At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors and provide exceptional customer service in our vibrant gallery shop.
- Company: Join Manchester Art Gallery, a hub of creativity and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that supports art and culture while engaging with diverse visitors.
- Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills and a passion for art and culture.
The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.
Working Hours: These part-time positions are 14 hours per week. Two shift patterns are available: Wednesday and Thursday, Friday and Sunday (enhanced pay). For both shift patterns, the working hours are 9:15am to 5:15pm on each working day.
Contract Type: Part-Time, Permanent
Closing Date: 20 August 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
This role is subject to:
- 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.
- Proof of Manchester Residency – Roles at Grade 1 to 3, traineeships, or apprenticeships will initially only be advertised to Manchester residents and internal candidates.
Manchester Art Gallery is more than a place to view art – it is a space where people connect with creativity, culture and history. Our Retail Assistants play a vital role in shaping that experience. As the first point of contact for many visitors, you will help create a warm, engaging and memorable welcome while supporting the gallery’s retail operation and generating the income that sustains our exhibitions, events and public programmes.
We are looking for enthusiastic, customer-focused Retail Assistants who enjoy interacting with a wide range of people. Working in the gallery shop, you will provide exceptional customer service, helping visitors discover unique products inspired by art, design and Manchester’s rich cultural heritage. The gallery shop is an important part of our visitor offer. Every conversation, recommendation and sale helps support the work of Manchester Art Gallery to make great art, exhibitions, learning and thinking happen.
About the Candidate
We would love to hear from you if you have experience of:
Essential requirements for the role:
- Excellent customer service skills and a genuine commitment to creating positive visitor experiences
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience in a retail environment
- Good product knowledge skills, with the ability to learn about and confidently promote a diverse range of products
- Experience of visual merchandising and creating appealing retail displays
- Confidence in using point of sale systems
- Good numeracy skills
The experience below would be beneficial but is not essential:
Desirable requirements that would be useful in this role:
- An interest in art, culture and heritage
Benefits we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service.
- A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options.
- Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out.
- Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive.
- A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave.
Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council: At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.
Support During the Process: Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme: We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role.
When You Join Us: We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering a workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance.
What we will need from you if you're successful: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
Pre-Employment Checks: If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks will depend on the role you’ve applied for.
Other relevant information: We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment.
Retail Assistant in Manchester employer: Manchester City Council
At Crosslee Community Primary School, part of the CLIC Co-operative Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our collaborative culture, which encourages professional development and embraces diversity. Located in Greater Manchester, we offer a flexible working schedule that aligns with school hours, allowing for a balanced work-life experience while making a meaningful impact in the community.
