College Shop Manager

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: Friday 22 August 2025

Interview date: Monday 1 September 2025 (in person)

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