Director of Retail & Merchandise

Lead CT5 Pride’s retail and merchandise strategy! From branded products to event stalls, you’ll drive income, boost visibility, and celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride in Whitstable. Join us to shape our first-ever Pride and make a lasting impact!

What difference will you make?

s Director of Retail & Merchandise, you will be at the heart of CT5 Pride, establishing and leading vital retail products and services that deliver vibrant celebrations showcasing our community’s creativity and generating income to fund our work. This role is crucial in creating a seamless, engaging retail experience that reflects our values of inclusion, visibility, and pride. Your leadership will directly shape how attendees engage with CT5 Pride, from browsing merchandise carrying our message to visiting stalls from crafters, bakers, and local talent that celebrate diversity.

You’ll manage all aspects of retail and merchandise—including building a team, overseeing stall management, and driving strategy—ensuring every element of our retail offering contributes to event success and our organisation’s sustainability. Working closely with the Directors of Fundraising & Sponsorship and Marketing & Advertising, you will develop strategies to maximise income, enhance brand recognition, and build long-term supporter engagement.

Your expertise will create a professional, welcoming retail environment that leaves a lasting impression and encourages repeat participation. Each decision—from selecting vendors to curating merchandise—will help define the look, feel, and financial success of CT5 Pride.

In this role, you won’t just manage stalls; you’ll drive a core part of our mission to create a sustainable, inclusive Pride for Whitstable and the CT5 area. Your impact will reach beyond events, cementing CT5 Pride as a visible force for change. Through your leadership, we will deliver an unforgettable Pride experience that uplifts LGBTQIA+ voices and builds a lasting legacy of celebration and solidarity.

What are we looking for?

Applicants must be 18+ with no unspent convictions, fluent in English, and not barred from working with children or vulnerable people. Must show commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion, community-led values, and be willing to take an active role. A minimum 2-year connection to the CT5 area is required.

Proven experience in vendor coordination, retail stall booking, contract negotiation, and compliance with event policies. Skilled in building buyer-seller relationships and integrating retail strategies with fundraising and marketing goals. Expertise in retail sales, merchandise management, pricing strategies, and inventory tracking.

5+ years in retail management, merchandising, or event coordination with strong design skills for product displays. Excellent written and verbal communication, creativity for sourcing new retail opportunities, and ability to analyse sales data and produce post-event reports. Experience in volunteer recruitment, team management, vendor logistics, online retail, budget creation, and promotional strategies.

Desirable Criteria

LGBTQIA+ event or advocacy experience and knowledge of product licensing and trademark compliance.

What will you be doing?

The Retail & Merchandise Director will manage all aspects of retail and merchandise at CT5 Pride events. This includes overseeing stall bookings, merchandise sales, vendor coordination, and collaborating with the Director of Fundraising & Sponsorship and Director of Marketing & Advertising to maximise retail opportunities and drive engagement.

Role Overview

What we are looking for?

We’re seeking an organised, strategic individual with experience in retail management and event coordination. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing merchandise sales, overseeing vendor relations, and working cross-functionally to drive retail success at events.