At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic retail team and create an exceptional customer experience in a vibrant cultural hub.
- Company: Join a unique Japanese cultural centre in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days of annual leave, competitive salary, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive and creative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that celebrates Japanese culture while developing your retail management skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in retail management, strong leadership, and a love for Japanese aesthetics.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 33500 £ per year.
A Japanese cultural hub based in London is currently recruiting a Retail Duty Manager to join its retail operations team. In this role you will oversee daily retail operations, lead the customer experience team, maintain high visual merchandising standards, and ensure smooth shop operations while delivering exceptional customer service.
Minimum experience: 3+ years in retail management or duty manager role within a premium retail environment. Must possess strong leadership, organisational, customer service, and team management skills. Experience with EPOS and retail systems, proficiency in MS Office, and a strong interest in Japanese culture and aesthetics are required. Business‑level English communication is essential.
Job Details
- Type: Permanent, full‑time
- Working hours: 35 hours per week (rolling rota includes weekends, evenings, and bank holidays when open)
- Salary: up to £33,500
- Start date: ASAP
- Location: Central London
- Working from home: up to 2 days per month
- Visa support: None (applicants must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions)
Benefits: 36 days annual leave including bank holidays
Responsibilities
- Retail Experience & Customer Service
- Lead and motivate the retail team to deliver excellent customer service and achieve sales targets
- Maintain high standards of visual merchandising and retail presentation
- Support shop promotions, exhibitions, and event implementation
- Provide product knowledge and customer engagement support
- Shop & Online Operations
- Oversee day‑to‑day retail operations and staffing schedules
- Handle customer enquiries, complaints, refunds, and exchanges
- Ensure smooth online order processing in coordination with internal teams
- Maintain cleanliness, safety, and presentation standards across retail spaces
- Team Management
- Supervise, train, and support retail team members
- Manage rotas, attendance, holidays, and onboarding processes
- Coordinate recruitment and staff training with HR and management teams
- Health & Safety
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, fire, and trading standards
- Support emergency procedures and incident reporting
- Liaise with security and operational teams to maintain a safe environment
Qualifications
Essential
- 3+ years of experience in retail management or duty manager role within a premium retail environment
- Strong customer service, leadership, and team management skills
- Excellent organisational, multitasking, and problem‑solving abilities
- Experience using EPOS and retail systems
- Proficiency in MS Office
- Strong interest in Japanese culture and aesthetics
- Business‑level English communication skills
Desirable
- Experience in visual merchandising and event coordination
- Relevant certifications such as First Aid or Health & Safety
- Additional language skills, including Japanese
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. The company cannot offer visa support. Working holiday and graduate visa holders with more than 18 months remaining may apply, depending on experience.
Retail Manager employer: Centre People
Join a vibrant Japanese cultural hub in Central London as a Retail Duty Manager, where you will lead a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will benefit from 36 days of annual leave and a supportive work culture that values creativity and teamwork. This role offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture while working in a dynamic retail environment that prioritises excellence and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail industry, especially those who have experience in premium environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for Japanese culture! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your enthusiasm and knowledge about Japanese aesthetics. It’ll set you apart from other candidates and show you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common retail management scenarios. Think about how you’d handle customer complaints or manage a busy shop floor. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Japanese Culture:Make sure to highlight your interest in Japanese culture and aesthetics in your application. We love candidates who share our passion, so let that enthusiasm shine through!
Tailor Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your retail management background and any relevant achievements. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so be specific about your leadership and customer service successes.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure your application well, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centre People
✨Know Your Japanese Culture
Since the role is in a Japanese cultural hub, brush up on your knowledge of Japanese culture and aesthetics. This will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the brand and its values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully led a team or improved customer service. Highlight specific situations where your leadership made a difference, as this is crucial for the Retail Duty Manager role.
✨Master the Retail Systems
Familiarise yourself with EPOS and retail systems, as well as MS Office. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles to enhance operations or improve customer experiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and multitasking abilities. Think of examples where you handled customer complaints or managed staffing issues effectively, as these will demonstrate your organisational skills.
