At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the product lifecycle and create a vibrant retail experience at the Design Museum.
- Company: Join the world’s leading contemporary design museum with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days holiday, hybrid working, and discounts at museum shops and cafes.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity in the workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail in a creative environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior buying and merchandising, with a flair for creativity and communication.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 48000 £ per year.
The Design Museum is the world’s leading museum devoted to contemporary design in all its forms, supported by a diverse Commercial & Operations directorate. As part of our Commercial Transformation 2029 strategy, we have created a new Senior Product & Merchandising Manager role to help deliver our Shop DESIGN, Support CHANGE vision. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the end‑to‑end retail and licensing product lifecycle and shape a creative, commercially successful retail experience.
About the role
The Senior Product & Merchandising Manager leads the product vision, developing and delivering a clear product strategy, aligning buying and merchandising plans to drive income growth, profitability and long‑term brand value. Working closely with Buying, Merchandising and Operations, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering the strategic transformation of the museum’s retail offer.
Key areas of focus include:
- Leading the delivery of the product pillar within the commercial transformation strategy, defining and executing a cohesive implementation plan.
- Shaping and integrating partnerships within the wider product strategy, including licensing, limited editions, touring/B2B and ecommerce exclusives.
- Benchmarking trends, materials, market developments and competitor retail, sharing insights to inform product direction.
- Overseeing the delivery and embedding of commercial brand guidelines, ensuring clarity, cohesion and a consistent visual language.
- Overseeing delivery of buying and merchandising targets and overall retail KPIs, including income, profit, conversion and average transaction value.
About you
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Strong creative flair and the ability to excite and influence others about a clear product vision.
- Experience as a senior buyer and product developer, ideally within a cultural setting, with an interest in design.
- Demonstrable merchandising experience in a fast‑paced environment.
- A commercially aware approach, with a proven track record of achieving targets, negotiating terms and maintaining strong supplier and stakeholder relationships.
- Excellent communication skills, including managing complex external relationships.
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise a complex workload in a changing environment with tight deadlines.
Terms and Conditions
- Salary: up to £48,000 per annum
- Hours: 35 hours/5 days per week
- Location: the Design Museum Kensington is the place of work -with a hybrid arrangement of 60% of an employee’s role to be performed at the museum and 40% remote.
- Permanent - Full-time
Benefits
- 25 days holiday, rising to 26 days (after two years' of service) and 27 days (after five years' of service)
- Hybrid working, 60% museum, 40% remote and annually two weeks fully remote
- Core hours and flexible working, including part-time and compressed hours
- Season ticket loan, tenancy deposit loan, cycle to work scheme
- Access to a defined contribution pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Free museum entry for friends and family
- Discounts in the museum shops and cafes
- Free entry to other galleries and museums
The museum pro-actively seeks to collaborate with institutional partners, individuals, and networks to realise its commitment to build a culturally diverse workforce. We positively encourage applications from underrepresented groups and consider candidates who are suitably qualified and eligible regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Senior Product & Merchandising Manager employer: the Design Museum
The Design Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the heart of Kensington. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the museum provides flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits such as free entry to galleries and discounts at museum shops. Join us to be part of a transformative journey in contemporary design while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Product & Merchandising Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to the Design Museum. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers, bring along a portfolio or examples of your work that highlight your product vision and merchandising skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching current trends in design and retail. Being able to discuss these insights will show you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product & Merchandising Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Flair:Let your personality shine through in your application! We want to see how you can excite and influence others with your product vision. Use examples from your past experiences to showcase your creativity and passion for design.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the key areas of focus mentioned in the job description. Highlight your merchandising experience and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive income growth and profitability.
Communicate Clearly:Your communication skills are crucial for this role, so make sure your application is clear and concise. We want to see how you manage complex relationships, so don’t hesitate to include examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Design Museum!
How to prepare for a job interview at the Design Museum
✨Know Your Product Vision
Before the interview, dive deep into the Design Museum's current retail offerings and their vision for the future. Be ready to discuss how your creative flair can align with their goals and how you can influence others to embrace a clear product strategy.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience as a senior buyer and product developer. Focus on instances where you've successfully driven income growth and profitability, especially in fast-paced environments similar to the museum's.
✨Understand the Market
Research current trends in merchandising and design, as well as competitors in the cultural sector. Bring insights to the table during your interview to demonstrate your ability to benchmark and inform product direction effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts on complex external relationships and stakeholder management. Strong communication skills are crucial for this role, so be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these challenges in the past.
