At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team and manage customer relationships in a thriving opticians branch.
- Company: Join Leightons, a family-owned opticians with a rich history since 1928.
- Benefits: Enjoy gym contributions, staff discounts, and access to our Learning Academy.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a workplace that values every individual.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while growing your management skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Dispensing Optician with strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Reading
Reports To: Area Manager
Are you an experienced Dispensing Optician searching for a new and exciting opportunity in management? Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care are actively searching for a Branch Manager to join our wonderful team situated in Reading. Leightons is a retail opticians and audiology business, founded in 1928. We are proudly independent, family-owned and family run and believe our people are the key to success and longevity. Leightons have grown to have 37 stores, all special and unique.
Responsibilities
- Managing customer relationships, ensuring customer levels of satisfaction remain at targeted level
- Deliver business results by promoting strategies within branch to enhance performance
- Planning for the future. Setting and achieving realistic business goals by establishing priorities, actions and milestones
- Guiding your team, ensuring they remain motivated and continue to excel within their defined roles
Qualifications
This is an ideal position for an experienced Dispensing Optician with a strong commercial mindset. You will need to possess strong communication skills with a strong aptitude for people management, ensuring you are able to lead, motivate and guide the team.
Mandatory Requirements
- Qualified Dispensing Optician
- Fully Registered with the GOC
Benefits
- Access to Leightons Learning Academy
- Contribution Towards Gym/Club Memberships
- Staff discounts
- More benefits
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and creating a workplace culture in which diversity and inclusion is valued and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As part of our zero-tolerance approach to discrimination in any form, you and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics).
Branch Manager, Reading employer: Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership
Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values the contributions of every team member. Located in Reading, this family-owned business provides ample opportunities for professional growth through the Leightons Learning Academy, alongside attractive benefits such as gym membership contributions and staff discounts. Join us to be part of a dedicated team where your leadership can truly make a difference in enhancing customer satisfaction and driving business success.
Contact Details:
Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Branch Manager, Reading
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership!
We think you need these skills to ace Branch Manager, Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
