Assistant Store Manager | Aesop St James Quarter, Edinburgh | Full Time

Company Overview

For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organisation, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations. Our approach to skin care involves meticulous attention to detail, using only the most efficacious ingredients to create formulations which stir the self and senses. The same meticulous approach is taken during our recruitment process, seeking out considered and inspired individuals with a wealth of perspectives who bring out the best in themselves and others. We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey has led us to become a certified B Corp. We are committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive society. Since 2023, Aesop has been part of the L’Oréal Groupe, the world’s #1 beauty company.

Role Purpose

Aesop is delighted to now welcome applications for the Assistant Store Manager position for our signature space at Aesop Bicester Village. As an Assistant Store Manager, you embody our desire to engage, listen and guide customers to relevant products. You will partner with the Store Manager to lead, develop and motivate the team to deepen the way our products are experienced, creating exceptional and inclusive customer experiences that contribute to our overall commercial success. Working full-time on-site, including some weekend working, you will be responsible for providing operational, administrative and leadership support within the store whilst maintaining Aesop's impeccable standards. This is a unique opportunity for a willing candidate to develop transferable people‑management skills, external stakeholder relationships and the ability to influence a team in a high‑performing location.

Location: Bicester Village – Full Time, 40 hours per week for a fixed term of 12 months; operates an on‑site working pattern.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience in a people‑management role or similar, within a customer‑service environment
• Proven track record of effective selling skills and ability to drive commercial outcomes
• History of successfully participating in, contributing to and leading a team; creating an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment
• Demonstrated ability to utilise empathy to manage interpersonal relationships
• Open mindset and deep curiosity seeking to understand others, listen without judgement and act on diverse perspectives
• Strong communication, problem‑solving and merchandising skills
• Working knowledge of skin care and skin care industry (advantageous)
• Knowledge of hair care, body care, fragrance and home categories (advantageous)
• Computer literacy encompassing strong familiarity with Microsoft Office suite

What’s On Offer

We take a holistic approach to employment, promoting professional development, career growth, employee wellbeing initiatives and encouraging deep connections with the local community through volunteering and matched giving programmes. Employee benefits include:

• Up to 50% product discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• In‑house product and core skills training
• Competitive commission opportunity based on store performance
• Suite of options to aid development, including complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning
• Access to employee assistance programmes and complimentary subscription to Headspace mindfulness

Aesop is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a creative and inclusive workplace where talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting inclusion for all with the belief that diversity, inclusion and belonging plays an important role in the success of our organisation. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.