At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise shop and museum operations, ensuring a great visitor experience.
- Company: Join the TUC, a champion for workers' rights and equality.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, competitive salary, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours, dynamic environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic legacy while engaging with visitors and supporting events.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and a passion for history and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 19266 - 19266 ÂŁ per year.
Hours: 21 per week (0.6 FTE), worked across three days, including weekends and bank holidays on a rota (additional/altered working hours may be required during peak periods and key events).
Contract: Permanent
Location: Tolpuddle, Dorset
Salary: Grade 3 (ÂŁ19,266 per annum)
About the role
The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Museum, shop and festival commemorate the six farm workers who, in 1834, were punished for forming a union and later freed after a historic, union‑led campaign. Today, Tolpuddle remains a place of pilgrimage for trade unionists and visitors from around the world. The Museum tells the story of the Martyrs’ arrest, trial and legacy, while the site also hosts the annual Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival and includes the Martyrs’ Memorial Cottages, home to retired trade unionists.
We are seeking a Shop and Museum Supervisor to join our small, dedicated team. Working closely with the Tolpuddle Museum and Shop Manager, you will help ensure a high‑quality visitor experience, support the smooth running of the museum and shop, and contribute to promoting the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ legacy. This is a varied, hands‑on role combining retail supervision, online shop management, visitor engagement and operational support across the site.
Key responsibilities:
- Supervise daily shop and museum operations, including opening/closing, customer service and till duties.
- Work well and flexibly with customers, visitors and residents.
- Maintain stock levels, pricing, displays and accurate sales records.
- Manage and promote the online shop, product listings, stock checks, order processing and customer communication.
- Liaise with suppliers and handle deliveries and stock administration.
- Provide front‑of‑house support and share information about the Tolpuddle Martyrs with visitors.
- Assist with general site upkeep, administration and health and safety compliance.
- Support museum events including the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival, including during weekends, bank holidays and occasional evenings.
As with all similar TUC jobs, security clearance checks (DBS) will form part of the appointment process.
If this sounds like you, then please take a look at the job description and person specification for this post. We welcome applications from any candidate but are particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, who are underrepresented in this area. If this applies to you and you’re interested in the post, we invite you to join an online briefing at 12:00 on Tuesday 19 May 2026, to hear about the TUC and ask questions of the recruiting manager. If you’d like to attend this briefing, please email jobs@tuc.org.uk by no later than 12 noon on Thursday 14 May 2026. You don’t need to attend the briefing session to apply.
The closing date for all applications is 12 noon on Monday 25 May 2026. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 9 June 2026.
The organisation
The TUC exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support trade unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living. Every day, we campaign for more and better jobs, and a more equal, more prosperous country.
Tolpuddle Shop and Museum Supervisor employer: TRADES UNION CONGRESS
Contact Detail:
TRADES UNION CONGRESS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tolpuddle Shop and Museum Supervisor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Museum and its history inside out. When you walk into that interview, you want to show your passion for the role and the legacy of the Martyrs. Share your thoughts on how you can enhance visitor experiences!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just sit back and wait for the interview; reach out! Connect with the team on social media or through their website. Ask questions about the role or the museum – it shows initiative and genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some examples of your past experiences in retail supervision or customer service. Think about how you’ve handled challenges or improved processes before. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Tolpuddle Shop and Museum Supervisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’ll help us understand what the Tolpuddle Shop and Museum Supervisor role is all about and what skills we should highlight in our application.
Show Your Passion for the Role: We want to see your enthusiasm! Make sure to express why you’re excited about working at the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Museum and how you connect with its mission. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send the same old CV and cover letter. Tailor them to reflect the specific responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve put thought into your application and are genuinely interested.
Apply Through Our Website: Make it easy for us to find your application by applying through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures that your application gets to the right place without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at TRADES UNION CONGRESS
✨Know Your History
Familiarise yourself with the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the significance of the museum. Being able to discuss their legacy will show your passion for the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles. This position involves engaging with visitors, so demonstrating your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere is key.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Since the role requires working weekends and bank holidays, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to changing schedules, especially during peak periods or events.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Talk about your experience with managing stock levels, handling deliveries, and maintaining accurate records. This will reassure the interviewers that you can keep the shop running smoothly and efficiently.