Careers

Grade: D

Salary: £41,360 - £46,050 per annum (inclusive of Inner London Weighting)

Job Type: Full-time (35 hours) Fixed Term Contract (12 months)

About us

The Barbican is Europe’s largest international arts, conference and learning organisation in the heart of the City of London. We are London’s Creative Catalyst for arts, curiosity and enterprise. Our values reflect that we are inclusive, sustainable, daring, connected and joyful.

Across our theatres, concert halls, schools, cinemas, galleries, business venues and public and community spaces, we spark creative possibilities and transformation for artists, audiences, and communities – to inspire, connect and provoke debate. We present an unparalleled variety of performing and visual arts of world class calibre, attracting new arts, audiences and participants, creating inspiring arts experiences for all. From first encounters to higher education programmes, we develop interests, skills, confidence and careers.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented individual to join our in-house retail operation at the Barbican as our Retail Buying Manager maternity cover, on a 12-month fixed term contract. 

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Retail, you will plan, buy and develop product for all Barbican retail outlets. You will be required to reflect the unique architecture of our building and the diverse Barbican arts programme. Alongside this, you will consider the varied needs of our audiences to create a retail offer worthy of the Barbican brand.

Working to support the Retail strategy, you will build relationships with suppliers, negotiate the best possible prices and identify external designers for collaboration; to establish and build on positioning Barbican Retail as a design label and destination shop.

You will line manage and oversee the Retail Merchandiser and Book Buyer, ensuring training and development opportunities are explored.

The successful candidate will have previous buying experience and in developing own brand product. You will be able to cope well with a busy and pressurised environment, coupled with the ability to work collaboratively with Barbican artforms and external stakeholders. You will be confident with stock management and sales analysis and have a creative flair. Demonstrable experience of computer-based retail systems is also essential. Your flexible approach and creativity will ensure that whatever is thrown at you is always dealt with in the best way possible. 

Keen interest in the arts will be a strong advantage.

To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please see the ‘Job Information Pack’.

Barbican Benefits

We offer a wide range of employee benefits, including flexible working, annual pay progression and an annual pay review, a generous pension scheme, season ticket loan and cycle to work schemes, free access to museums and galleries, discounts on retail, healthcare and on-site cafes and restaurants. You will have access to Employee Assistance Programme, trained Mental Health First aiders and City of London employee networks.