Central Retail Operations and Communications Manager in Bury

At GO Outdoors our purpose is strong and clear; “to inspire and equip everyone for life outdoors”. That’s because we passionately believe in the positive benefits of the outdoors, whether that be the daily dog walk or hiking Ben Nevis, horse riding or cold water therapy, we provide the best equipment for all outdoor activities, always at the best price guaranteed! Our values aren’t just posters on the wall, we live them every day; ‘One Team ‘we are stronger together’, ‘Responsibility ‘we take ownership’, ‘Passion ‘we believe in what we do’ and ‘Integrity ‘we do the right thing’. Clear values which help us to fulfil our mission to be ‘the nations favourite outdoor retailer’. If you share our passion and want to make a difference join our team to be a part of something ‘unbeatable’!

Role Overview

The Central Operations Manager plays a key role within JD Outdoors, supporting the Central Operations team to deliver the division’s retail strategy through clear, simple, and effective store communication. This role ensures JD Outdoors stores operate efficiently by driving operational excellence, simplifying processes, and delivering high impact projects that improve the colleague and customer experience. You will lead a small team, oversee communication and operational processes, and support the seamless execution of change across the estate. To be successful in this role, you will be a proactive, solutions focused operator who thrives in a fast paced retail environment. You’re passionate about improving ways of working, driving efficiency, and creating structure that supports store teams. Confident influencing at all levels, you build trust quickly, communicate with clarity, and collaborate naturally across functions. You’re comfortable leading teams, delivering projects, simplifying complexity, and introducing new technologies that drive meaningful value. Above all, you bring energy, curiosity, and a continuous improvement mindset to help JD Outdoors stay operationally strong and future ready.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Communication
  • Manage and develop the Operations and Communications team (3 colleagues).
  • Support the Communication & Planning Manager to coordinate and create regular, high quality communication for stores.
  • Maintain the store communication/task platform and monitor store usage and performance.
  • Facilitate weekly store and regional feedback processes.
  • Deliver key divisional events such as Conferences and Roadshows alongside the Communications Manager.
• Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
  • Continually review JD Outdoors store processes to identify issues and drive operational simplification.
  • Resolve day to day store raised issues to support continuous improvement.
  • Write, create, and maintain documentation for new and existing processes and procedures.
  • Maintain and monitor operational processes such as Ship from Store, Click & Collect, Trustpilot, ESL, and Vocovo.
  • Oversee weekly price change uploads and monthly campaign processes.
  • Maintain the JD Outdoors Activity Plan to ensure all store activity lands accurately and on time.
• Project Delivery & Cross Functional Collaboration
  • Deliver new projects that generate store efficiencies in processes, staffing, and operations.
  • Work closely with Retail teams and Profit Protection to reduce loss and improve stock accuracy.
  • Support the Central Operations Associate Director and cross functional teams to deliver key business projects on time and within budget.
  • Represent the JD Outdoors division on wider Group projects.
  • Network with the JD Group Central Operations team to stay informed on business priorities, retail innovations, and new technologies.
• Innovation, Technology & Cost Efficiency
  • Identify and deliver new revenue generating projects from concept through to implementation.
  • Introduce, implement, and monitor new retail technologies—both in house and third party—to drive efficiency and cost savings across JD Outdoors stores.
  • Build strong relationships with external suppliers to ensure value, quality, and operational impact.
  • Drive cost efficiencies across operational processes.
  • Ensure reporting and insight is available for Retail Operations, stores, and Regional Managers to measure success and track performance.

Skills, Experience & Knowledge

• Technical
  • Strong proficiency in Office 365, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Solid understanding of retail store systems, operational processes, and store procedures.
  • Experience implementing new retail technologies.
• Leadership & Communication
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with colleagues at all levels.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication; confident presenting to senior stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage upwards and influence effectively.
• Organisation & Delivery
  • Highly organised with the ability to plan, prioritise, and manage multiple workloads simultaneously.
  • Proven ability to deliver under pressure and meet strict deadlines and budgets.
  • Problem solving mindset with a proactive approach to improvement.
  • Strong networking ability, both internally and externally.

Due to the high volumes of applications our opportunities attract, it takes time to review them all. If you don't hear back within two weeks of you applying, please consider your application to have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Applications that meet the skills criteria will be contacted for a 1st stage meeting with the talent team. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to interview with the hiring manager. Thank you again for your time.