Retail Supervisor

Retail Supervisor – Lakes Aquarium

Location: Lakes Aquarium, Lakeside, Newby Bridge
Contract: Full-time
Salary: £25,947

About Us

The Lakes Aquarium is part of The Real Live Leisure Company Limited, a business dedicated to providing high-quality, memorable experiences for every visitor. We are a popular, customer-focused attraction offering engaging displays, a unique lakeside setting and a friendly, supportive working environment.

We are now looking for a proactive and motivated Retail Supervisor to join our team and help ensure the smooth operation of our retail outlets and admissions area.

About the Role

Reporting to the Lakes Aquarium Operations Manager, the Retail Supervisor plays a key role in the daily running of the retail department and reception/admissions. The role involves supervising staff, maintaining high standards of presentation, supporting commercial performance and ensuring every guest receives an excellent level of service.

This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone who enjoys teamwork, takes pride in well-presented retail spaces and has a keen eye for detail and commercial opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Retail & Commercial

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the retail outlets, ensuring excellent customer service and well-presented shop areas.
• Implement effective merchandising, product displays and accurate pricing in line with company guidelines.
• Support secondary sales opportunities, including vending and impulse purchases.
• Manage stock levels, replenishment and ordering, including the sourcing of new product lines.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, attend trade fairs and carry out competitor checks.
• Ensure high standards of housekeeping across retail areas at all times.

Stock Control

• Receive and check deliveries, accurately completing all paperwork and reporting discrepancies.
• Keep stock control systems up to date and assist with monthly stock figures and full stock takes.
• Maintain tidy, safe and organised stockrooms.
• Support ordering of retail consumables and handle purchase order documents promptly.
• Assist with the daily use of retail systems and report any issues promptly.

Team Supervision & Training

• Induct and train new staff in retail procedures, customer service and till operation.
• Supervise the team on shift, ensuring good communication and effective break coverage.
• Support recruitment, rota planning and ongoing staff development.
• Monitor conduct, appearance and timekeeping, escalating concerns where appropriate.
• Act as a key holder and participate in the alarm call-out rota when required.
• Support colleagues across the site to maintain high attraction standards.

Admissions Support

• Help oversee the reception area, ensuring a welcoming, efficient experience for visitors.
• Maintain clean, tidy and well-presented admissions areas and ensure signage is accurate and up to date.
• Support smooth visitor flow during busy periods, keeping guests informed.
• Ensure leaflet displays and promotional materials are fully stocked.
• Assist with the promotion and upselling of events, talks, tickets and annual passes.
• Liaise with the Marketing Department on voucher handling and reconciliation.

General

• Handle customer enquiries and complaints professionally and positively.
• Ensure all work is carried out in line with Health & Safety regulations and company policies.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties requested to support the needs of the business.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous retail or supervisory experience (tourism/leisure experience beneficial but not essential).
• Is confident leading a team and enjoys helping others develop.
• Has excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Works well under pressure and remains calm during busy periods.
• Takes pride in maintaining high standards of presentation and organisation.
• Is commercially aware and able to spot opportunities to improve sales.
• Is reliable, flexible and happy to support the wider team when needed.

What We Offer

• A supportive and friendly working environment
• Opportunities for training and development
• Staff discounts and company benefits
• Free on-site parking
• The chance to be part of a unique visitor attraction

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £25,947.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Experience:

• Retail sales: 2 years (preferred)
• Supervising: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person