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- Tasks: Manage the Coop Union Plaza store, ensuring smooth operations and excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Kent Students’ Union, a vibrant community-focused organization supporting students and staff.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days of annual leave, flexible shifts, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact on campus.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just bring your passion for customer service and teamwork.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview scheme for diverse candidates; apply by 31/01/2025.
The predicted salary is between 16400 - 19000 £ per year.
Retail Duty Manager (Twlights)
£27,396 Grade 6.3
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 Students’ Union Trading Ltd, and all profits go back into Kent Students’ 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. You would be responsible for the day-to-day management of the store and execution of Coop store processes and routines, ensuring we drive sales through great availability, customer service and store standards, as well as delivering excellent profitability through effective control of costs. You would be responsible for staff development and management, managing a team primarily comprised of student staff, and some career staff. You would 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, may be required to work in the Coop Park Wood, our other store on campus.
Proposed Working Pattern: 5 nights out of 7 during term time, 6pm – 2am; 3pm – 11pm in non term time, Monday to Friday only.
Kent Students’ 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.
To apply please download and complete an application form (or send a CV with a cover letter), along with the Diversity Monitoring Form to
Closing date 31/01/2025 17:00
Interview date 10/02/2025
Retail Duty Manager (Twilights) 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 (Twilights)
✨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, which is crucial for a Retail Duty Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in retail management or customer service roles during your interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've driven sales and improved customer satisfaction in past positions.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your ability to manage and develop a diverse team, especially if you have experience working with students or part-time staff. Share strategies you've used to motivate and train team members effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your approach to maintaining safety and security in a retail environment. This is a key responsibility for the role, so showcasing your knowledge of best practices will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Duty Manager (Twilights)
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, working hours, and the importance of customer service and staff management in this role.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in retail management, customer service, and team leadership. Emphasize any experience you have with managing student staff or working in a similar environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for retail and your understanding of the Coop brand. Mention specific examples of how you have driven sales, improved store standards, or developed staff in previous roles.
Complete the Diversity Monitoring Form: Don’t forget to fill out the Diversity Monitoring Form as part of your application. This is important for the organization’s commitment to equity and diversity, and it shows that you align with their values.
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 Coop store, knowing their commitment to quality, community, and sustainability will help you align your answers with their mission during the interview.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Retail Duty Manager, you'll be responsible for staff management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past, focusing on your ability to motivate and develop student staff, as well as manage diverse teams.
✨Highlight Customer Service Experience
Customer service is key in retail. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've gone above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, especially in a fast-paced environment like a convenience store.
✨Discuss Operational Efficiency
The role requires driving sales and managing costs effectively. Prepare to talk about your experience with operational processes, inventory management, and how you've contributed to profitability in previous roles.
