Tom Pickford
Bristol
Summary
Experienced charity retail and fundraising professional with over 10 years’ experience in public engagement and income generation. Former Shop Manager at Sue Ryder, with hands-on responsibility for running a busy shop, leading volunteers, and driving sales performance. Brings a target-driven mindset from fundraising into retail, with a strong focus on maximising income, maintaining high shop standards, and creating a positive and engaging environment for customers and volunteers. Now seeking a Shop Manager role with the British Red Cross to contribute to a community-focused organisation and deliver strong, sustainable shop performance.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Shop Manager (Fixed Term)
Sue Ryder
2024.12 - 2026.01
- Managed the day-to-day running of a busy charity shop, taking full responsibility for operations, sales performance and team coordination.
- Delivered strong sales performance through effective merchandising, pricing and customer engagement
- Recruited, trained and supported a team of volunteers, maintaining good morale and consistent shop standards
- Ensured the shop was well presented, clean and welcoming, with a clear focus on maximising income
- Took responsibility for cashing up, banking and financial accuracy
- Dealt with day-to-day operational challenges quickly and practically to keep the shop running smoothly
- Maintained compliance with organisational procedures and health and safety standards
Fundraiser / Team Leader
Various Roles (In-house and Agency)
2016.01 - 2026.01
- Over 10 years’ experience working in face-to-face fundraising across a range of campaigns, with a consistent track record of meeting and exceeding targets.
- Engaged members of the public to secure long-term charitable support through clear, confident communication
- Regularly achieved strong performance in target-driven environments
- Supported and guided team members, helping maintain motivation and standards in high-pressure settings
- Developed strong interpersonal skills, resilience and adaptability through direct public engagement
- Built broad experience across charities working on social and environmental issues
Earlier Roles
Avaiable on request
Education
BA (Hons) - Humanities and Critical Studies
University of Brighton
Access to Higher Education Diploma - Key Skills Qualifications: English, Maths, ICT
Skills
- shop and retail operations management
- Volunteer recruitment, training and day-to-day leadership
- Staff onboarding, support, and performance management
- Sales growth and income generation
- Merchandising, display and stock control
- Customer engagement and service
- Analysing sales performance and identifying opportunities
- Ecommerce and online sales
- Cash handling, banking and financial procedures
- Working in target-driven environments
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving
- Safeguarding
- Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, GDPR, Gift Aid and Charity Commission requirements
Additional Information
Strong work ethic and reliable under pressure, Commercial awareness and understanding of retail performance, Confident communicator able to engage a wide range of people, Practical, hands-on approach to problem solving, Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
References
Available on request
Timeline
Shop Manager (Fixed Term)
Sue Ryder
2024.12 - 2026.01
Fundraiser / Team Leader
Various Roles (In-house and Agency)
2016.01 - 2026.01
Earlier Roles
Avaiable on request
BA (Hons) - Humanities and Critical Studies
University of Brighton