Hundreds of inspiring events. Thousands of participants. One clear purpose. 

Event Assistant (Merchandise) - North & Scotland

£13.80ph  plus benefits 

Reports to: Events supporter experience project manager
Directorate: ​ Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement
Contract:  3x Casual contracts from May-October 2025
(this role is internally know as Event Merchandise Officer)
Hours:  Shift times will vary depending on the size and type of event you are covering. Events take place between May and October with shifts between 5-13 hours.
Location: ​ Covering the North and Scotland - including Cumbria, Northumberland, Durham, Lancashire, Yorkshire
Closing date: 27 Jan 2025 23:55  

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply. Please contact [email protected] or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible. 

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship. 
Eligibility: Due to the nature of this role you must be over 21 and hold a full driver’s Licence to apply to this position. 
Recruitment process: Competency based interview with task.
Interview date: Week commencing 24th February 2025
Training Date: Compulsory paid training taking place on Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th April in Yarnfield, Staffordshire, with travel, accommodation and food included.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. 

We’re looking for friendly, passionate and customer service driven individuals to join Cancer Research UK’s Event Delivery Team as Merchandise Officers. You’ll be acting as the face of Cancer Research UK, giving the opportunity for participants to buy event merchandise on the day or night of our events, including well-known events such as Race for Life and Shine Night Walk. 

This could be a great opportunity for someone currently working in retail, or someone who has strong customer service experience looking for exposure in the events world.  You’ll have the chance to use your creativity as you’ll create your own pop-up shop on the day and merchandise in the best way possible to attract more sales. You’ll also be surrounded by people who are as dedicated to beating cancer as you are. 

" I thoroughly enjoyed my time working as a Merchandise Officer. The atmosphere at Race for Life, Pretty Muddy and Shine is electric! Spending your weekends raising money for Cancer Research UK, engaging with the participants and being part of a likeminded team is very special. This role provides you with a great opportunity to gain valuable event, retail, volunteer and fundraising experience. You never know where it could lead - I now work as an Area Event Manager for Cancer Research UK! " 

April Davies  

You can learn more about our fantastic teams on our event opportunities. Click here 

What will I be doing? 

• Generating vital funds for Cancer Research UK through the sale of event merchandise amongst participants and their supporters. 

• Using your creativity to display event merchandise at your own pop-up shop, finding ways to maximise sales. 

• Contributing to the energy and feel of the event by engaging with participants and supporters 

• Providing excellent customer and supporter service. 

• Managing the merchandising activity across a number of events including the collection and return of all kit, stock and transport. 

• Stock Management – replenishing cycle 

• Undertaking event merchandising set up, installation and loading and unloading of equipment on to the event site. 

• Overseeing a diverse team of volunteers. 

What skills are we looking for? 

• A passion for events and generating funds for Cancer Research UK. 

• Adaptability to changing situations with the ability to work on your own initiative. 

• The ability to solve problems and respond to opportunities and challenges. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with a range of people. 

• Confidence to represent Cancer Research UK publicly. 

• Good organisation and prioritisation skills. 

• Understanding of what makes good customer service. 

• You are required to have a driving license with the confidence to learn to drive a long wheelbase van. 

What else do I need to know?  

• You’ll enjoy an active and engaging day on your feet being fully involved in the flow of activities

• All events will require early mornings and will likely run into the evening so you must be willing to be flexible as shift patterns will vary depending on the event

• This is predominantly weekend work so can fit around your full-time job and studies. Ideal for people looking for additional hours while contributing to a great cause

• As all events are held outdoors, this role is perfect for those who enjoy working outside as it’s a great opportunity to embrace the fresh air and join in the excitement.

• You will be required to travel and stay away from home.  (all expenses paid)

• You must be over 21 to apply for this role due to the nature of it i.e van driving. 

• You must be Eligible to work in the UK. 

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do. 

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination   

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism    

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people   

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively 

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer. 

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you. 

What will I gain? 

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. 

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page. 

How do I apply? 

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.   

For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].    

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.  

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact [email protected] or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.