Role Grand Parade Art Shop Manager

Hours 35 per week/term time only 34 weeks per year

Grade B

Responsible to Director of Commercial Services

Responsible for Student Staff

Department Overview

Brighton Students’ Union (BSU) provides representation, support and services to around circa 17,000 students studying at the University of Brighton (UoB), with a mission of Making Student Life Better. 

The Commercial Services team is responsible for ensuring that the needs of our students are met whilst on campus and we do that by ensuring our outlets provide the resources they may need throughout the day and evening e.g. food, drink, study materials, essentials, etc. In addition to this, the team are also responsible for organising and running events on and off campus that maximise student engagement and that offer activities that meet the diverse demographics of the student population of UoB. 

Role

Ensuring the effective operation and development of BSU’s Grand Parade Art Shop. This includes managing all sales, the day to day operation, effective staff management, stock control, financial control, administrative management, customer care and health and safety practice. 

 Responsibilities

• Working with Line Manager to develop and implement the operations of the Art Shop. 

• Ensuring that the Grand Parade Art Shop is effectively managed and provides optimal quality food and drink products, art materials, course materials and general products whilst providing exceptional value for money. 

• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation including (but not limited to) fire, food hygiene, tobacco sales and lifting. 

• Ensuring adherence to Health and Safety requirements, including preparation of Risk Assessments. 

• Providing management cover at other BSU outlets as and when required. 

  Operational Management

• Operating various IT management platforms to manage rotas, sales, communication, transactions etc. 

• Maintaining a clean and tidy and well merchandised shop, office and storeroom. 

• Liaising with the University Estates Team and line manager to ensure that routine maintenance of the shop, office and storeroom are carried out in a timely manner. 

• Be an active member of the BSU Management team. 

• Be a leader and positive role model. 

  General Duties

• Work in a manner which reflects the values and democratic structure of the Union as shown in the Union’s Articles and Strategic Plan. 

• Adhere to all Brighton Students’ Union policies, guidelines and procedures. 

• Ensure the delivery of a positive image of the Union, both internally and externally by displaying high standards of friendliness, professionalism, politeness, conduct and service. 

• Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be expected given the incumbent’s qualifications and experience. 

• Be responsible for undertaking duties with full regard for others within the conditions of employment detailed on the BSU SharePoint site. 

• Assist and support key BSU-wide activities throughout the year e.g. elections, open days, Freshers and sustainability activities as required. 

 Communication

• Regular detailed communication e.g. complex information, highly confidential data, and supplier negotiation. 

• Work with the BSU Comms team to ensure effective marketing of the shop. 

• Maintaining good working relationships with suppliers and representatives. 

 Decision Making

• Decision maker for department: Grand Parade Art Shop

• Selection of appropriate products and prices

Budget Management

• Responsible for departmental budget of less than £100K net (excluding career staff)

• Responsible for Grand Parade Art Shop’s budget income and expenditure. 

• Work with Line Manager to set and monitor annual budgets. 

• Daily monitoring of sales and gross profits, making swift adjustments as required to maximise sales. 

• Ensuring effective stock control and management including ordering, pricing, processing and stock takes and regular stock counts. 

• Accurate and secure cashing up processes, in accordance with BSU financial procedures. 

• Ensuring you and all your staff team adhere to all current BSU financial policies. 

Staff Management

• Manages 1-10 student staff 

• Ensuring that both you and all your staff achieve the highest standards of customer care at all times. 

• Responsible for the recruitment, induction and ongoing training of all team members, in close liaison with the HR Department. 

• Ensuring that student staff present an appropriate image to customers at all times. 

• Carry out team member’s formal and informal performance reviews and appraisals. 

• Ensure any People issues relating to staff members are reported promptly to the People department. 

Location

The Students’ Union covers all University of Brighton sites. This role shall be primarily based at Grand Parade, with travel to other campus locations as required. 

Person Specification

Post

Grand Parade Art Shop Manager

Location

Grand Parade

Knowledge

Specialist knowledge within art products with a good level of general retail knowledge

An understanding of a Students' Union and its range of services to students

Understanding of the diversity of student populations, and opportunities and challenges that presents

Experience of managing a small team of staff

Basic health and safety requirements for running a shop premises

Understanding of what excellent customer service looks like

Skills

Well-developed skills, managing detailed duties and applying effective problem-solving strategies to routine issues.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and adapt to different audiences.

Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.

Strong leadership and people management skills, including the ability to motivate and support others.

Confident using digital tools and Microsoft Office applications.

Ability to engage with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds

Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team

Experience managing a departmental budget

Personal Qualities

High levels of enthusiasm, self-motivation, and initiative

Committed to providing an excellent service to our students

Inclusive (BSU Value)

Supportive (BSU Value)

Authentic (BSU Value)

Details
Location: Brighton, Sussex, BN2 9UU, GB