Director of Retail & Merchandise - Volunteer

CT5 Pride; Whitstable; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading LGBTQIA+ organization in Whitstable seeks a Director of Retail & Merchandise to lead retail strategy and drive community engagement. The role involves managing stalls, vendor relations, and developing marketing strategies. Applicants need strong retail and management experience, and a minimum 2-year connection to the CT5 area is required. This is an opportunity to create an impactful and inclusive Pride celebration.

Qualifications

• 18+ with no unspent convictions and fluent in English.
• Commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion and community-led values.
• Minimum 2-year connection to the CT5 area.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of retail and merchandise.
• Oversee stall management and vendor coordination.
• Develop strategies for maximizing income and brand recognition.

Skills

Vendor coordination

Retail stall booking

Communication

Retail management

Team management

Creativity for sourcing new opportunities

Job description

Overview

Lead CT5 Pride’s retail and merchandise strategy! From branded products to event stalls, you’ll drive income, boost visibility, and celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride in Whitstable. Join us to shape our first-ever Pride and make a lasting impact!

What difference will you make?

As Director of Retail & Merchandise, you will be at the heart of CT5 Pride, establishing and leading vital retail products and services that deliver vibrant celebrations showcasing our community’s creativity and generating income to fund our work. This role is crucial in creating a seamless, engaging retail experience that reflects our values of inclusion, visibility, and pride.

Key Responsibilities

You’ll manage all aspects of retail and merchandise—including building a team, overseeing stall management, and driving strategy—ensuring every element of our retail offering contributes to event success and our organisation’s sustainability.

Working closely with the Directors of Fundraising & Sponsorship and Marketing & Advertising, you will develop strategies to maximise income, enhance brand recognition, and build long-term supporter engagement.

Your expertise will create a professional, welcoming retail environment that leaves a lasting impression and encourages repeat participation.

In this role, you won’t just manage stalls; you’ll drive a core part of our mission to create a sustainable, inclusive Pride for Whitstable and the CT5 area.

Through your leadership, we will deliver an unforgettable Pride experience that uplifts LGBTQIA+ voices and builds a lasting legacy of celebration and solidarity.

The Retail & Merchandise Director will manage all aspects of retail and merchandise at CT5 Pride events. This includes overseeing stall bookings, merchandise sales, vendor coordination, and collaborating with the Director of Fundraising & Sponsorship and Director of Marketing & Advertising to maximise retail opportunities and drive engagement.

Qualifications

Applicants must be 18+ with no unspent convictions, fluent in English, and not barred from working with children or vulnerable people. Must show commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion, community-led values, and be willing to take an active role. A minimum 2-year connection to the CT5 area is required.

• Proven experience in vendor coordination, retail stall booking, contract negotiation, and compliance with event policies.
• Skilled in building buyer-seller relationships and integrating retail strategies with fundraising and marketing goals.
• Expertise in retail sales, merchandise management, pricing strategies, and inventory tracking.
• 5+ years in retail management, merchandising, or event coordination with strong design skills for product displays.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, creativity for sourcing new retail opportunities, and ability to analyse sales data and produce post-event reports.
• Experience in volunteer recruitment, team management, vendor logistics, online retail, budget creation, and promotional strategies.

Desirable Criteria

• LGBTQIA+ event or advocacy experience and knowledge of product licensing and trademark compliance.