Department Manager in Stoke-on-Trent

At GO Outdoors our purpose is strong and clear; “to inspire and equip everyone for life outdoors”. 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: Make your part of GO a great place to shop and work through the effective leadership and management of your store or defined business area. Motivate and coach store teams to deliver service which has customers at the heart, through exceptional store standards and highly engaged colleagues.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Store Manager lead and motivate a high performing, highly engaged team.
• Create a culture of exceptional customer service ensuring our store teams win customers for life by exceeding their expectations.
• Develop store teams through internal development programme to support future talent and career pathways to help us grow our business.
• Uphold a safe and compliant operating environment for all colleagues and customers.
• Deliver our financial results in line with or in excess of company targets.
• Support other retail management duties where required.
• Act as the point of contact for colleagues in the manager’s absence.
• Provide excellent customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving complaints professionally.
• Help manage day-to-day operations, including opening and closing procedures.
• Support cash management tasks, such as processing transactions and reconciling tills.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training new employees.
• Provide feedback and coaching to colleagues to improve performance.
• Support the Store Manager in maintaining colleague schedules to ensure proper coverage and productivity.

Role objectives and KPI’s:

• Contribute to achieving or exceeding the stores monthly sales target.
• Drive all additional KPIs including but not limited to Units, Conversion, ATV, UPT.
• Achieve upselling or cross-selling targets.
• Maintain a high customer metric score.
• Ensure stock accuracy during store Audits.
• Ensure all new colleagues complete mandatory training required.
• Ensure employee satisfaction stores or engagement survey results meet or exceed company benchmarks.
• Assist in keeping operational costs within the allocated budget.

Skills and Experience:

• Great coaching, mentoring and team building skills that drive team performance.
• Clear, confident, and motivational communicator with excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills.
• At least 2 years management experience, preferably in a similar format of retail.
• Experience of effectively prioritising and delegating workload to achieve team goals and objectives.
• A proven record of successfully promoting and growing a brand or service in the local community.
• A passion for customer service and a proven record of delivering excellence in this area.
• Demonstrate the ability to improve store performance & standards through effective planning.
• Robust working knowledge of retail KPI’s and the proven ability to control costs, increase sales and improve the customer experience.
• Knowledge of local market trends, competitor activity and the ability to identify local community growth opportunities.
• Leads with a plan/do/review mindset.
• Confident and clear decision maker.
• Communicates in a way that inspires and engages.
• Strives to be better.
• Resilient and positive attitude even under pressure.
• Takes personal responsibility.
• Lives and breathes our values.
• Passionate about developing teams.
• Committed to two-way, clear, and honest feedback.
• Builds great relationships.

Benefits:

• Discretionary bonus schemes.
• Company discount off a large number of products in-store and online (JD Sports, Size?, Foot Patrol, Blacks, Millets, GO Outdoors).
• Exclusive deals and discounts and offers from retail and hospitality businesses through our online benefits platform (TELUS Health).
• Access to digital health and well-being services through our benefits platform (TELUS Health).
• Health cash plans.
• Wide range of internal development courses to support personal and professional development throughout your career journey with the Group.
• Access to apprenticeships & accredited qualifications - Earn while you learn and gain nationally recognised qualifications (England Only).
• Discounted Gym memberships at JD Gyms.
• Access to colleague networks, to share lived experiences and support initiatives that drive positive change.
• Opportunities to volunteer and contribute to JD Foundation.
• Employer engagement forums to help influence positive change.