At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the visual presentation and sales of student art at a pop-up shop.
- Company: Join Manchester Metropolitan University’s vibrant Art School Commission team.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop your skills, and connect with creative minds.
- Other info: Perfect for current students looking to enhance their CV and network.
- Why this job: Make an impact by showcasing unique student artwork to the public.
- Qualifications: Experience in galleries or arts organisations and strong visual merchandising skills.
The predicted salary is between 12000 - 18000 £ per year.
The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role. We are recruiting two Visual Merchandisers / Assistant Shop Managers to support the planning, installation and delivery of the Art School Commission (ASC) pop‑up shop at the annual Art and Design Degree Show 2026.
Working closely with the Shop Manager and Art Commissions Team, successful candidates will take a lead role in the visual presentation of bespoke and commissioned student work for sale, support day‑to‑day shop operations, and manage volunteers throughout the event.
- Exhibition Installation (from 2 June)
- Lead on the setup and visual display of the Degree Show pop‑up shop
- Organise and present student work for sale using visual merchandising principles
- Operate SumUp card machines and manage sales transactions confidently
- Brief and manage volunteers on sales etiquette, labelling and visitor interaction
- Liaise with students to ensure work is correctly labelled, presented and stocked
- Support restocking and reorganisation throughout the exhibition period
- Manage and update product listings online where required
- Visitor and Sales Engagement
- Engage visitors with the work on display, communicating clearly and confidently about individual pieces, their context and their value
- Represent the Art School Commission with professionalism, warmth and curatorial authority
- Support students in articulating and presenting their own work to potential buyers where appropriate
Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
This is a hands‑on role requiring demonstrable expertise in a gallery or curatorial context. Candidates must be confident discussing and articulating contemporary art and craft to a public audience, and must have direct experience working alongside curators - whether in a paid role or as a volunteer. The work on sale is bespoke and commissioned; candidates should be able to engage visitors meaningfully with individual pieces, their provenance, and their value.
Requirements
- If you have not completed right to work, Jobs4Students will need to attend a right to work appointment on Tuesday 2 June to be able to undertake this role
- Experience working in a gallery, museum or arts organisation (paid or voluntary)
- Experience working alongside or supporting curators in a professional or voluntary capacity
- Demonstrable visual merchandising skills – the ability to arrange and present artworks or creative products in a considered, sales‑focused way
- Ability to discuss and articulate contemporary art and craft confidently and knowledgeably to a public audience
- Experience selling artworks or creative/handmade products
- Understanding of how to handle, label and present bespoke or commissioned work for sale
- Experience operating point‑of‑sale or card machines
Visual Merchandiser Curator in Manchester employer: Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment, perfect for those passionate about art and education. As a Visual Merchandiser Curator, you will not only gain hands-on experience in a dynamic pop-up shop setting but also have the opportunity to engage with students and the public, fostering a sense of community and creativity. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the university supports your professional growth while providing a platform to showcase your skills in a meaningful way.
Contact Details:
Manchester Metropolitan University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visual Merchandiser Curator in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with visual merchandising principles and the specifics of the Art School Commission. This way, when you chat with the team, you can show off your knowledge and passion for the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to engage visitors and discuss artworks confidently. Try rehearsing how you’d explain a piece’s context and value to a friend – it’ll help you sound natural and enthusiastic during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with fellow students and staff at Manchester Met. They might have insights or tips about the role, and who knows, they could even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Visual Merchandiser Curator in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Art:When writing your application, let your love for contemporary art and craft shine through. We want to see how you connect with the pieces you'll be presenting, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your enthusiasm!
Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail any previous roles you've had in galleries or arts organisations. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their visual merchandising skills and experience working alongside curators, so don’t hold back on showcasing your background!
Be Clear and Confident:Your written application should reflect your ability to communicate clearly and confidently. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, as this will give us a taste of how you’ll engage with visitors at the pop-up shop.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Metropolitan University
✨Know Your Art Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the pieces you'll be discussing during the interview. Familiarise yourself with contemporary art and craft, and be ready to articulate the context and value of various works. This will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Visual Merchandiser Curator role.
✨Show Off Your Visual Merchandising Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences with visual merchandising. Bring examples of how you've successfully arranged artworks or products in a sales-focused way. If possible, have a portfolio ready to showcase your work, as this can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage Like a Pro
Practice how you would engage visitors about the artworks on display. Think about how you can communicate clearly and confidently about individual pieces. Role-playing with a friend can help you refine your approach and ensure you come across as warm and professional during the interview.
✨Be Ready to Manage and Lead
Since this role involves managing volunteers, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve briefed or managed a team, and highlight your ability to foster a positive environment. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a great curator but also a capable leader.
