At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team, drive sales, and create an inspiring retail experience.
- Company: Join Columbia Sportswear, a global leader in outdoor apparel and gear.
- Benefits: Enjoy significant discounts, unlimited LinkedIn Learning access, and opportunities for travel across Europe.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a purpose-driven brand that values the outdoors and personal growth.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of retail management experience and a passion for coaching and development.
- Other info: Flexible schedule required, including weekends and holidays.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
Store Manager – Ashford Designer Outlet page is loaded
Store Manager – Ashford Designer Outlet
Apply locations Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom time type Full time posted on Posted 2 Days Ago job requisition id R-018806
Reports to: Retail Operations Manager
Fixed-term contract, converted permanent after 12 months
Ashford Designer Outlet, England
Start date: at the earliest convenience
OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.
At Columbia Sportswear, we’re as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, we’re proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.
Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.” As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving
Discover a world of diversity within our team of 700+ across 13 European countries, united by the common goal of elevating Columbia to the pinnacle of outdoor brands in Europe. Our omnichannel approach seamlessly integrates Columbia and Sorel brands\’ engaging in-store and online experiences.
We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.
And we believe in you.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Are you a hands-on leader who thrives on the shop floor, connecting with people, driving results, and developing talent? We’re looking for a Store Manager to take the lead at our Columbia store in the Ashford Designer Outlet, England—creating an inspiring, high-energy retail experience for customers and team members alike.
At Columbia, Store Managers don’t sit behind a desk. They lead from the front—coaching their team by example, cultivating a high-performance culture, and using their business acumen to drive commercial success. You’ll be a key player in our European Retail Team, working with peers across nine countries in a brand that champions innovation, customer connection, and a passion for the outdoors.
If you’re looking for a meaningful challenge in a purpose-driven brand, this is your chance to make a real impact!
HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
- Lead from the front: Be a visible and approachable leader on the shop floor, setting the tone for service excellence and team engagement.
- Build and develop your team: Recruit, train, and grow talent, fostering a culture of coaching, accountability, and progression.
- Drive performance with purpose: Set clear targets, motivate your team, and use data insights to steer actions and boost store KPIs.
- Own your business: Manage your store’s P&L, make informed commercial decisions, and proactively address opportunities to improve profitability.
- Deliver premium service: Champion customer experience by ensuring consistent, high-quality interactions aligned with our service standards.
- Plan and operate efficiently: Oversee daily operations, optimize staffing, and ensure smooth execution of store processes.
- Elevate visual impact: Implement and maintain brand-right merchandising standards that bring our product stories to life.
- Cultivate a strong team culture: Build trust and collaboration, creating a safe and empowering environment for your team to grow.
WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL?
- Leadership experience – At least 2 years of store management experience, leading a team in a retail or customer-focused environment.
- Strong communication skills – Fluent in [official country language], with a professional level of English to collaborate with our European team.
- People-first mindset – You thrive in a team environment, building strong relationships with both employees and customers.
- Coaching & development skills – You love helping others succeed, mentoring, training, and inspiring your team to reach their full potential.
- Strategic thinker – You’re confident in analyzing data, solving problems, and making decisions that improve store performance.
- Motivated by challenges – You bring energy, resilience, and a results-driven attitude to every task.
- Passion for the outdoors – You love adventure and enjoy sharing that enthusiasm with others.
- Adaptability & flexibility – Comfortable working a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, to support store operations.
WHY JOINING US?
You will have the opportunity to work for a company that has a positive impact on the people we reach, the places we touch, and the products we make. Indeed, one of our core values is to do the right thing, not just for our company, but also for our consumers, customers, employees and their communities.
On top of that, you will have the chance to:
- Build new skills, develop your potential, and grow within our company.
- Join an inclusive employer where diversity and equity lead to creativity and empowerment.
- Be part of a company that focus on your wellbeing to ensure that you can be your best self.
- Travel around Europe for seminars or staff event and expend your professional network.
- Benefit from special staff discount on our all products.
PERKS & BENEFITS
Significant discounts on Columbia and Sorel products
Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning
Unlock your potential: access to in-house training courses (feedback, leadership, Insights…)
DEI initiatives to exchange and strengthen our involvement around these themes
ABOUT THE CULTURE
- At Columbia Sportswear, we value an inclusive and open culture that emphasizes the absence of barriers between team members. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging by encouraging personal connections at all levels, which creates a cohesive and supportive work environment.
- Team members serve as ambassadors for our brand, finding motivation in being part of an organization dedicated to activities they are passionate about. This dedication reflects our commitment to building a team that takes pride in our products and values.
- We offer the opportunity to work for a US-based company within a multicultural environment, where your job has an impact across different countries.
- Our \”Always Be Learning\” culture of continuous learning enables our employees to identify and develop skills that will enable them to continue to grow within the company.
- \”Unlock Your Potential\” is the spirit that characterizes our vision of employees\’ development: to offer them opportunities to grow, in their job, in their team or even to change jobs completely. We grow our people to grow our business.
To learn more about us and our culture, visit our page on Welcome To The Jungle: https://bit.ly/49bl1i5
ABOUT THE HIRING PROCESS
Ready to unlock your potential at Columbia Sportswear Company? Apply now to help us connect active people with their passion! The hiring team will review your application in the following weeks.
If your application is selected: a 30-45mn introductory interview with our Talent Acquisition Team to talk about yourself, your motivations and the role
Interview with the hiring manager (online or in-person interview)
Your unique strengths align perfectly with our team: we are thrilled to extend you an offer!
#LI-LA1
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position\’s scope and function in the company.
Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in designing, sourcing, marketing, and distributing outdoor and active lifestyle apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment.
Our four primary brands — Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, SOREL and prAna — complement each other to address the diverse needs of active consumers and their products have gained an international reputation for their innovation, quality and performance.
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Store Manager - Ashford Designer Outlet employer: Columbia Sportswear Company
Contact Detail:
Columbia Sportswear Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Manager - Ashford Designer Outlet
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Columbia Sportswear's brand values and mission. Understanding their commitment to the outdoors and customer experience will help you align your leadership style with their expectations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your hands-on leadership approach by preparing examples of how you've successfully led teams in retail environments. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you motivated your team or improved store performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Columbia Sportswear, especially those in management roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your passion for the outdoors and how it relates to your work. Columbia values employees who share their enthusiasm for outdoor activities, so be ready to express how this passion drives your leadership and customer service.
We think you need these skills to ace Store Manager - Ashford Designer Outlet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail management, particularly any leadership roles. Emphasise your ability to drive performance and develop talent, as these are key aspects of the Store Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the outdoors and how it aligns with Columbia's values. Mention specific examples of how you've led teams and improved store performance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Provide concrete examples of your leadership experience, such as how you’ve motivated a team or implemented successful strategies. This will demonstrate your capability to lead from the front, as required for this position.
Highlight Your People Skills: Since the role requires strong communication and a people-first mindset, include examples of how you've built relationships with both customers and team members. This will show that you can create a positive team culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Columbia Sportswear Company
✨Show Your Leadership Style
As a Store Manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've led teams in the past, focusing on your hands-on approach and ability to motivate others on the shop floor.
✨Emphasise Customer Experience
Highlight your commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. Discuss strategies you've implemented to enhance customer interactions and how you ensure your team aligns with service standards.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Be ready to talk about how you've used data insights to drive performance in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've set targets and motivated your team to achieve store KPIs based on data analysis.
✨Demonstrate Passion for the Outdoors
Since Columbia Sportswear is all about the outdoors, express your personal passion for outdoor activities. Share experiences that connect your love for nature with your professional journey, showing how this aligns with the company's values.