At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop retail operations, focusing on online shop and digital communications.
- Company: Join the South London Gallery, a vibrant cultural hub.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds; dynamic team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a creative environment while engaging with art and community.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, and commercially minded individuals welcome.
The predicted salary is between 38313 - 38313 £ per year.
Hours: 28 hours (4 days per week, 0.8 FTE) Monday to Thursday (10:30am to 6:30pm). Once a month the post holder will be required to work a Saturday shift on the shop floor (9:30am to 6:30pm, time off in lieu given).
Duration: Permanent
Reports to: Director of Development and Enterprise
The appointment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
We particularly encourage and welcome applications from people from backgrounds which are underrepresented in museums and galleries, including people from low-income backgrounds, people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds and disabled people.
Appointments are made at the start of the salary scale (£38,313), with annual pay progression through the scale based on satisfactory performance. The pay scale is reviewed annually in the light of cost of living and operational budgets.
About the Role
The SLG is seeking an organised, proactive and commercially minded Bookshop & Retail Manager to lead and develop the SLG’s retail operations and maximise vital commercial income to support the Gallery’s mission. The Bookshop & Retail Manager is one of two part-time Manager roles that share responsibility for the retail strategy, working closely with the Director of Development & Enterprise and the Deputy Director. The two Bookshop & Retail Managers co-manage day-to-day retail operations; however, each role has a specific focus. The focus for this role is the online shop, shop-related digital communications and SLG Editions. The other role has a focus on finance, bookshop events and partnerships.
Importantly, the sales desk in the Bookshop is also the reception desk for the Gallery. The Retail team is therefore knowledgeable about the SLG’s exhibitions and wider programmes and provides a high standard of care and welcome for both shop customers and gallery visitors. This role will line manage two part-time Bookshop Duty Managers and supervise other casual sales staff. They will work as part of the team to ensure the smooth running of the department.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 17 November, 12pm, and the application window will not close before this date. Applications received after that time cannot be considered. An online information session about the role will take place on Tuesday 10 November, 6pm.
Employer: South London Gallery
Place of work: South London Gallery
Salary: £38,313 pro rata
Contract type: Permanent
Application deadline: Tuesday 17 November, 12pm
Bookshop & Retail Manager employer: South London Gallery
South London Gallery is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for emerging curators. With a focus on mentorship and professional development, this role provides invaluable hands-on experience in a vibrant arts organisation, fostering creativity and collaboration within the community. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises growth, innovation, and impactful contributions to the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bookshop & Retail Manager
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like South London Gallery, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like South London Gallery!
We think you need these skills to ace Bookshop & Retail Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at South London Gallery, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at South London Gallery and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show South London Gallery that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at South London Gallery
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
