Retail Manager

Retail Manager – Join Watts Gallery’s Exciting New Chapter

Watts Gallery is a vibrant and welcoming arts organisation dedicated to the vision of “Art for All, by All.” Nestled in the stunning Surrey Hills National Landscape, just outside Guildford, our 18-acre historic Artists’ Village is a thriving cultural destination. Alongside our gallery, the Watts Gallery Trading Company plays a vital role in sustaining our mission, driving commercial activities across retail, eCommerce, catering, venue hire and events.

We are embarking on an ambitious journey to reimagine our commercial strategy. Our goal? To refine our brand, streamline operations, and unlock new revenue opportunities—building a sustainable future that continues to support our charitable mission. At the heart of this transformation lies a commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and human connection—values championed by our founders, George Frederic and Mary Seton Watts.

The Role

We’re looking for a dynamic Retail Manager to shape and lead the next phase of our retail success. This newly created role is an exciting opportunity to help develop and execute a bold strategy for sustainable growth, ensuring our retail offer is an integral part of the visitor experience and a key contributor to the gallery’s long-term financial sustainability.

As Retail Manager, you will:

• Lead and grow our retail operations—both on-site and online—developing innovative, high-quality product ranges that reflect our heritage, audience, and brand
• Drive profitability by implementing smart stock management, financial planning, and strategic decision-making.
• Create an inspiring retail experience, bringing our vision to life through exceptional merchandising, product curation, and storytelling.
• Work collaboratively across teams, ensuring our retail strategy aligns with the wider ambitions of the gallery.
• Manage and develop a talented team, including our Retail Buyer & Administrator and a Merchandising & Stock Assistant.

Who We’re Looking For

This role is perfect for a motivated, hands-on retail professional ready to take the next step in their career. If you have:

·         5 years of retail experience, with a track record of driving sales and profitability

·         A creative mindset with strong visual merchandising and product development skills

·         Financial and stock management expertise, with a sharp eye for commercial opportunities

·         A self-starter attitude—equally comfortable working independently, leading a team, or collaborating across departments

·         A passion for exceptional customer service, ensuring every visitor enjoys a memorable experience

This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to shape the future of retail at Watts Gallery while growing your own career in a truly inspiring setting.

Ready to make your mark? We’d love to hear from you!