Event merchandise officer

Photo of a smiling CRUK fundraiser running at an event

Hundreds of inspiring events. Millions of pounds raised. One clear purpose.

In a lively, vibrant working environment, you’ll discover something new every day, whether it’s a new course, a new community or a talent you never knew you had.

You’ll also be surrounded by people who are as dedicated to beating cancer as you are.

Apply now

What does an events merchandise officer do?

Events merchandise officers act as an ambassador for Cancer Research UK, supporting the merchandising and fund-generation for our events season including well-known events such as Race for Life and Shine Night Walk.

They manage our merchandise activity across our events gaining skills and experience in communication, reporting, sales, stock management, health & safety and volunteer management and administration. All whilst providing a fantastic supporter experience on the event day.

Events merchandise officers are an integral part of a dedicated events team of experts in their field. They have great fun, develop, and deliver inspiring events which bring together communities, survivors and those who have been touched by cancer.

Hear from our events merchandise officers

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

Events merchandise officer: what to expect

When is event season?

Our events season takes place between May and October each year.

Events Merchandise Officers work approximately between 6 – 9 events across end of April/May to October. The events are allocated around your availability, which we ask you to confirm before you start with us. Whilst most of our events are on weekends, we do work the occasional weekday event.

Applications open in January for a May start.

Who can apply?

We’re looking for applicants with a passion for events and a readiness to generate funds for Cancer Research UK.

You must be age 21 or over, hold a full and clean driving licence, and be willing to drive a van long distance.

The role mostly takes place on weekends and our shifts cover some night-time events making it easy to fit around some jobs and/or studies.

Whilst we don’t expect you to be able to run a marathon, there is some physical activity required in this role which requires a reasonable level of fitness and we work outside in all weather conditions.

How much can I earn?

Our events merchandise officers work on a casual contract and are paid £13.80 per hour.

What happens at the end of the event season?

When you take on a casual role within the event delivery team, you become a valued member of the national team. At the end of the event season, you'll have the chance to discuss the plans for next years event season with your manager. We have also had many people go on to become permanent members of staff with us. We recognise talent within these roles and offer support and development both within the event merchandise officer role and your onward career.

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Stage 1: Online application

Complete an online application form. Fill out your details, answer a number of role related questions and upload your CV. Please note that in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, our application process is anonymised, meaning we will not be able to view your CV until later. So please fill out all required fields even if the information is provided in your CV.

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Stage 2: Interview

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an interview. A panel of representatives from the events team will ask competency-based questions relating to the role.

Stage 3: Offer

We will get in touch to make successful applicants an offer. We will arrange the induction for you and other seasonal event new starters, a diverse and talented cohort, launching their careers in the charity.

Training

As part of your induction into the role, there will be some compulsory training to attend. The details of this will be communicated to you throughout the recruitment process.

Stage 1: Online application
Stage 2: Interview
Stage 3: Offer
Training

Join an inclusive team

Beating cancer means beating it for everyone. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do.

This will help us make faster progress: it is well known that more diverse organisations perform better, and we will enable our community of cancer researchers to thrive.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner. 

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 questions or concerns you have about how we can support you with a disability or health condition or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.

Together we will beat cancer.