Retail Department Manager

Organisation: Aston Villa Football Club
Salary: Attractive Remuneration Package
Location: Bullring Store, Birmingham
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 15 June 2025
Job Description: 1. The Department

The Club are continuing our rapid growth trajectory both on and off the pitch, further expanding our commercial footprint with the launch of a brand-new retail store in the heart of Birmingham’s iconic Bullring shopping centre which is scheduled to open in May 2025.

The store design will take inspiration from our rich 150-year history incorporating cultural touchpoints from Villa Park whilst integrating a museum section that celebrates the Club’s deep-rooted connection to both Birmingham and football history.

The store will span 10,000 square feet across a ground and mezzanine floor which will showcase our full retail offering including our kits, training wear and a significant adidas collection.

We are now looking to build our team for the new store who will be responsible for creating a best-in-class customer experience which is inclusive and welcoming for all.

2. The Role

To support our ambitious plans, we are now recruiting for a organised and proactive Retail Department Manager to join the team.

You will lead a specific Department within the store, with responsibility and specialist expertise in your product category, leading and motivating a team to ensuring that the team is well-equipped with the latest product knowledge. You will drive results through effective communication and high standards.

3. The Person

You must have proven experience in a department manager/supervisor role within a fast-paced retail environment as well as exceptional customer service skills with a strong background particularly in a sales-driven environment.

You will also need to have an expertise in product knowledge within the retail sector, alongside the ability to educate and inform team members and customers within this area utilising excellent verbal and written communication skills.
You must have excellent attention to detail in order to consistently produce high-quality results as well as the ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks effectively, and meet deadlines.
You must also be available to work flexibly as the Club requires, this will include evenings and weekends.

4. Why join us?

There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Football Club. This season, we are celebrating our milestone 150th anniversary and our drive to succeed is visible on the global stage, we are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you'll receive whilst working for us! See our Staff Benefits booklet to find out more.

As part of your application, you will be asked to:
1. Upload your CV
2. Answer the following questions:

a) Please outline your key skills, qualities and experience which make you the ideal candidate for this role(s) (400 words maximum)
b) Please outline the maximum size of a team you have managed in a retail environment (200 words maximum)

For further information, the Role Profiles and to apply please go to careers.avfc.co.uk/jobs

Right to Close Vacancy Posting Early

The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.

Equality Statement

Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embrace equal opportunities for all. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and fully support The FAs Football Leadership Diversity Code.

We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.

Safeguarding Statement

Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club. For more information, please see Aston Villa Football Club | The official club website | AVFC - Safeguarding
How to apply: https://careers.avfc.co.uk/jobs