At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the shop, support the team, and deliver top-notch customer service.
- Company: Clapham Cycle, a vibrant independent bike shop in Clapham Junction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, sociable hours, and 28 days' holiday.
- Other info: Great location, supportive environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a difference in the cycling community.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management or workshop mechanics; passion for bikes is a must.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
Salary Range: Competitive, dependent on experience
Store Manager / Senior Workshop Mechanic
Clapham Cycle - Clapham Junction, Southwest London
Clapham Cycle is an established independent bike shop based in the heart of Clapham Junction. Since opening in 2021, we have built a loyal customer base and a friendly, knowledgeable team with a genuine enthusiasm for bikes and cycling.
As we continue to grow, we're looking for one or potentially two new people to bring fresh skills, experience and ideas to the business.
We are particularly interested in hearing from:
- An experienced Store Manager-or someone ready to take the next step into management-who can help lead the day-to-day running of the shop, support the team and deliver excellent customer service.
- A Senior Workshop Mechanic with strong technical knowledge who can complete servicing and repairs to a high standard, confidently advise customers and help maintain an efficient, professional workshop.
- We also welcome applications from mechanics at other stages of their careers. If you have a solid foundation, a willingness to learn and a genuine passion for bikes, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- Performance-based bonus scheme
- Sociable working hours-we are closed every Sunday
- Pension scheme
- 28 days' holiday, including bank holidays
- Training and development opportunities
- Trade pricing on bikes, parts and accessories
- A friendly, supportive working environment
- A great location close to Clapham Junction station
We are looking for someone who can start as soon as possible, although we will consider individual notice periods for the right candidate.
Skills/Experience Required
The ideal candidate will be:
- Friendly, enthusiastic and customer-focused
- Passionate about bikes and cycling
- Ambitious and keen to share and develop their skills
- Comfortable working as part of a sociable, supportive team
- Able to bring useful experience, fresh ideas and initiative to the business
- Experience working with a range of bicycle brands would be advantageous, particularly Brompton and Merida, although this is not essential.
- For the Store Manager opportunity, previous retail management or supervisory experience is preferred, although we will consider someone ready to take the next step.
- For the Senior Workshop Mechanic opportunity, strong professional workshop experience and the ability to complete servicing and repairs to a high standard are preferred. Applications from mechanics at other stages of their careers are also welcome.
Store Manager / Senior Workshop Mechanic employer: Cytech
Join our dynamic team as a Bike Mechanic in a spacious and well-equipped workshop, where your skills will be valued and nurtured. Enjoy a balanced work-life with a fixed schedule from Tuesday to Saturday, ensuring you have uninterrupted breaks and no late shifts. With opportunities for training and development, you'll thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises both customer satisfaction and employee growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Manager / Senior Workshop Mechanic
✨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 Cytech, 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 Cytech!
We think you need these skills to ace Store Manager / Senior Workshop Mechanic
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 Cytech, 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 Cytech 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 Cytech that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cytech
✨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!