Optical Showroom Manager

Optical Showroom Manager

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
IOLLA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant team to drive sales and enhance customer experiences in our Edinburgh showroom.
  • Company: Join IOLLA, an independent eyewear retailer with a passion for quality and design.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, and generous discounts on eyewear.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent training and growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be the face of IOLLA in Edinburgh and make a real impact in the community.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years retail management experience; optical knowledge is a plus but not essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

IOLLA is a direct to consumer, independent retailer of high quality eyewear; designed in house and enjoyed worldwide through our online and physical spaces. Our mission is to become the most popular prescription eyewear brand wherever we are, and we want you to help get us there!

We are excited to be recruiting for an experienced Retail Manager to join our incredible Edinburgh St James team, in the heart of Edinburgh City Centre. Our Retail Manager will lead our Edinburgh community, bringing both commercial acumen and genuine optical expertise to every aspect of the role.

What You'll Do

  • Play the leading role within our retail store team, working collaboratively with your team to drive sales, customer experience and operational excellence — drawing on your optical knowledge to elevate the quality of every customer interaction.
  • Demonstrate best practice and role model behaviours that bring our core values and service excellence to every IOLLA customer, every day.
  • Confidently guide customers through lens choices, frame suitability, and prescription requirements, and inspire your team to do the same.
  • Be committed to the continuous growth of your team, creating a culture where learning, development, and progression are part of everyday life.
  • Be confident in identifying commercial opportunities that support the growth of the IOLLA brand, both internally and externally, including leveraging your optical knowledge to identify product gaps, training needs, and service improvements.
  • Drive an exceptional brand experience, ensuring every customer looks and feels great in their new eyewear.
  • Be the local community face of IOLLA, representing the brand and playing a key role in growing our Edinburgh city centre community — including building relationships with like‑minded brands who share our passion for quality, design, and outstanding customer experience.
  • Contribute to brand development by providing local market insights, customer trends, and product feedback.
  • Drive and maintain exceptional visual merchandising at all times, ensuring the showroom is always presented to the highest standard.
  • Lead your management team to effectively manage all aspects of day‑to‑day operations, including stock management and compliance with relevant Health & Safety requirements.

Join Our Team Because

  • You have at least 2 years experience as a retail manager, and thrive when working in a high volume, high footfall, fast paced environment overseeing a large team.
  • Optical retail experience is preferred but not essential.
  • You lead with confidence, building teams that are engaged, empowered, and consistently performing at their highest level.
  • You are commercially minded and sales driven, with a proven track record of hitting and exceeding targets.
  • You are self‑motivated and understand the importance of leading by example.
  • You have a passion for style and keeping up to date on key seasonal trends.
  • You have a spectacular ability to build great working relationships both internally and externally.
  • You can drive performance and results and are organised and strategic in your approach.
  • You thrive working in a team and can work independently, too.
  • You take ownership for your own learning and embrace new challenges with a growth mindset.

What You'll Get

  • A competitive salary.
  • Excellent training, including all things optics.
  • Discretionary reward and bonus each month.
  • Enhanced annual leave with service.
  • Annual leave purchase scheme.
  • Private healthcare.
  • Our Retail Trust partnership offers a host of benefits including an Employee Assistance programme and access to high street discounts, among many others!
  • Complimentary eyewear.
  • A generous friends and family discount.
  • To work for a brand who are proud to be a Real Living Wage employer.

This role is based in our IOLLA St James Quarter Showroom, Edinburgh. We can't wait to hear your story and look forward to meeting you!

Optical Showroom Manager employer: IOLLA

IOLLA is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Edinburgh City Centre. As a Retail Manager, you'll benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and a commitment to employee growth, all while being part of a brand that values quality and customer experience. Join us to lead a passionate team, enjoy unique perks like complimentary eyewear, and contribute to our mission of becoming the most popular prescription eyewear brand.

IOLLA

Contact Details:

IOLLA Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Optical Showroom Manager

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research IOLLA's values, products, and community initiatives. When you walk into that interview, show us you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about our mission and can bring that passion to the team.

Tip Number 2

Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your retail management experience and how it aligns with what we’re looking for. Highlight your achievements in driving sales and building teams, and don’t forget to sprinkle in some of that optical knowledge if you have it!

Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former IOLLA employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. This could give you valuable insights and even a foot in the door when it comes to your application.

Tip Number 4

Show us your style! When you come in for an interview, wear something that reflects your personal style and aligns with IOLLA’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for eyewear and fashion while making a memorable first impression.

We think you need these skills to ace Optical Showroom Manager

Retail Management
Optical Knowledge
Sales Driven
Customer Experience
Team Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Visual Merchandising

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Eyewear:When you're writing your application, let your love for eyewear shine through! Talk about what excites you about the industry and how you can contribute to IOLLA's mission of becoming the go-to brand for prescription eyewear.

Highlight Your Retail Experience:Make sure to showcase your retail management experience clearly. We want to see how you've led teams, driven sales, and created exceptional customer experiences in your previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your achievements!

Be Authentic and Personable:We’re looking for someone who can connect with our community and customers. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share stories that reflect your ability to build relationships and inspire your team.

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get excited about the possibility of you joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at IOLLA

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your optical knowledge before the interview. Understand the different types of lenses, frame styles, and how to guide customers through their choices. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to providing excellent customer service.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about times when you motivated your team, drove sales, or improved customer experiences. Be ready to discuss how you can bring that same energy to IOLLA and help grow the Edinburgh community.

Be Commercially Savvy

Familiarise yourself with IOLLA's brand values and current market trends. Think about potential commercial opportunities you could identify for the store. Showing that you understand the business side of retail will impress the interviewers and highlight your strategic thinking.

Engage with the Brand

Research IOLLA’s mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how you align with them. Share your passion for eyewear and style, and think about how you can contribute to the brand's growth. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.