Retail Manager

Working with artist Julian Opie and his wider studio team, this is a multi-faceted role focused on management of The Julian Opie Shop, conceived by the artist in the 2010s as an outlet for the ever-increasing number of items he makes alongside his artworks. All the objects for sale, including postcards, badges, statuettes, clothing and books, reflect his desire to break down the barriers between what is deemed to be 'fine art' and 'everyday'. www.julianopie.com/shop 

The shop is established online and is now set to open a pop-up store in the vicinity of the artists East London Studio. This role will oversee and implement that opening, as well as managing the shop on a day-to-day basis and – eventually - taking over the running and in-house fulfilment of the eShop. This is an exciting opportunity for a self-starter to bring their vision and experience and further grow this this area of the studio’s activity. Key responsibilities include:

• Set up of the physical store (fit out; implementing payment and finance systems; visual merchandising; ordering supplies).


• Day to day running of the store (days and hours to be discussed).


• Organisation of stock storage and ongoing stock management.


• eShop Management (Uploading products,; copywriting; eventual migration of existing eShop into a new platform; implementing shipping APIs).


• E-shop fulfilment (pick and pack; booking courier collections).


• Managing trade orders from museums and other retailers.


• Customer Service (monitoring the shop email inbox; resolving issues; responding to enquiries).


• Assisting with product development (finding new suppliers; ordering tests; devising packaging).

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Demonstrable experience in the retail sector, in-depth understanding of the day-to-day processes of running an independent shop.


• Experience with the set up and running of payment and finances processes.


• Aptitude for visual merchandising and practical experience of the sector (e.g. knowledge of relevant suppliers).


• High level of organisation and communication skills. Experience with setting up systems and processes.


• IT proficient, experience with website CMS, including Shopify or similar.


• Problem solving and acute attention to detail. Must work with focus to achieve finessed results that meet the standards of the artist

DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Previous experience working in an arts or culture related environment.


• Understanding of UK and EU VAT regulation in relation to retail.


• Proficiency with Photoshop and Illustrator, or other design software.


• Experience with accounting software, specifically Xero.

Interviews will take place in July 2026 with the role to commence as soon as possible. Please send your CV and covering letter, outlining your suitability for the role, by email via the button below by 6pm on 26th June 2026.