Head of Retail & Ecommerce

This post heads up the Retail & Ecommerce team, including running the shops on site at Kew and the buying and merchandising functions for both Kew Gardens and Wakehurst.

There are three shops across Kew Gardens of various sizes and scales and throughout the year there are pop-up shops to support the programme of activities taking place across the Gardens including Christmas at Kew and the Orchids festival.

Wakehurst has one main shop on site and shares some product offer with Kew in addition to having dedicated local ranges and a large outdoor plant shop.

There is an opportunity for real growth online and for significant development of the physical offer on site and in this role you will lead the team, shape future strategy and product development and make sure we deliver fantastic customer service in well-presented retail environments.

About You

With a proven track record in a similar role, our ideal candidate will be an innovative, confident communicator who can manage conflicting priorities and work on their own initiative.

Substantial budgeting and people management experience coupled with a strong understanding of ecommerce and EPOS systems is required to deliver this role, which is customer focussed, results led and where leadership and creativity are key.

This role will involve some trips to Wakehurst as required.

First stage interviews will take place on September 24 in person at Kew Gardens with any second interviews scheduled for September 30.

This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

About Us

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world's plants and fungi.

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

At Kew, our strength lies in the diversity of our people and the insights they bring. When you join us, you will find an organisation that values your perspective and lived experience. You will receive support to achieve your full potential and access opportunities to develop and progress. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is ongoing, shaped by the people who work here and the communities we serve. As a disability confident employer, we are breaking down barriers to be an inclusive workplace for everyone.

Whoever you are, and however you experience the world, there is a place for you to grow and belong at Kew.

No agencies please.