Job Description

Te Papa retail store is a successful, integral part of Te Papa Tongarewa – Museum of New Zealand and we have a unique opportunity for a motivated, experienced and customer focused people leader to shine as our Store Manager. This is a full-time, fixed-term position covering parental leave until July 2027.

An internationally recognised and celebrated brand, this role is not your average retail management position. We provide a unique and inspirational New Zealand focused collection to visitors in our busy museum store as well as exciting pop-up exhibition stores.

Supported by a strong team of retail professionals, you will have responsibility for the daily running of the store, people management and delivery of sales targets. You will thrive in being actively present on the floor and leading sales activities from the front whilst ensuring we deliver an outstanding level of customer service and visitor experience.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven people management, culture and capability building skills
• Significant retail management experience (previous management of multiple sites a bonus)
• Experience establishing and management of rosters and the need to meet deadlines
• A passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences and ideas on initiatives that drive high service levels
• An understanding of business plans, budgets, rostering and sales targets
• An understanding of Te Papa's bicultural philosophy and desire to incorporate Reo Māori in customer service
• Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure

In return, you will join an energetic and supportive team at an iconic Wellington Waterfront venue, as well as gain access to a range of staff benefits across the museum.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week including 1 weekend day) based onsite at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, Cable Street, Wellington.

For more details, please refer to the Position Description attached.

At Te Papa, our values – Whanaungatanga (Teamwork), Manaakitanga (Respect), and Auahatanga (Creativity) – guide the way we work together and with our communities. Join us and help carry forward the legacy and success of this established role in an organisation with bold aspirations.

The starting salary for this position will be between $79,000 to $94,000 per annum, with further room for progression through the band. Offers will be made within the range to reflect the skills and experience offered by the candidate and those required of the role, and internal relativities with other employees.

How to apply

Please submit an online application ensuring to attach a cover letter and current CV.

Please note, if you are viewing this advertisement from a website that is not the Te Papa job board, you might not be able to access an attached Position Description. If this is the case, please visit jobs.tepapa.govt.nz to view the PD and to apply.

If you'd like more information or want to discuss the role confidentially, feel free to contact Tania Tupu via 0275505780 or tania.tupu@tepapa.govt.nz

Applications close: Sunday 17 May 2026

Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks, including criminal history and references, will be undertaken before any offer is confirmed.