The job of Retail Manager is to lead retail operations for The Social Studio, building both bricks and mortar and e-commerce platforms, in partnership with the CEO and Head of Social Enterprise and Growth.

Based at the Collingwood Yards arts precinct, retail is the public face of The Social Studio’s work and is an important vehicle for sharing our purpose and impact with customers and supporters. Good communication skills are essential, as is a passion for developing and platforming the work of First Nations and culturally diverse creatives, and cultivating a retail experience that is values-led.

The Social Studio is a place that can change dramatically from day to day. Flexibility and adaptability are key to managing the constantly changing nature of the Studio, its projects and the staff, students and trainees within it. This role requires a mix of in-store work and administrative duties as well as vision for how TSS can do retail differently. We are a supportive, collaborative team and this role will help shape core strategy for the future.

Key responsibilities

General retail (in-store and online): 50%:

• maintain a vibrant retail space for The Social Studio shop where the creativity, values and ethics of the organisation are on display through the curation of designers/artists and in-house label pieces
• Manage casual staff member including setting weekly sales targets, in consultation with the CEO/Head of Social Enterprise and Growth
• Ensure online orders are processed and mailed within 48 hours (unless over weekend/public holidays)
• Share the purpose and impact of The Social Studio with customers
• Cultivate and maintain an engaging and relevant stable of consignors
• Maintain Shopify POS, updating homepage, product descriptions and images as new products are available
• Ensure visual merchandising is engaging and regularly refreshed
• Facilitate mending consults in the shop as needed
• Oversee events and pop-ups within the space that align with TSS values and mission, in consultation with the CEO
• Coordinate occasional market stalls and external pop-ups, in consultation with the CEO

Retail strategy and marketing: 40%:

• Collaborate with TSS production/creative teams on range planning for in-house brand
• Meet weekly with CEO and Head of Social Enterprise and Growth to analyse retail data including: sales reports, customer feedback, priorities and any challenges
• Prepare and/or commission retail marketing content including social media posts, "Meet the Maker’ profiles and EDMs, in consultation with the CEO
• Collaborate with Education Program Manager regarding any training opportunities for students/community members
• Collaborate with Creative Projects Manager and Production Manager regarding annual retail brand collaborations

Admin: 10%:

• On-boarding any new consignors, communicating with TSS Finance as needed
• Prepare and send monthly consignment payment emails
• Respond to customer and brand queries