At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail operations at a heritage railway, maximising revenue and coordinating volunteers.
- Company: Join the Watercress Line, a beloved heritage railway with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, and an Employee Assistance Programme for support.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with opportunities for growth in a unique environment.
- Why this job: Be part of preserving history while engaging with visitors and volunteers.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail supervision and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location: Based at Alresford but requiring travel to Ropley and Alton - on site working required.
Salary: £27,500 (pro-rata) per year
Job Type: Part-time flexible hours equating to 22.5 hours a week. There will be an expectation of onsite working during key events including Bank Holidays and evenings.
The Watercress Line is Hampshire's heritage railway that preserves the experience and skills of railway engineering and operations and explains how railways changed society through the story of our Line. It operates between Alton and Alresford in Hampshire and was opened as a heritage line in 1977.
In this role, you will coordinate the retail function at the Watercress Line and maximise revenue while delivering a relevant and attractive range of products appropriate to seasonality and audience.
As our Retail Supervisor, your role and responsibilities will be:
- Volunteer coordination: Recruit, train and coordinate volunteer teams delivering regular retail support.
- Front of House: Ensure the highest levels of presentation across the retail outlets with all products correctly priced and placed.
- Product development: Develop and deliver a range of merchandise appropriate to the Watercress Line audiences and respond to changes in the Locomotive fleet with up-to-date products.
- Product pricing and visual merchandising: To agree margin levels and pricing strategies with the Commercial Manager and merchandising and creating displays for the product ranges.
- Stock management: Order and receive goods into the shop and organising the distribution of stock across the railway outlets. Regularly review stock levels and product movement for maximum revenue.
Skills and Experience Requirements:
- Experienced in a supervisory position within the independent sector
- Computer literate with knowledge of EPOS and MS Office
- Strong numerical and organisational skills
You will need to be independent and collaborative, working as part of a small paid team and a large, dedicated volunteer base. You will have an eye for detail and a flair for training. You will be willing to get 'stuck in' with the teams, supporting them at peak times throughout the year. A background in hobby, leisure or heritage retail would be an advantage.
About Us: We are a heritage steam railway operated by award-winning volunteers and supported by paid staff, bringing smiles to faces through the beautiful Hampshire countryside for 50 years. We are traditional but innovative; respectful but challenging; slow-moving but fast-paced; friendly, intergenerational, real world and hands-on. We deliver social value to our volunteers and visitors; economic value to our region; and cultural value to the nation in the preservation of memories and skills of the last generation of steam.
Managed by Mid-Hants Railway Ltd, a company that holds the authority to operate the line and owns the land. It is supported by the Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust, a charity. Both the company and the charity own assets that work on the railway, along with a wide range of partners. There is a membership of 3500 Watercress Line members who participate in the governance of the charity; and 3500 shareholders of MHR Ltd. The Trust Board appoints the Directors of MHR Ltd. The Watercress Line is a not-for-profit organisation funded predominantly from its train operating revenues, with funds raised from individuals, legacies, and grants.
Benefits:
- Network Rail Staff Leisure Travel discount card after 1 years' service.
- Discounts for railway events, catering and retail
- Employee Assistance Programme for free personal, legal, emotional and financial advice and support.
- Holidays: 28 days including bank holiday allowance (or pro rata)
Candidates with experience of: Retail Manager, Assistant Retail Manager, Shop Manager, Store Supervisor, Store Manager, Retail Operations Supervisor, Retail Team Leader, Retail Coordinator, Merchandise Manager, Merchandising Supervisor, Stock Control Supervisor, Stock Manager, Retail Sales Supervisor, may also be considered for this role.
Retail Supervisor employer: Watercress Line
The Watercress Line is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the heart of Hampshire's heritage railway. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, we provide our Railway Managers with the chance to grow their skills while preserving the rich history of railways. Our commitment to meaningful work and community engagement makes this an ideal place for those passionate about railway operations and engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Supervisor
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
Retail is all about community, so don't underestimate the power of local connections. Pop into shops you're interested in, chat with staff, and ask if they have any openings. This personal touch could land you a part-time gig with ease!
✨Show Off Your Personality
Retail is a people business, and employers love genuine, enthusiastic candidates. When you're applying for part-time roles, showcase your customer service skills and personality during interviews. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share your love for the products!
✨Utilise College or University Resources
If you're a student, check out your university’s career services. They often have links with local retailers looking for part-time staff. It's a great way to find positions that work around your studies while also building your CV!
✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often sees a surge during peak seasons like Christmas or summer sales. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary part-time roles during these times. Many companies, including Watercress Line, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Supervisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, we know that customer service is king! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got with face-to-face interactions. Include specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer—this shows potential employers like Watercress Line that you're all about creating great shopping experiences.
Flexibility is Key!:For a part-time role, showcasing your availability is crucial. Make it clear in your application when you can work, especially if you have weekday and weekend flexibility. Retail can demand odd hours, so we want to see that you're ready to jump in when needed!
Forget the Fancy Formatting:While you want your CV to look good, in retail, clarity is more important than flashiness. Use simple formatting and bullet points to make your experiences stand out. Retail managers at Watercress Line will appreciate a straightforward CV that’s easy to skim through.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:When applying for a part-time retail position, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about Watercress Line and what you can bring to their team. Maybe you love their products or admire their customer service philosophy—let that passion come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watercress Line
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Watercress Line, it’s super crucial to know their brand inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, customer service approach, and any current promotions. This way, you can engage genuinely in conversations and show that you’re already invested in their vibe.
✨Excellent Customer Scenarios
Prepare for customer service scenarios! Retail interviews often include role-play or situational questions. Think about how you'd handle different customer situations, from dealing with complaints to upselling products. We want to hear how you can keep your cool and keep the customer happy!
✨Tailoring Your Availability
Being part-time means flexibility is key! Be ready to discuss your availability honestly. Employers in retail love candidates who can adapt their schedules to peak hours. Show that you're keen to work evenings or weekends if it helps them out.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is essential in retail. Bring up experiences where you worked effectively in a team, whether it’s in previous jobs, school projects, or volunteering. We want to know how you can contribute to a positive team environment at Watercress Line!
