At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to inspire outdoor adventures and drive store performance.
- Company: GO Outdoors, a leading retailer passionate about making the outdoors accessible for everyone.
- Benefits: Staff discounts, holiday allowance, gym membership, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Empower adventurers and make a real impact in a vibrant retail environment.
- Qualifications: Retail management experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
This is GO Outdoors. Made for Exploring. Built for Everyone. At GO Outdoors, our purpose is simple: to inspire and equip everyone for life outdoors. From hikers to cyclists, cold-water dippers to weekend campers, we believe the outdoors should be for all - and we’re here to make it accessible with trusted kit and unbeatable value. We’re passionate, practical, and people‑focused. Our values - welcoming, responsible, authentic, and innovative - guide everything we do as we help the nation discover the joy of being out there. If you’re driven to empower every kind of adventurer and make the outdoors accessible to all, you’ll feel right at home with us. This is your moment. This is GO Outdoors. Are you in?
As a Department Manager, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting one of the UK’s leading outdoor retailers. You’ll work alongside the Store Manager to drive results, develop talent, and deliver an exceptional customer experience, ensuring the store delivers the high standards GO Outdoors is known for every single day. If you’re ready to step up, lead with confidence, and help shape a high-performing team in a fast-paced retail environment, this is your opportunity to make your impact.
Role Overview
As a Department Manager at GO Outdoors, you are a key driver of your department’s success and contribute to the overall performance of the store. You lead from the front — motivating your team, driving performance alongside the Store Manager, and ensuring every shift delivers strong results. You help inspire your colleagues to excel, uphold high standards, and move the store toward ambitious sales targets and operational excellence. This role is all about confident leadership, strong commercial awareness, and the ability to elevate your team so the store achieves success together.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Store Manager with daily store operations to help achieve sales targets and core KPIs.
- Lead and guide colleagues on the shop floor, allocating tasks, supporting service delivery, and maintaining GO Outdoors standards throughout the day.
- Take ownership of your department, ensuring it is commercially strong, well presented, and aligned to store priorities.
- Assist with coaching and development, offering real-time feedback and reinforcing expectations set by the Store Manager.
- Maintain GO Outdoors’ high presentation and operational standards, including availability, pricing accuracy, tidy displays, and a safe environment.
- Carry out core operational duties such as cash handling support, till checks, delivery processing, stock audits, and opening/closing routines — escalating issues appropriately.
Skills & Experience Required
- Previous experience in a retail management or supervisory role, such as Department Manager, Assistant Store Manager or Supervisor, demonstrating readiness to support leadership.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide, develop, and motivate staff while reinforcing store priorities.
- Confidence in interpreting KPI and sales data to support commercial decision-making and shift focus.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, supporting colleagues and ensuring professional customer interactions.
- Proven success driving sales performance and contributing to KPI achievement in a retail environment.
Desirable Attributes
- Passion for retail and the outdoors, with an enthusiasm for representing the GO Outdoors brand.
- Professional, proactive leader with a solutions‑driven mindset.
- Hands‑on and committed to leading by example in all areas of the store.
- Resilient, adaptable, and able to remain composed under pressure.
- Customer‑focused, with a strong commitment to delivering a great in‑store experience.
What We Offer
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a workplace where every colleague is valued, respected, and empowered. We celebrate the diversity of our teams and strive to ensure that all colleagues — regardless of background, identity, or lived experience — can thrive and contribute meaningfully. As part of our successful and continually evolving company, you’ll be encouraged to embrace our core values: putting people first, staying connected to our customers, and delivering operational excellence. We are always exploring new opportunities for growth and welcome individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact every day. We know our employees work tirelessly to make GO Outdoors the success it is today and, in return, we offer some great benefits:
- Incremental Holiday Allowance
- Staff Discount on qualifying purchases across Group retail stores and online
- Exclusive Colleague Bike Discount scheme
- Discounted Gym membership
- Personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work
- Access to Apprenticeships and accredited qualifications
Department Manager employer: Naylor's Equestrian Llp
At GO Outdoors, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As a Department Manager, you'll not only lead a passionate team in a fast-paced retail environment but also benefit from our commitment to employee growth through personal development opportunities, apprenticeships, and a supportive atmosphere that values every individual's contribution. With perks like staff discounts, incremental holiday allowances, and a focus on work-life balance, you'll find that working with us is both rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Department Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into GO Outdoors' values and mission. Show us that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely resonates with our passion for the outdoors.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you've motivated a team or tackled challenges head-on. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to drive performance and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss KPIs! Brush up on how you’ve used data to make decisions in previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate strong commercial awareness and how they’ve achieved sales targets.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show us you’re engaged by asking about team dynamics, store goals, or how we support personal development. It’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Department Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors:When writing your application, let your love for the outdoors shine through! We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our mission at GO Outdoors. Share any personal experiences that highlight your connection to outdoor activities.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Department Manager, strong leadership is key. Make sure to showcase your previous management experience and how you've motivated teams in the past. We’re looking for examples of how you’ve driven performance and supported your colleagues.
Be Authentic and Personable:We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Use a friendly tone and be yourself! This helps us get a sense of who you are and how you might fit into our team culture.
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 receive your details and keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the GO Outdoors family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Naylor's Equestrian Llp
✨Know Your GO Outdoors
Before the interview, dive deep into GO Outdoors' mission and values. Understand their commitment to making the outdoors accessible for everyone. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and show that you're genuinely passionate about the brand.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Department Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully motivated a team or driven performance. Highlight how you can inspire others to achieve ambitious sales targets.
✨Be Data-Savvy
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to retail. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to make commercial decisions in previous roles. This shows that you understand the business side of retail and can contribute to GO Outdoors' success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think of scenarios where you've had to maintain high standards or resolve conflicts on the shop floor. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
