School Shop Manager

The School Shop Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the school’s on-site shop, which provides school uniform, stationery, merchandise, and text books to all in our community. This role manages daily operations, stock control, sales performance, and budget oversight.

The School Shop is open Monday to Friday during the school term time, 8.00am‑1.30pm. During May, June, July and September the shop has extended opening hours and is very busy with appointments for kitting out new pupils with uniform, and managing orders and deliveries for the new school term. The School Shop Manager would be expected to work increased hours during this period.

We are looking for someone with experience in retail management or a similar customer-facing leadership role, with strong financial awareness and confidence managing payment transactions.  With responsibility for line managing a small team, the successful candidate will be a proactive leader, a strong team player, and adaptable in supporting all aspects of shop activity.  As the shop is often a first point of contact for new pupils and parents, delivering exceptional customer service with a warm and friendly approach is essential.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated, organised and flexible professional to make a significant impact at a school with ambition, purpose and heart.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Principal role:-

The School Shop Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the school’s on-site shop, which provides school uniform, stationery, merchandise, and text books to all in our community. This role manages daily operations, stock control, sales performance, and budget oversight.

As the shop is often a first point of contact for new pupils and parents, delivering exceptional customer service with a warm and friendly approach is essential. With responsibility for line managing a small team, the successful candidate will be a proactive leader, a strong team player, and adaptable in supporting all aspects of shop activity.

Operations:

• Manage the day-to-day running of the shop, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
• Maintain high standards of shop presentation, cleanliness, and organisation.
• Manage opening/closing procedures, cashing up, and financial controls.
• Coordinate uniform appointments and bookings (online and phone).
• Manage sales via the school’s online shop
• Ensure compliance with school policies, health and safety regulations, and retail best practices.

Leadership & Teamwork:

• Manage, support, and develop the School Shop team.
• Actively support front of house sales and assist with uniform fittings.
• As part of a small team, being a strong team player is essential.

Customer Service:

• Deliver a first-class customer service experience
• Effective communication with pupils, parents and staff.
• Handle queries, returns, exchanges and customer complaints professionally.

Stock Management:

• Maintain accurate stock levels across all product lines.
• Conduct regular stock checks, process orders, and manage deliveries.
• Liaise with suppliers to place orders, track deliveries, and resolve discrepancies
• Monitor demand trends and recommend product updates or changes.

Sales & Reporting:

• To generate revenue and ensure that financial targets for all the School Shop are maintained
• Work with the Commercial Manager on budgets, pricing, and cost control.
• To prepare banking and financial records for the Finance Department
• Use stock management software to maintain accurate records.
• Keep product listings and pricing up to date.

SELECTION CRITERIA

E = Essential, D = Desirable 

Experience/Knowledge                                                                            

• Previous experience in retail management or similar customer-facing leadership role - E
• Strong financial awareness and confidence managing payment transactions
• Experience of managing budgets and costings - E
• Experience in stock management and inventory systems - E
• Experience of ordering stock and liaising with suppliers - E

Key Skills                                                                                            

• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team - E
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - E
• IT literate and good administrative skills - E
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail - E
• Ability to manage ordering, deliveries, and supplier relationships - E
• Ability to work well and collaborate with colleagues, the wider school community and external customers - E

Personal Qualities required                                                                       

• Approachable and friendly personality - E
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work - E
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a busy environment - E
• Highly self-motivated and able to use own initiative - E
• Ability to work independently and prioritise tasks effectively - E

Circumstances                                                                                      

• Flexibility to work additional hours during peak periods (e.g. summer term, start of school year) - E
• Experience working in a school or educational environment - D

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.