interdisciplinary team to include a social worker and others as the need dictates and the funding allows. One of the key functions of the OT is to ensure that the supported work programme prepares individuals for long-term employment options after graduation. This ranges from open labour market or self-employment to sheltered employment with grant support.
This is an ideal position for someone passionate about setting up effective interventions, keen to combine their faith with their clinical practice, and see the value and potential in people, regardless of their circumstances.

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 in life after homelessness. We believe that every homeless individual is intrinsically valuable and should have access to an effective pathway that addresses their physical, spiritual and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term productive member of society.
To help homeless people overcome homelessness, we operate a phased approach that includes rehabilitation from substance abuse, counselling, life-skills training and sheltered work placement in one of our social enterprises. This allows candidates to test and apply the training they’ve received. 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 graduate and be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy.
The programme is yielding wonderful results. Our candidates typically graduate into open market employment and show an above 85% long-term success rate! We are actively working to expand the programme to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.

Service Centres
U-turns Service Centres provide services to people living on the streets, to prepare them for and to support them on a journey of change. This includes providing food and clothing, therapeutic and development-based interventions, and recovery support for those struggling with substance abuse. The ultimate aim of the Service Centre is to prepare individuals to participate in our work-based rehabilitation programme.

Work-readiness programme
The work-readiness programme is tasked with providing work-based rehabilitation and skills development training that prepares clients for graduation into employment and reintegration into the community. One day per week, each client attends a training day where they access group therapy delivered by an interdisciplinary team, individual counselling and input using a specially designed curriculum. This cycle of learning and application follows a graded approach and continues for as long as needed (on average 18 months). Case-managers coordinate the entire intervention programme for the clients and work in close-collaboration with the worksite managers.

Transitional Accommodation
Due to the nature of our long term interventions we run transitional accommodation in the form of group homes where clients accessing our Work-readiness program can move into when leaving homeless shelters. These homes are managed by a house-manager that along with service centre staff, works-site managers and therapeutic staff forms the client-facing team assisting the clients along the full Life Change journey.

Key areas of responsibility

• Lead, grow, develop and manage the interdisciplinary personal development team
• Provide clinical oversight to the work-sites, joining in recruitment and providing training to all new work-site staff members in effective supported employment practices.
• Screen and assess referred clients and manage the onboarding process
• Develop treatment plans according to each individual’s needs, providing OT specific interventions (including vocational rehab) and referring relevant aspects to the rest of the team (Counsellor and later social worker)
• Set up referral networks to supplementary services not provided by the team (i.e. medical and/or acute mental health, etc.)
• Implement the group and individual therapy according to the Personal Development Programme.
• Oversee initial case management of all clients on the programme
• Grow a case-management team by providing training and supervision to prospective case managers along with the counsellor
• Develop relationships with the local universities and supervise student placements
• Use and contribute to existing planning and record-keeping systems to ensure continuous improvement of your areas of responsibility.

Experience and Skills

• Qualified occupational therapist with updated registration with HPCSA
• Experience in managing and/or setting up an intervention programme
• Basic understanding of addiction and recovery required
• Experience working in the field of addiction is beneficial
• Experience in Vocational Rehabilitation is recommended
• Experience in management and/or supervision
• Drivers license

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.
• Empathetic individual that can maintain emotional boundaries and maintain healthy, supportive relationships with extremely marginalised and disenfranchised individuals
• Creative individual with strong problem-solving skills

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 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

Summary

U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for a Retail Area Manager to join Retail team in Cape Town from 01 November 2025. This is a full-time 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 as a Retail Area Manager in and around the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, thus giving them the opportunity to apply their professional retail skills in a development setting.
Reporting directly to the Retail Operations Manager, the candidate will apply their retail skills to manage and oversee our retail stores in and around the northern suburbs of Cape Town and to grow sales and profitability.
The ideal candidate is someone who is happy to work in an organisation 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.

Key areas of responsibility

• Manage, train and support U-turn Retail Managers under the direction of Retail Operations Manager to run the retail aspect of the stores and in collaboration with the Personal Development team to ensure the shops successfully support and develop Champions on the U-turn Work Readiness programme
• Deal with high level customer complaints and queries
• Deal with HR queries across stores including Champion payslips, leave approval and disciplinaries.
• Ensure U-turn retail stores are professionally presented and run and following all operational procedures in order to meet monthly income targets.
• Ensure that monthly store audits and stocktakes are done to help strengthen overall operations
• Oversee and maintain a high standard across social media platforms – Facebook, whatsapp and tiktok, etc.
• Manage the Bizfo POS setup and training of all staff on how to use new parts of the POS. This is then followed up with training manuals.
• Use and contribute to existing planning & record keeping systems to ensure continuous improvement of your areas of responsibility
• Must have a love for working and dealing with second-hand goods. Experience in buying and selling goods would be most benefical .

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 individualmperformance
• Ability to motivate, coach, and develope people
• Commercial awareness

Personal attributes

• Self-starter – high energy levels, able to self-direct their work to hit targets.
• Enthusiastic and confident
• Resourceful individual that is not easily flustered
• Trustworthy – works with integrity
• Good Listener – will challenge constructively and respond well to feedback
• Emotionally mature individual
• Problem solver who is open to change and able to take initiative
• Willingness to learn and grow personally
• Gospel orientation – connected to a local fellowship of believers, reading the Bible and grounded in Gospel-motivated Social Action

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 using the online application form. You must include a CV and a letter of motivation as part of the application. 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 skills and attitudes outlined above. 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

Summary

U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for a Tygerberg Shop and Warehouse 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,
Retail and Warehouse store in Tygerberg 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 someone who 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 90% 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
• Staff Management & Team Development
• Store Leadership & Sales Performance
• Stock & Inventory Management
• Receiving & Dispatching Goods
• Order Fulfilment
• Pricing & Discounting Oversight
• Visual Merchandising & Promotions
• Customer Service & Engagement
• Mission Integration & Supportive Culture
• Cleanliness, Health, Safety & Security Compliance
• Collaboration with Retail Managers
• Internal Communication
• Compliance with Protocols

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 individualmperformance
• 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 using the online application form. You must include a CV and a letter of motivation as part of the application. 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 skills and attitudes outlined above. 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