Retail Operations Supervisor, APS Level 4, Questacon

Department of Industry, Science, Energy & Resources; Canberra; On-site; AUD 81,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra, part of the Department of Industry, Science, Energy & Resources, is seeking a Retail Operations Supervisor (APS Level 4) to lead the Questacon Shop and online store.

The successful candidate will supervise inventory and administration staff, manage supplier relationships, and oversee Shopify and product information to ensure accurate catalogues and timely promotions.

Qualifications

• Experience leading and supporting a team in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities with accuracy.
• Effective communication with employees, suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate purchasing processes, supplier administration and routine contract-management activities.
• Maintain effective supplier relationships to support purchasing decisions.
• Resolve inventory discrepancies and maintain controls across stock operations.
• Oversee Shopify administration, product information and online catalogue.
• Coordinate online promotions and accurate implementation of product changes.
• Monitor and guide the Retail Inventory Officer and Retail Admin Officer.
• Provide coaching and guidance to employees to build capability.
• Oversee the customer service team and cover shop operations when required.
• Ensure compliance with retail procedures, controls, recordkeeping and WHS requirements.

Skills

Team leadership

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Communication

Judgement

Tools

Salesforce

Shopify

Job description

Retail Operations Supervisor, APS Level 4, Questacon

• The salary range for this role is $81,448 - $87,918

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

• Canberra
• Applications close 22 October
• The salary range for this role is $81,448 - $87,918

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra is a division of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Questacon is known for creating fun and interactive experiences with science and technology. The Questacon Shop provides an opportunity for our visitors and customers to take their experience home and keep on experimenting!

The opportunity

The Retail Operations Supervisor works under general direction to support the effective operation of the Questacon Shop and online store. The position supervises the Retail Inventory Officer and Retail Administration Officer, providing operational leadership by coordinating priorities, ensuring the quality and timely delivery of work, and resolving moderately complex operational issues.

The role oversees key retail operations, including supplier administration, purchasing, inventory control, retail systems, and the online product catalogue. The role supports the customer service team and ensures the effective day‑to‑day operation of the shop, including acting for the Retail Shop Supervisor when required.

Our ideal candidate

• Have demonstrated experience leading and supporting team members within a fast‑paced retail environment.
• Demonstrate strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Manage competing priorities and maintain high standards of accuracy.
• Communicate effectively with employees, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Use sound judgement to resolve operational issues within established procedures.
• Experience working with Salesforce and Shopify platforms would be advantageous.

What you will do

• Coordinate purchasing processes, supplier administration and routine contract‑management activities.
• Maintain effective supplier relationships and provide operational information to support purchasing and commercial decisions.
• Resolve moderately complex issues, review inventory discrepancies and maintain effective controls across stock operations.
• Oversee Shopify administration, product information, website maintenance and the online product catalogue.
• Coordinate online promotions, digital content, search optimisation and the accurate implementation of approved product changes.
• Monitor the work of the Retail Inventory Officer and Retail Admin Officer to ensure inventory, administrative and reporting activities are completed accurately and on time.
• Provide employees with coaching, procedural guidance, feedback and opportunities to build capability.
• Oversee the customer service team and support the day‑to‑day operation of the shop in the absence of the Retail Shop Supervisor.
• Monitor compliance with relevant retail procedures, operational controls, recordkeeping and WHS requirements.

Eligibility

• Undergo a ‘Working with Children’ Police Check;
• Obtain or hold a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011.

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

This position is a place‑based role at the Questacon Centre. This is a full‑time position working 37.5 hours per week. The position operates under a non‑standard hours arrangement, with rostered working days typically Tuesday to Saturday.

Additional evening, public holiday and other rostered shifts may be required to meet operational requirements.

Contact Information

For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Rebecca Kiddey on 02 6270 2876 or via email on [e-mail]