At a Glance
- Tasks: Support independent retail by fostering partnerships and driving growth initiatives.
- Company: Join AIS, a vibrant organisation dedicated to empowering independent retailers across the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, birthday leave, and a company pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real difference in the retail sector.
- Qualifications: A collaborative spirit and a passion for supporting independent businesses.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Help make independent retail thrive - be part of our team. AIS is a successful buying, events and services membership organisation focused on supporting independent retail across the whole of the UK and Ireland. As a team we are innovative, creative, and passionate in our mission to help retailers and suppliers connect. We strongly believe in creating a collaborative culture and we are always focused on bringing a broad range of talent, viewpoints, beliefs, and attitudes into the retail sector. We’re looking for people to join the team who are as excited and committed as we are to ensure independent retail thrives. AIS is a member of Diversity in Retail.
Benefits, Rewards and Wellbeing
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (in a full leave year, pro rata for part time employees)
- Opportunity to buy additional annual leave (up to 5 days per leave year)
- Birthday leave - no one should work on their birthday so have the day off on us!
- Company pension scheme
- Employee Wellbeing Scheme & Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Charity / volunteering Leave
- Free employee parking
- Onsite catering service (subsidised rate for employees)
- Access to discounts and staff sales
- Employee engagement calendar and activities throughout the year
Company Values
Our values guide our every action. Launched in 2023, AIS employees contributed to, and developed, the company's values. As a collaborative initiative, we have created values that are important to us, and will help bring the AIS mission and vision to life. We champion and support our independent retailers and, with our combined strengths, expertise and creativity, ensure both AIS and our members thrive.
Vision
Our vision is for AIS to be the most member-focussed, innovative and agile buying and services group in the UK, creating commercial partnerships that deliver sustainable profit for thriving independent retailers.
Meet the team: 130 people work at AIS headquarters in the West Midlands. Our expert team has a wealth of experience in buying, retail merchandising, events, finance and more. Say hello to the people driving our business and helping our members thrive.
Independent Retail Growth & Partnerships employer: Associated Independent Stores Ltd
AIS is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers employees to make a meaningful impact in the independent retail sector. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous benefits including 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, and unique perks like birthday leave and a cycle to work scheme, AIS ensures that its team members feel valued and supported. Located in the vibrant West Midlands, employees have access to a wealth of expertise and growth opportunities within a passionate team focused on driving success for independent retailers across the UK and Ireland.
Contact Details:
Associated Independent Stores Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Retail Growth & Partnerships
✨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 Associated Independent Stores Ltd, 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 Associated Independent Stores Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Retail Growth & Partnerships
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 Associated Independent Stores Ltd, 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 Associated Independent Stores Ltd 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 Associated Independent Stores Ltd that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Associated Independent Stores Ltd
✨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!
