At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver exceptional customer service and drive store growth.
- Company: Join a thriving retail business with over 5,000 employees and a commitment to community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, flexible hours, and fantastic staff discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Retail management experience and strong leadership skills are essential.
Location: Raunds
Salary: £31,000 plus bonus potential
Hours: 40 hours per week, Various Shifts, including weekends
Contract Type: Permanent
Company Overview: We are a dynamic and innovative retail, wholesale and foodservice business, committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and staying at the forefront of industry trends. A company that now owns 247 SPAR convenience stores and employs more than 5,000 people, with a turnover of £1.3 billion.
Reporting to the Retail Operations Manager, the Store Manager will be driving growth within the company owned store. This key role requires an experienced individual who can effectively engage with colleagues and customers, collaborate closely with the Area Manager to align operational strategies with company objectives and foster a positive and empowering work environment that reflects the company's values.
Key Responsibilities:
- Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, encouraging teamwork and a strong sense of community within the store. Celebrate colleague successes.
- Operational Excellence: Ensure smooth day-to-day operations, including inventory management, merchandising, and stock control. Implement and uphold visual merchandising standards to enhance the overall shopping experience.
- Customer Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, understanding their needs and preferences. Implement customer service strategies to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
- Sales and Performance: Set and achieve sales targets, actively driving initiatives to increase revenue and profitability. Analyse sales reports and trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Community Involvement: Actively participate in local community events and initiatives to strengthen the store's ties with the community. Seek out partnerships and collaborations that contribute to the overall well-being of Raunds.
- Financial Management: Manage budgets, expenses, and financial reporting to ensure the store operates within established financial parameters.
Store Manager Skills Required:
- Proven experience in retail management, with a track record of success in achieving sales targets.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with customers and the local community.
- Knowledge of retail operations, including inventory management and merchandising.
- Ability to analyse data and make informed decisions to drive business performance.
- A passion for community engagement and a commitment to making a positive impact in Raunds.
What’s in it for you?
- Salary of up to £31,000 and bonus potential
- Holiday, Maternity and Paternity leave and pay in excess of statutory entitlements
- Cycle to work scheme
- Develop your skills and capability in a highly supportive and multi-diverse culture
- Outstanding Training & Development opportunities
- Gain hands-on experience in a high volume, fast paced environment
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity pay packages
- Flexible working hours opportunity
- Excellent additional benefits package including:
- Early access to your pay through EarlyPay
- 24/7 access to your payslips via HR/Payroll portal
- 12.5% Staff discount on fresh items & 10% Staff Discount on ambient products in our SPAR stores (ex. Alcohol & Cigarettes)
- Wellbeing support - access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice
- Company Pension Scheme
- Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme NEST pension scheme
- Extra Holiday - Purchase Scheme
- Long Service Awards
If you are a results-driven and community-oriented individual with a passion for retail, we invite you to apply for the position Store Manager. Join us in making a difference in the Raunds community through exceptional service and a commitment to excellence.
UK driving licence preferred as travel to other store etc. Must be willing to undergo Post Office financial vetting.
Inclusive environment: as a Disability Confident Committed employer we are dedicated to creating a fair, inclusive workplace for all. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Store Manager employer: AF Blakemore - Retail
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can thrive as a Duty Manager in our award-winning Bala SPAR store. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including enhanced maternity and paternity pay, and a supportive culture that values community engagement, we empower our team members to excel and grow within the company. Join us to be part of a family-run business that combines tradition with innovation, making a meaningful impact in the local community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Manager
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like AF Blakemore - Retail, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like AF Blakemore - Retail!
We think you need these skills to ace Store Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at AF Blakemore - Retail, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at AF Blakemore - Retail and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show AF Blakemore - Retail that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at AF Blakemore - Retail
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
