Department Manager in Southampton

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 and provide the best equipment for all outdoor activities, always at the best price guaranteed. We live our values every day: One Team – we are stronger together, Responsibility – we take ownership, Passion – we believe in what we do, Integrity – we do the right thing. Our mission is to be the nation’s favourite outdoor retailer.

Role Overview

Lead and manage your store or business area, motivating and coaching store teams to deliver exceptional service with customers at the heart. Create a culture of customer service excellence, develop talent, uphold safety and compliance, deliver financial results and support day‑to‑day operations.

Responsibilities

• Support the Store Manager and lead 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 programmes to support future talent and career pathways.
• Uphold a safe and compliant operating environment for all colleagues and customers.
• Deliver financial results in line with or above company targets.
• Act as 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 & KPIs

• Contribute to achieving or exceeding the store’s monthly sales target.
• Drive all additional KPIs including 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 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 of management experience, preferably in a similar retail format.

Application Process

Due to high volumes of applications, we may not contact all candidates. Successful applicants will be invited to a first‑stage meeting with the talent team and, subsequently, an interview with the hiring manager.