At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers and drive sales in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join the iconic Natural History Museum, a world-class visitor attraction.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, pension scheme, staff discounts, and free exhibition access.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for skill development and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that supports vital museum work while delivering exceptional customer service.
- Qualifications: Retail experience and a passion for customer service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 € per year.
About Us
We are a world‑class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website.
Diversity and inclusion matter to us. Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. We strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About The Role
This is a fantastic time to join the Retail team at the Natural History Museum. With several new exhibitions and shops opening, we are poised for a busy summer peak period with ambitious commercial targets. We are looking for Retail Assistants with a genuine passion for customer service to drive sales in an exceptionally fast‑paced and busy environment to help us achieve our goals. All profits you help generate from our stores support the work of the museum.
About You
As a Retail Assistant, you will work in a large team across our four permanent onsite stores and exhibition shops. We are looking for dedicated, energetic, friendly individuals with strong retail experience to support the day‑to‑day operations of the stores. Candidates should demonstrate strong resilience, staying motivated and positive during long or demanding periods, driving sales and delivering a world‑class customer service experience for all guests.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
What We Offer
- 27.5 days holiday plus eight bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4–10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK
- Staff discount at our museum shops and cafes
- Wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council, which includes benefits and reduced entry fees at up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to an in‑house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis, tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
- Hybrid working
Due to the nature of this role the work pattern will be 100% on site.
How To Apply
If this sounds like you, please apply below by clicking on Apply for job. Please note that our recruitment process uses anonymised shortlisting, and panels do not view CVs. If you upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from it into the application form. We advise you to double‑check your application form data before submitting.
Closing date: 23:59 on 22 May 2026
Assessment days will be taking place on 1, 3 and 4 June 2026.
Note: This role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship, so the successful postholder must have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.
Retail Assistant (FTC) employer: Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion, ensuring every employee feels valued and respected. As a Retail Assistant, you will enjoy generous benefits including 27.5 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to a world-class visitor attraction that supports vital scientific research. Join us in a dynamic environment where your passion for customer service can thrive and make a meaningful impact on millions of visitors each year.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant (FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Museum! Familiarise yourself with its exhibitions and collections. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine passion for the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond for a customer. This is key for a Retail Assistant, and we want to hear those stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees if you can! Reach out on LinkedIn or at events. They can give you insider tips about the team and what it’s really like to work at the Museum.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll be able to tailor your application to highlight how you fit into our values and mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistant (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Customer Service:When filling out your application, let your enthusiasm for customer service shine through. We want to see how you can bring that genuine passion to our Retail team and create a world-class experience for our visitors.
Highlight Your Retail Experience:Make sure to showcase any relevant retail experience you have. We’re looking for dedicated individuals who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, so share specific examples of how you've driven sales or improved customer satisfaction in previous roles.
Be Yourself:We value diversity and inclusion, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share what makes you unique and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment at the Museum.
Double-Check Your Application:Before hitting that submit button, take a moment to review your application form. Our system pulls data from your CV, but it’s always good to double-check everything is accurate and reflects your best self. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Know the Museum Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the Natural History Museum. Familiarise yourself with its collections, current exhibitions, and the values it stands for, especially around diversity and inclusion. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your passion for customer service to the museum's mission.
✨Showcase Your Retail Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous retail experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you excelled in customer service or drove sales. Highlight any situations where you demonstrated resilience and positivity, especially during busy periods, as this is crucial for a fast-paced environment like the museum.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since you'll be working in a large team, it's important to convey your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked well with others in past roles, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the role, the team dynamics, or upcoming exhibitions. This shows your eagerness to engage and learn more about how you can contribute to the museum's goals.
