Commercial Manager (UoB Gift Shop) - Campus Services - 106760 - Grade 6

University of Birmingham; Park Central; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned university is seeking a Shop Manager for their Gift Shop to oversee daily operations, enhance the in-store and online customer experience, and drive sales. This role involves managing product selection, supplier relationships, and a motivated team. Candidates must have relevant experience in the retail sector, strong management skills, and a degree or equivalent practical experience. The position entails flexibility in work hours, including weekends, to align with shop operations.

Qualifications

• Significant practical experience in a similar role is acceptable without a degree.
• Previous management experience in fashion or gift shop sector is essential.
• Strong understanding of retail trends and profit management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and ensure efficient service delivery.
• Design and maintain engaging shop layout and merchandising.
• Select product ranges and maintain supplier relationships.
• Prepare budgets and monitor sales performance against targets.

Skills

People management skills

Commercial acumen

Organizational skills

IT skills

Education

Degree level education or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Job description

Role Summary

The Gift Shop provides a curated selection of merchandise, souvenirs, and sourced products both in-store and online. The post-holder will be responsible for managing the shop's operations, buying strategy, and online presence, ensuring excellent customer service and commercial success. Role Summary In this role, you will oversee the daily operations of the Gift Shop, managing everything from product selection and pricing strategies to margins, promotions, and supplier relationships. You'll also be responsible for the merchandising and layout of the shop. In addition, you will manage the online store, ensuring it remains up-to-date, user-friendly, and in sync with seasonal campaigns and promotions. Achieving financial goals, enhancing the customer experience, and building a motivated, multi-skilled team will be key focuses for you.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Gift Shop, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery.
• Design and maintain shop layout and merchandising standards to create an engaging and customer-friendly environment.
• Select and source product ranges that meet the needs of students and alumni, building strong supplier relationships.
• Prepare budgets and sales forecasts, monitoring performance against targets.
• Manage cost and retail pricing strategies to achieve required profit margins.
• Plan and implement seasonal promotions to drive sales during peak periods.
• Ensure seamless fulfilment of web orders, including Click & Collect and home delivery services.
• Develop and maintain strong internal relationships with schools, DARO, and student services to support internal orders.
• Introduce new product ranges and phase out underperforming lines to maximise profitability.
• Monitor trends in fashion and gifting markets, ensuring the shop reflects the status of a Top 50 University.
• Oversee the Gift Shop team by inspiring and continuously supporting them, while also focusing on their development, mentoring, and training in the aim of cultivating a culture of excellent customer service.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including COSHH and manual handling.
• Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Supports the University's sustainability agenda through resource-efficient working.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Qualifications

• Hours as required based on a 37.5-hour week 7/365 operation (BH and Closure days) on a rota basis, including weekend and evening work activities to align with Campus Services and University.
• To participate in the FBR duty management rota (7/365).
• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications) in a relevant area - where no equivalent qualification is held, significant practical, relevant experience and expertise in a similar role will be required.
• Previous experience in the fashion or gift shop sector as a store manager or in the buying function.
• Experience of managing online sales and website management.
• Experience of profit and loss management, cost control, and profit delivery.
• Excellent people management skills with the ability to motivate staff to deliver excellence.
• Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly, and to analyse information and data.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of retail trends.
• Ability to plan, organise and develop sales and service plans to grow and advance current business levels.
• Proven experience of managing a broad range of internal and external stakeholder.
• Excellent IT skills, with experience of using the full range of with the Microsoft suite of programs, and the ability to quickly learn in-house systems.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.