Retail Assistant

Leeds City Council; Leeds; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Part time

Job summary

Leeds City Council’s Leeds Art Gallery giftshop is seeking a part-time Retail Assistant. You will deliver exceptional customer service, process transactions via the EPOS system, and help drive sales in a busy gallery environment.

You will coordinate stock, merchandising and signage, ensure accurate pricing, and maintain a clean, welcoming shop that reflects the gallery’s standards and values.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Motivation to maintain high presentation standards.
• Interest in retail within a cultural environment.
• Confidence in using till systems and handling cash.
• Eye for detail in stock management.

Responsibilities

• Deliver excellent customer service and assist with purchases.
• Develop product knowledge and promote retail stock and add-ons.
• Follow visual presentation plans to maintain standards.
• Update signage and ensure pricing is accurate.
• Replenish stock and assist with stock takes when required.
• Process EPOS transactions accurately and handle refunds/exchanges.
• Support online orders, packing and dispatch where needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and security within the giftshop.

Skills

Customer service

Stock management

Cash handling

Sales skills

Attention to detail

Tools

EPOS system

Job description

Job title: Retail Assistant

Salary: A1-A3 £24,796 pro rata.

Hours: 18.42 hours over Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday 9:45- 5:15

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

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 maintained
• 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 maintaining 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

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.

Skills Required

• 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 Required

• 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 Required

• 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

Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
• Demonstrate an interest in the work of Leeds Museums and Galleries.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, 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, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.