Job opportunities

Retail Manager

Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in south west England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff. 

 

Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Over 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also an award winning botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record. 

 

We have an exciting opportunity for Visitor Experience and Retail Manager to join our Visitor Experience and Retail team on a permanent contract. Hours of work will be a 37.5 hours a week. Working hours will vary over a 7 day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is £33,325.50per annum. 

 

What will this role involve? 

You will be responsible for the operational running and contribution to the strategic development of the Retail outlets at Paignton Zoo, working alongside the Head of Department to provide an efficient, reliable, visitor orientated and profitable service. The role also involves developing business strategies to achieve and where possible, exceed budgeted sales and profit targets, whilst controlling all related costs. Alongside this you will be responsible for management of the image and presentation in retail outlets and ensure that a varied range of suitable products are stocked to match the demographic. Being aware of new markets and trends, investigating and assessment them to create a business case for changes will also be part of the role. You will be responsible for the line management of the Visitor Experience and Retail Supervisors.

  

What skills and experience are required? 

The ideal candidates will have at least 2 years’ experience of providing excellent customer service and relevant level 3 qualification. They should have experience of working to deadlines in a fast paced working environment and team management. They should understand financial tasks such as budgeting and be proactive and target driven. They should be innovative with the ability in finding new ways to promote offers and discounts. They have a team-oriented mind set with a positive attitude and demonstrate cooperation and a willing ness to work collaboratively with others.

 

Benefits of joining our team include: 

·         33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays) 

·         Branded uniform provided (as required) 

·         Relevant internal and external training provided 

·         Free entry to our zoos for staff and family 

·         Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable) 

·         Free staff parking 

·         Employee Assistance Programme 

 

Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertising period for this role. The role may therefore be filled prior to the closing date.  

 

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.