The Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Deputy Retail Manager to support the day-to-day operation of our retail outlets at the University of Southampton Students' Union (SUSU).
Working closely with the Retail Manager, you will help lead a diverse team of permanent and student staff, ensuring excellent customer service, strong commercial performance, and a welcoming environment for our students and visitors.
As a key member of the retail management team, you'll work a varied shift pattern that reflects the needs of our diverse retail operation. Shifts are typically scheduled Monday to Friday between 6:30am and 8:15pm, and weekends between 9:00am and 4:00pm, with occasional evening and event coverage during busy Students' Union activities and student-led events.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the Retail Manager in leading and developing the Retail Team, ensuring excellent customer service.
- Overseeing day-to-day retail operations, including staffing, stock management, merchandising and sales performance.
- Acting as Duty Manager when required, providing operational leadership and effective decision-making.
- Driving improvements to the customer experience, team performance and commercial results.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced retail environment and wants to make a positive impact on student life.
About You
You will be an organised, proactive and adaptable retail professional who enjoys leading teams and delivering excellent customer experiences.
You will have:
- Experience in a supervisory or management role within retail, hospitality or another customer-focused environment.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and develop others.
- A good understanding of retail operations, including stock control, merchandising, cash handling and retail systems.
- A proactive and commercially aware approach, with the ability to solve problems and manage competing priorities.
- The flexibility to work across our operating hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.
Most importantly, you'll share our commitment to creating a positive experience for students and delivering excellent service across our retail operation.
About Us
We are the University of Southampton Students' Union (SUSU) – independent from the University and run by students, for students. Our vision is simple: SUSU is here to enrich the life of every student. We are a workplace that’s buzzing with life, ideas, and opportunities – where your work directly shapes the student experience.
As part of our team, you'll enjoy:
- Salary of £28,303-£29,339 per annum
- Generous paid holiday - 24 days per year, plus eight closure days (around Easter, August and Christmas) on top of eight bank holidays (and an opportunity to purchase up to an additional week of holiday).
- Great pension – we contribute 10% into your defined contributions pension scheme.
- Travel perks – discounted UniLink and Blue Star bus passes, a Cycle-to-Work scheme.
To find out more, visit our website here.
Apply Now
You can easily apply using your CV and covering letter by clicking on 'Apply Now'.
For further information prior to submitting your application, please contact Szymon Malecki-Willis (Retail Manager) via email on s.malecki-willis@soton.ac.uk
To know before applying
Closing Date: 5pm, Sunday 27 September (Please note that should a high volume of applications be received, the advert may close early, so we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible).
Interview Date: Friday 9 October
Regretfully, SUSU is NOT a sponsoring organisation and is, therefore, not able to sponsor you for a visa if you require one (such as Tier 2) to work in the UK.
Please note feedback will not be provided if you are not shortlisted for interview.
SUSU is an equal opportunities employer that values a diverse workforce and we want to reflect the student body that we represent. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination and will ensure that our recruitment activities are mindful of equality and diversity matters.
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