At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily operations of the Coop Union Plaza store and oversee staff.
- Company: KSU Coop is a student-focused convenience retailer on Canterbury Campus.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days of annual leave and work in a vibrant campus environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact on campus life.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for customer service and teamwork.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including evenings and weekends, with a focus on student staff development.
The predicted salary is between 26728 - 37419 £ per year.
Retail Duty Manager at KSU Coop
£26,728
35 hours per week
34 days’ annual leave (full-time equivalent).
We are seeking someone who will be responsible for effectively managing our main Coop Store (named Coop Union Plaza) on Canterbury Campus, having oversight over all operational areas of the store. The store is open 7 days a week, usually from 7am until midnight, providing everyday essentials you would find in any Coop store, primarily to students and university staff, but also to the wider community. We run two Coop stores on Canterbury campus as ‘franchise’ stores – this means we work in partnership with the Cooperative Group, using their brand, goods, and systems, but all of our staff are employed by Kent Union Trading Ltd, and all profits go back into Kent Union. The service and offer to the customer, however, is the same as in any other Coop store, so our goods and services are recognisable, as Coop are the leading convenience retailer in the UK.
The successful candidate will be responsible for driving consistency in all aspects of operations and will be tasked with working a combination of daytime, evening and weekend shifts. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the store and execution of Coop store processes ad routines, ensuring we drive sales through great availability, customer service and store standards, as well as delivering excellent profitability through effective control of costs. They will be responsible for staff development and management and will manage a team primarily comprised of student staff, and some career staff. They will also be responsible for ensuring that our stores remain safe and secure for all customers and staff. The post holder’s principal place of work will be the Coop Union Plaza, however from time to time, they may be required to work in the Coop Park Wood, our other store on the campus.
Kent Union is an organisation that champions equity and diversity and we have recently introduced a REMP guaranteed interview scheme, full details of which can be found in the Recruitment Pack.
More information is available at
Closing Date: 12/01/ 2025 17:00
Interview Date: 20/01/ 2025
To apply please download and complete an application form from our recruitment website , or complete a CV and covering letter and email, along with the Diversity Monitoring Form to
Retail Duty Manager at KSU Coop employer: Kent Students' Union
Contact Detail:
Kent Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Duty Manager at KSU Coop
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Coop brand and its values. Understanding what makes Coop unique will help you align your management style with their operational standards and customer service expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in retail management, especially in environments that cater to students or diverse communities. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with the primary customer base of the Coop Union Plaza.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to staff development and team management. Since you'll be managing a team primarily made up of student staff, showcasing your ability to mentor and motivate young employees will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to share examples of how you've driven sales and maintained store standards in past roles. Providing specific metrics or outcomes from your previous positions can set you apart as a candidate who delivers results.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Duty Manager at KSU Coop
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Retail Duty Manager position. Understand the responsibilities, such as managing store operations, staff development, and ensuring customer service excellence.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in retail management, customer service, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and manage a team effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for retail and your understanding of the Coop brand. Mention how your skills align with the requirements of the role and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the Kent Union community.
Complete the Application Form: If you choose to use the application form provided on the recruitment website, ensure all sections are filled out accurately. Pay attention to details and provide any additional information that showcases your qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Students' Union
✨Understand the Coop Brand
Familiarize yourself with the Coop brand and its values. Since you'll be managing a store that operates under the Coop name, knowing their mission and customer service standards will help you align your management style with their expectations.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams, especially in a retail environment. Highlight how you've developed staff in the past and how you plan to motivate a team primarily made up of students.
✨Emphasize Customer Service
Be ready to share examples of how you've driven sales through excellent customer service. Discuss strategies you've implemented to enhance customer satisfaction and how you would maintain high store standards.
✨Flexibility and Availability
Since the role requires working various shifts, including evenings and weekends, express your flexibility and willingness to adapt to the store's needs. This shows your commitment to the role and understanding of the retail environment.