At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise shop and museum operations, engage with visitors, and manage online sales.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at the historic Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Museum.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hands-on experience, and a chance to promote a significant legacy.
- Other info: Opportunity to work during exciting events like the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful mission while gaining valuable retail and management skills.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a passion for history and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Hours: 21 per week (0.6 FTE), worked across three days, including weekends and bank holidays on a rota (additional/altered working hours may be required during peak periods and key events).
Contract: Permanent
About the role
The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Museum, shop and festival commemorate the six farm workers who, in 1834, were punished for forming a union and later freed after a historic, union‑led campaign. Today, Tolpuddle remains a place of pilgrimage for trade unionists and visitors from around the world. The Museum tells the story of the Martyrs’ arrest, trial and legacy, while the site also hosts the annual Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival and includes the Martyrs’ Memorial Cottages, home to retired trade unionists.
We are seeking a Shop and Museum Supervisor to join our small, dedicated team. Working closely with the Tolpuddle Museum and Shop Manager, you will help ensure a high‑quality visitor experience, support the smooth running of the museum and shop, and contribute to promoting the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ legacy. This is a varied, hands‑on role combining retail supervision, online shop management, visitor engagement and operational support across the site.
Key responsibilities
- Supervise daily shop and museum operations, including opening/closing, customer service and till duties.
- Work well and flexibly with customers, visitors and residents.
- Maintain stock levels, pricing, displays and accurate sales records.
- Manage and promote the online shop, product listings, stock checks, order processing and customer communication.
- Liaise with suppliers and handle deliveries and stock administration.
- Provide front‑of‑house support and share information about the Tolpuddle Martyrs with visitors.
- Assist with general site upkeep, administration and health and safety compliance.
- Support museum events including the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival, including during weekends, bank holidays and occasional evenings.
As with all similar jobs, security clearance checks (DBS) will form part of the appointment process.
If this sounds like you, then please take a look at the job description and person specification for this post. We welcome applications from any candidate but are particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, who are underrepresented in this area.
Closing date: 25th May 2026
Shortlist date: 26th May 2026
Interview date: 9th June 2026
Shop and Museum Supervisor employer: Iris Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Iris Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop and Museum Supervisor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Museum and its history inside out. When you walk into that interview, show us your passion for the legacy of the Martyrs and how it connects to the role. A little enthusiasm goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role involves engaging with visitors, think about how you can create a welcoming atmosphere. Maybe even role-play some scenarios with a friend to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight any experience you have in retail or museum settings. We want to see how you’ve handled stock management or customer interactions before. Bring those stories to life during your chat with us!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace Shop and Museum Supervisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Shop and Museum Supervisor role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities that resonate with your experience. This will help us see how you fit right in!
Show Your Passion for the Cause: We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ legacy. In your application, share why this history matters to you and how you can contribute to promoting it. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so be specific!
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Iris Recruitment
✨Know Your History
Familiarise yourself with the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the significance of the museum. Being able to discuss their legacy and how it relates to modern trade unionism will show your passion for the role and the mission of the museum.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles. This position involves engaging with visitors, so demonstrating your ability to connect with people and handle inquiries will be crucial.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Since the job requires working weekends and bank holidays, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to changing schedules. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully managed flexible working hours.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with a small team, so be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share how you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals, especially in a retail or museum setting.