Job Title: Retail Assistant (Fixed-Term Summer Contract)
Salary: £4,250 for the contract period
Contract Period: 1 July – 30 September
Hours: 25 hours per week (including regular weekends, bank holidays, and occasional evenings during special events)
Location: Swanage Railway – across all retail outlets including Swanage, Corfe Castle, Norden, on-train retail, and pop-up/seasonal outlets
Job Description
To support the day-to-day running of the Swanage Railway’s retail operation during the busy summer season. The successful candidate will provide excellent customer service, assist with sales, maintain the appearance of retail outlets, and handle customer transactions.
About the Role
We are looking for a friendly, energetic Retail Assistant to join our team on a fixed-term basis from 1 July to 30 September. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a busy heritage railway during its peak visitor season, helping customers find what they need, keeping our shops looking their best, and ensuring every visit is a memorable experience.
What You'll Do
- Greet customers, answer questions, and provide product information and recommendations.
- Support sales by promoting products and offering helpful suggestions.
- Process cash and card transactions accurately.
- Keep retail outlets clean, organised, well-stocked, and visually appealing.
- Assist with stock replenishment and merchandising displays.
- Support retail operations across multiple locations, including on-train and seasonal outlets.
What We're Looking For
- A positive and friendly approach with a passion for helping customers.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Basic numeracy skills and confidence handling cash and card payments.
- Reliability, flexibility, and the ability to work across different retail locations.
- A flexible approach to working hours, including weekends, bank holidays, and occasional evenings.
- Previous retail experience is desirable but not essential.
Benefits
- Opportunity to work in a unique heritage railway environment.
- Staff travel privileges during the contract period.
- Employee discount in Swanage Railway retail outlets.
- Experience working within a busy visitor attraction and tourism operation.
Work Location: In person
