Store Manager in Sunderland

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 Store Manager oversees daily operations, drives sales performance, manages a team of motivated employees, and ensures exceptional customer service to achieve business goals.

Responsibilities

• Effectively running all store operations to ensure meeting or exceeding sales & KPI targets, set clear sales goals, track performances whilst evolving processes to ensure continuous store growth.
• Create and maintain colleague schedules to ensure proper coverage and productivity.
• Creating a positive team culture through recruiting, training and continuously developing your team.
• Building a motivated and high performing team, increasing chances of store success.
• Analysing sales data and financial reports to make quick and well-informed decisions, identifying and responding to areas of opportunity operationally & commercially.
• Develop and implement strategies to meet and exceed sales targets.
• Attract, engage and motivate customers into making purchases by using the latest visual merchandising techniques.
• Ensuring merchandise displays are attractive and align to brand guidelines.
• Ensure your teams are delivering the highest level of service in store in order to achieve a positive net promoter score (NPS).
• Address customer inquiries, feedback, and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
• Drive existing customer loyalty programmes and promotions to enhance customer engagement.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and control store expenses to stay within budget.
• Ensure the store complies with health & safety regulations.
• 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 Net Promotor Score.
• Ensure stock accuracy during store audits.
• Ensure all new colleagues complete mandatory training required.
• Ensure employee satisfaction and engagement survey results meet or exceed company benchmarks.
• Ensure operational costs are kept within the allocated budget.

Skills and Experience

• Previous management experience in a fast‑paced Retail/Customer facing environment; passionate about retail & hold a good understanding of the latest trends and our competitors.
• Hold strong leadership skills & have previous experience of coaching and developing a strong team.
• Strong communication skills; proven track record of managing and exceeding sales targets and KPI’s; have experience in analysing reports & making commercial decisions; keen eye for detail & commerciality.
• Previous experience within visual merchandising would be advantageous.
• Promote JD Group values to internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits

• Quarterly discretionary bonus schemes
• Company discount of 30% 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)
• Company Sick Pay scheme
• Health Care Cover
• Discounted Gym memberships at JD Gyms
• Life Assurance
• 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
• Incremental Holiday Allowance

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.