Vacancies

About the Arcade Group

The Arcade Group is a community benefit society taking a ten-year lease from Kirklees Council on The Arcade, Dewsbury. £4.6m of the refurbishment costs have come from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Victorian arcade consists of 20 shop units, 8 studios, workspace and an events room, and will re-open after full refurbishment in Spring ’26, at which point the Arcade Group will take the lease. The Arcade will be filled with quality independent businesses and be run in the interest of Dewsbury residents. The Arcade Group takes an active role in the regeneration of Dewsbury town centre. 

Job Summary

The Arcade Group Manager will take overall management control and accountability for the commercial performance of The Arcade and the community business as a whole.

Main Responsibilities 

• Find and sign-up tenants 
• Supervise fit-outs
• Establish an Arcade community
• Lead the marketing campaign
• Manage the opening launch of The Arcade
• Create and bed-in operational systems and contracts
• Manage the service charge budget
• Build partnerships and support town centre regeneration initiatives
• Work with funders
• Take a leadership role for the Group
• Take overall financial responsibility for the Group

Experience and Requirements

Essential

• Experience of retail or commercial property management, including management of safety 
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills. A friendly approach and the ability to bring people together.
• Experience of centre and event management, contract management, tenant relations, budget management and understanding of health and safety compliance

Responsibilities include fundraising, marketing, leadership and stakeholder engagement. Experience in these areas is highly desirable, though we recognise that some support from the Board may be necessary to undertake all the duties. 

Submission of application

Applications Open Mon 1st Sept

Applications Close Mon 6th Oct 12pm

Interviews week beginning Mon 13th Oct

IN ADDITION TO INCLUDING A CV, ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE A LETTER SUPPORTING THE APPLICATION. The letter should include:

• What you bring to the work and how you would approach it
• Your experience of retail or commercial property management with specific examples
• Evidence of other skills and experience relevant to the job
• Two employer / contractor references 
• Contact details

Recruitment will be managed by Chris Hill, Arcade Group Development Director.

CVs and references should be mailed to him by the closing date at  chris.hill@arcade-dewsbury.org

How we will select the Arcade Group Manager

To be shortlisted we will look at:

• Whether the supporting letter shows you understand the scope of the role (30% of marks)
• Your experience – what similar work you have done, what skills you bring and the references you can provide (70% marks)

Short listed candidates will be sent relevant papers relating to The Arcade

To be appointed, at the interview you will have to:

• Convince us you have the relevant skills and experience (50% marks)
• Demonstrate the personal skills required for the work (50% marks)
• Provide satisfactory references

The Arcade Group Dewsbury is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all applicants. Discrimination based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation will not be tolerated.

We are determined to represent all sections of the Dewsbury community at the different levels we operate – Board, society membership and shop tenants and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Familiarity with Dewsbury is desirable but not essential.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities to ensure a fair and accessible recruitment process. If you need any help with the application, please contact Chris Hill.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.