Localised is opening its first standalone retail venture, we are looking for the right person to help bring it to life. This is a genuine build role.
Zero Waste Charity Store is a community-powered charity store with a difference. Everything we sell has been donated, rescued, or restored for a second life. Every purchase keeps something out of landfill, supports our community, and helps fund the journey to a zero waste Aotearoa.
We're looking for a capable, hands-on retail leader to help set up the store, launch it strongly, and build it into a high-performing operation.
This is a genuine build role. You'll help shape the setup, build the team, embed the systems, and create a store experience people want to come back to. For the right person, the role also has the potential to grow into a broader multi-site position over time.
About the role
As our Founding Retail Manager, you'll work closely with the Chief Executive to establish Zero Waste Charity Store as a strong and sustainable new venture.
You'll lead the day-to-day operation of the store while helping put the right routines, standards, and systems in place from the outset. You'll support the team, drive sales, oversee stock flow and presentation, and make sure the store looks and feels great for customers and donors alike.
You'll also work with our Marketing and Communications Lead on promotions, social media, and in-store events and workshops.
About you - Proven retail management or senior retail leadership experience
- Strong people leadership and team-building capability
- A hands-on approach and willingness to jump in where needed
- Confidence managing stock, merchandising, presentation, and day-to-day operations
- Good commercial judgement and an eye for performance
- Strong organisation, initiative, and follow-through
- A practical, positive, solutions-focused mindset
- Someone who can balance purpose with performance
Experience in charity retail, second-hand retail, reuse, or social enterprise would be an advantage, but it's not essential.
What you'll be doing - Help get the store set up and launch-ready
- Lead day-to-day store operations
- Build and support the team
- Oversee stock flow, pricing, merchandising, and presentation
- Drive strong sales and commercial performance
- Create a welcoming and distinctive customer and donor experience
- Support promotions, social media, and in-store activations
- Help build a retail operation that is practical, well-run, and set up for growth
Why this role is different
Most charity stores are doing good. We're also trying to change the system.
Zero Waste Charity Store is part of the Localised whānau, a network of zero waste hubs across Tāmaki Makaurau. This store is about more than selling second-hand goods. It's about creating a great retail experience, keeping good stuff in circulation, strengthening community, and backing the wider systems change Aotearoa needs.
Why join us - Be part of launching a new retail venture from the ground up
- Do meaningful work with a visible community and environmental impact
- Help shape a store with a clear point of difference
- Work in a values-led social enterprise with ambition
- Play a key role in a venture with real growth potential
Please apply with your CV and a short cover letter telling us why this role interests you and what you bring to it. We have partnered with Kin to support us to find someone incredible for this role; if you have any questions before applying, please email Paula Harrington at
[email protected]. Applications close on May 5th 2026.
*Please note to be eligible for this opportunity, you will hold a valid Work Visa that allows you to be employed in New Zealand.