Job Description

Working in Retail is at the front line of raising the funds we need to deliver our cause, whilst delivering an exceptional service for our visitors. A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our team supporting retail at the world famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden as Assistant Retail Manager.


You'll be supporting the Retail Manager maintaining two dedicated shops on site, with the opportunity to be involved with local buying and sourcing as well as gaining experience across the whole property as a Duty Manager. This is a great stepping stone for a career in Retail Management.

The Hours: 37.5

per week, working between 9-6. Weekend and Bank Holiday work required on a rota basis.

The Salary:

26,793 per annum

Duration:

Permanent

Interview Date:

21st July 2025 at Sissinghurst Castle Garden



What it's like to work here:The two shops at Sissinghurst Castle Garden are an important and busy part of the visitor journey; you'll develop your knowledge of the site, as well as learn about retail within the National Trust to help deliver and maintain outstanding and consistent service. Reporting to the Retail Manager you'll help lead an experienced, knowledgeable, inclusive, fun team of 2 Team Leaders, 10 Team Members and many volunteers.



There are also opportunities to add your own flair and creativity to help create memorable experiences for all our visitors. As one of the highest turnover retail operations within the National Trust and with a diverse visitor base no two days are the same; from helping visitors with plant identification to sharing your knowledge of the literary heritage of the property. This is a great opportunity for your career within retail and the National Trust
To find out more about what it's like to work within "Retail" at the National Trust, click here to watch our video.



What you'll be doing:With your love of leading people and ambition to deliver beyond expectation, your role will be to assist the Retail Manager lead and co-ordinate the retail team to deliver a beloved and unique retail experience here.


Through supervising and motivating staff and volunteers, you'll manage the day to day operation and ensure the retail team are engaged to exceed customer service expectations, and are proud to talk about the amazing work the National Trust are carrying out, with the money that is invested at our property. You will be comfortable stepping up to take full responsibility of the shop to cover the Retail Manager's holidays and other absence as and when needed.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what's possible in this role.

Enjoy working with and supervising a team and unafraid to give direction and feedback Target / Sales driven Customer aware and take pride on delivering excellent customer service Experience managing a retail operation with knowledge of retail best practice (including selling, merchandising, space management, stock control, risk)

The packageThe National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.


Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18) Rental deposit loan scheme Season ticket loan EV car lease scheme Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria. Flexible working whenever possible Employee assistance programme Free parking at most Trust places

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)