The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.

Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here

The Role and Department

The Operations Directorate: Elevating the Student and Staff Experience

The Operations Directorate is dedicated to providing a world-class experience for our diverse student and staff communities, which is essential to our students' learning journey. Our passionate team delivers services and facilities across 15 colleges, including catering, housekeeping, reception, security, and maintenance.

All staff within the Operations Directorate share the responsibility for supporting environmental and social sustainability initiatives including water and energy conservation and re-use and recycling as outlined in operating procedures. These resources create a safe environment where our students can live, work, dine, socialise, and thrive together.

Within the Operations Directorate, we have three key areas:

1. University Catering: Our robust catering team of 500 ensures fresh, exciting, and diverse dining experiences throughout our colleges, catering to the unique needs of our University Community, which includes students, staff, and visitors, and offer expert advice on bar management.

2. College Operations: With over 200 dedicated professionals, we provide residential services within the colleges as well as supporting student and non-student-led events.

3. Retail Services: Our branded retail catering and merchandise outlets offer an enticing array of menus and high-quality products thoughtfully presented to enhance the shopping experience for our students and staff whilst building positive relationships via efficient service and attentive staff.

In addition to a highly competitive salary and rewards package, our strategic focus includes ongoing development opportunities for our people. Join us today and shape your career at Durham University!

The Role

This role is an exciting opportunity that will strengthen the retail department's capacity to purse and capitalise on new commercial opportunities, driving revenue growth and strategic partnerships.

As an assistant supervisor, you'll lead a small team in a fast-paced Co-op store, helping to deliver essential services. You will keep our shelves stocked, support daily operations and store performance through merchandising and stock accuracy.

We will require you to be punctual, flexible, and willing to work variable shift patterns, including evenings and weekends.

We're looking for people who have:

• A passion for people and leadership.

• The ability to work flexibly and lead by example.

• Skills in retail, merchandising and team management.

As part of this application process, you will need to complete two online assessments which will take around 20 minutes to complete.

There are 2 contracts available for this role; both are 35 hours per week, 52 weeks a year, any 5 from 7 working days including working weekends, early starts and late evenings.

Please note, we may close this advert earlier than the closing date displayed at the top of this page should we receive a high volume of applications.

You must be aged 18 + to authorise age - related sales.

The location for this role is Teaching and Learning Centre, Lower Mountjoy campus.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• You'll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.

• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.

• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.

• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.

• Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.

• We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:

Qualifications/Experience

1. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.

2. Experience of working in a team delivering customer-focused services or having relevant qualifications for the role.

3. General administrative experience in an office environment.

4. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.

5. Experience of supervising a team.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

6. Good spoken and written communication skills.

7. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including the internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking systems.

8. Committed to training/continuing professional development.

9. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.

10. Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.

Desirable Criteria

1. Evidence of personal development to maintain skills or the desire to take part in development activity.

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.

We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Becky Maddison - Retail Merchandise Manager - would be happy to speak to you rebecca.h.maddison@durham.ac.uk.

Typical Role Requirements

• Motivate, coach and support your team to deliver great service and efficient operations.

• Work hands-on on the shop floor and tills, supporting daily operations and setting the pace for the team.

• Ensure the store is safe and legal - keep the shelves stocked and make sure prices, dates and temperatures are all as they should be.

Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery

• Provide an excellent and timely service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.

• Log, record and pass on information for use by others.

• Follow established procedures when carrying out your role, varying when necessary or referring to more senior colleagues.

• Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others.

• When carrying out your role, apply relevant industry and regulatory standards.

• Carry out some tasks that may require specialist skills and may be physically demanding.

• Operate everyday tools and domestic equipment.

• Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations, being aware of any hazards and risks and reporting any incidents.

• Follow established security protocols when dealing with other staff who are new to an area of work.

• Work hands-on on the shop floor and tills, supporting daily operations and setting the pace for the team.

• Support store performance through merchandising and stock accuracy.

• Champion Co-op through community engagement and membership growth.

Teamwork/Liaison and Supervision

• Delegate tasks to other members of the team and make sure that they have been completed.

• Explain systems and procedures to new starters and provide advice and guidance when required so that they know how to carry out their role.

• Help to coach assigned team members and provide any ongoing training.

• Help to move, set-up and maintain any facilities, equipment or tools.

• Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service.

• Help and cooperate with the rest of your team on operational matters to help achieve shared objectives.

• Liaise with staff in other areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.

• Help team members review and update risk assessments.

Communication/Personal

• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University's values.

• Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.

• Respond to queries and provide information about events and activities run by the service.

• Learn the skills needed to deliver services in a retail, catering or leisure environment.

• Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.

Version 07-2026