At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and expand retail operations, coaching teams and managing store performance.
- Company: Mencap Retail, a vibrant community-focused organisation championing sustainable fashion.
- Benefits: 32 days holiday, financial perks, enhanced parental leave, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible remote work options and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Transform lives through retail while driving sustainable fashion and community impact.
- Qualifications: Retail leadership experience, passion for sustainability, and a full driver's license.
The predicted salary is between 38798 - 38798 £ per year.
Area Retail Business Manager - Retail (Surrey)
Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
Salary: £38,798 per annum + travel & expenses | Hours: 37.5 hrs/week
Location: Surrey (Field-based across 5 current stores, expanding to 15)
Every great expansion story needs a leader. This is your invitation to write ours.
Imagine stepping into a role where your commercial retail acumen directly transforms lives. At Mencap Retail, our shops are far more than high-street stores—they are vibrant community hubs, champions of sustainable ‘Reloved' fashion, and the financial engine behind our mission to make the UK the best place for people with a learning disability to thrive.
As our new Area Business Manager in Surrey, you'll take the reins of a newly established territory with a bold ambition: scaling our presence from 5 stores to 15 over the next four years.
Your day-to-day will be dynamic and entrepreneurial. One day you'll be scouting prime new high-street locations, overseeing shop fit-outs, and launching brilliant store openings. The next, you'll be out in the field coaching Store Managers, managing P&Ls, setting commercial strategies, and inspiring your teams—from Assistant Managers to Van Drivers and Volunteers—to deliver an unforgettable customer experience.
Who you are
You're an autonomous, positive retail leader with a full driver's license and a real passion for high-street retail and sustainable fashion. Whether your background is in charity retail or commercial multi-site management, you know how to spot stock opportunities, manage regional budgets, and build empowered, diverse, and inclusive store cultures through distance management.
Why you'll love working with us
- Time Off: 32 days paid holiday (incl. bank holidays) + holiday buying scheme.
- Financial Wellbeing: Interest-free tech/travel loans, Blue Light Card discounts, retail/cinema savings, and dedicated financial support.
- Family & Health: Enhanced parental leave, paid leave for dependents/bereavement, company sick pay, and pension options with life assurance.
Ready to build something extraordinary? If you have the drive, empathy, and leadership tenacity to shape the future of Mencap Retail in Surrey, we'd love to hear from you.
Remote working/work at home options are available for this role.
Retail Business Manager- Hybrid in Guildford employer: Crooton Ltd
Join our dynamic team at the Chirnside Plant, where we prioritise employee growth and development in a supportive work culture. As a Facilities Maintenance Coordinator, you'll enjoy competitive salary packages, including site bonuses and opportunities for training advancement, all while contributing to a collaborative environment that values your proactive approach.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Business Manager- Hybrid in Guildford
✨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 Crooton 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 Crooton Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Business Manager- Hybrid in Guildford
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 Crooton 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 Crooton 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 Crooton Ltd that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crooton 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!