Job title: Retail Assistant/s
Salary: £23,151.48 pro rata
Hours: 15 hours
Contract: Permanent
Location: Leeds Art Gallery
Working in the city’s beautiful flagship gallery you will contribute to the operational delivery of the giftshop at Leeds Art Gallery. You will offer a warm welcome and ensure the highest customer service to patrons while being proactive in sales.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As Retail Assistant, you will bring to the role:
- excellent customer service skills
- a motivation to ensure a high level of presentation
- an interest in retail in a cultural environment
- a confidence in using till systems and handling cash
- an eye for detail in managing stock
About the role
This is a great opportunity to be part of Leeds Art Gallery and work to support retail operations in the new shop. Based in the heart of the city, you’ll be play an important role in reaching sales targets and making sure the shop is an integral part of the gallery visit.
You will coordinate stock delivery and merchandising shelves with well-presented products. As a Retail Assistant you will be motivated by helping customers, giving excellent product knowledge and achieving sales.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
Job Description
Job Purpose Contribute to the effective delivery of the giftshop at Leeds Art Gallery. Ensure the highest customer service and visitor experience is delivered, sales are maximised and visual presentation, stock levels and cleanliness are maintained
Responsibilities for Grade
- Deliver excellent customer service and support customers with their enquiries and purchases
- Develop knowledge of products and ranges on sale and proactively promote all retail stock incorporating add on sales where possible including the Picture Lending Scheme and online opportunities for print on demand
- Follow visual presentation plans and guidelines to ensure a high level of standard is maiintained
- Update and maintain all relevant signage for the giftshop ensuring it is accurate and updated in accordance with the site’s brand guidelines, shop ranges and events
- Replenish stock, ensure products are clearly priced and work with the Retail Supervisor to maintain levels
- Process stock deliveries and report any damaged items and participate in stock takes when required
- Utilise the EPOS system and process transactions (electronic and cash) accurately in line with relevant procedures
- Process refunds and exchanges
- Achieve sales targets as agreed and assist with the promotion of the retail offer
- Assist with online orders including processing in line with correct procedures, pack and dispatch as required mataining high quality standards
- Ensure high standards of cleanliness within giftshop and where products are stored
- To be responsible for carrying out relevant security procedures for giftshop within agreed guidelines and actively promote loss prevention activities
- Participate in briefing sessions and training to develop skills and knowledge relevant to the post
- Always present a positive image of the Art Gallery
- Ensure all retail work is undertaken in line with relevant Health and Safety guidelines
- Be aware of and adhere to Leeds City Council Health and Safety Policy being responsible for your own health and safety whilst at work and that of your colleagues and our customers.
- Achieve recognised Health & Safety qualification specific to job need. Carry out risk assessments and implement safe systems of work as required
- Promote and apply consistently the principles of Leeds City Council Equal Opportunities Policies both with colleagues and members of the public to ensure fair and equal access to services and opportunities.
- Be aware of and adhere to Leeds City Council Safeguarding policies (children and vulnerable adults)
- To undertake any other duties as commensurate with the grade
Qualifications There is no specific qualification required for the post.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
- Ability to communicate with a wide range of people
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team or alone without regular supervision
- Ability to deal with the public in a polite, friendly and helpful manner
- Ability to respond to customer enquiries and complaints
- Good numerical and literacy skills
- Ability to take sales using an EPOS system
- Knowledge of working in a customer facing retail outlet
- Knowledge of a range of ICT applications including Microsoft Office
- Knowledge of merchandising and displays
- Experience of working in a retail customer facing role, engaging with the public on a day to day basis
- Experience of cash handling and maintaining accurate financial and statistical records
- Experience of active sales and working towards sales targets
- Experience in participating in stocktakes
- Experience in assisting with visual merchandising displays
- Experience of following security procedures
Behavioural & other Characteristics required
- Willing to abide by the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post, and as an employee of the Council.
- Willing to carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the Council’s Health and Safety Policies.
- Self-motivated with the ability to use own initiative.
- Willingness to work flexibly with regards to working hours, where necessary.
- Desire and commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to continue own training.
- Demonstrate an interest in the work of Leeds Museums and Galleries.
