College Shop Manager at The Royal College of Art
| Posting date: | 11 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £49,533 to £53,609 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Includes London Allowance |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 10 September 2025 |
| Location: | sw11 4nl |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | The Royal College of Art |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 071-25 |
Summary
Are you a creative retail professional with a passion for art and design materials? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where innovation and customer service go hand in hand? Join the world’s number one art and design university as our new College Shop Manager, and help shape the creative experience of students, staff and visitors across our three London campuses.
About the Role
As the College Shop Manager, you'll lead and develop a small, dedicated team across our vibrant retail spaces at Kensington and Battersea, as well as our online shop, ShopRCA. You’ll oversee the day-to-day running of the shops, manage a varied product range (from specialist art materials to RCA merchandise), and help shape the future of our retail offer through innovative buying, excellent service, and eCommerce development. Based at Kensington, Battersea and White City, this role is permanent and full time (35 hours per week).
This is a unique opportunity to combine retail management, operational leadership, and customer engagement in a creative university setting. You’ll be central to enhancing the student and staff experience, supporting academic delivery, and delivering value through innovation and efficiency.
What You'll Be Doing
Managing all College Shop operations across physical and online platforms
Leading on new product sourcing, merchandising and trend development
Driving improvements to our online shop, including website updates and UX enhancements
Line managing staff and overseeing task allocation, training, and performance
Maintaining high standards of health & safety and shop presentation
Collaborating with Technical Services, contributing to best practice, and acting as a COSHH Champion
Operating and maintaining specialist equipment (e.g. wall saws, LEV systems)
What We're Looking For
A strong knowledge of art and design materials
Considerable experience in retail management (ideally multi-site)
A flair for entrepreneurship and spotting commercial opportunities
Experience in customer service and complaint resolution
Strong budgeting and financial reporting skills
Team leadership and line management experience
Highly organised, collaborative, and proactive
Comfortable with eCommerce platforms and online retail operations
Knowledge of Health & Safety procedures, including risk assessments and COSHH
(Bonus) Experience creating online learning or instructional content
Why Join the RCA?
The Royal College of Art is a global leader in creative education and research. You'll be working in a dynamic, inclusive and supportive environment where innovation, diversity and artistic freedom are celebrated. This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the creative journeys of our students – and be part of a world-renowned institution.
Apply by: Thursday 22 August 2025
Interview date: Monday 1 September 2025 (in person)
About the Role
As the College Shop Manager, you'll lead and develop a small, dedicated team across our vibrant retail spaces at Kensington and Battersea, as well as our online shop, ShopRCA. You’ll oversee the day-to-day running of the shops, manage a varied product range (from specialist art materials to RCA merchandise), and help shape the future of our retail offer through innovative buying, excellent service, and eCommerce development. Based at Kensington, Battersea and White City, this role is permanent and full time (35 hours per week).
This is a unique opportunity to combine retail management, operational leadership, and customer engagement in a creative university setting. You’ll be central to enhancing the student and staff experience, supporting academic delivery, and delivering value through innovation and efficiency.
What You'll Be Doing
Managing all College Shop operations across physical and online platforms
Leading on new product sourcing, merchandising and trend development
Driving improvements to our online shop, including website updates and UX enhancements
Line managing staff and overseeing task allocation, training, and performance
Maintaining high standards of health & safety and shop presentation
Collaborating with Technical Services, contributing to best practice, and acting as a COSHH Champion
Operating and maintaining specialist equipment (e.g. wall saws, LEV systems)
What We're Looking For
A strong knowledge of art and design materials
Considerable experience in retail management (ideally multi-site)
A flair for entrepreneurship and spotting commercial opportunities
Experience in customer service and complaint resolution
Strong budgeting and financial reporting skills
Team leadership and line management experience
Highly organised, collaborative, and proactive
Comfortable with eCommerce platforms and online retail operations
Knowledge of Health & Safety procedures, including risk assessments and COSHH
(Bonus) Experience creating online learning or instructional content
Why Join the RCA?
The Royal College of Art is a global leader in creative education and research. You'll be working in a dynamic, inclusive and supportive environment where innovation, diversity and artistic freedom are celebrated. This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the creative journeys of our students – and be part of a world-renowned institution.
Apply by: Thursday 22 August 2025
Interview date: Monday 1 September 2025 (in person)
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.