At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage showroom operations and guide customers through their kitchen makeover journey.
- Company: Join Neighborly, a leading home services company with a family-oriented culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a clear path to business ownership.
- Other info: Enjoy comprehensive training and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be the face of our brand and make a real impact in customers' lives.
- Qualifications: Previous management experience and strong people skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
ABOUT US
Neighborly (yes, without a u) was established over 40 years ago in the United States as a small family business.
Since then, Neighborly has grown into a world-leading company in home services.
Landing in the UK in 2010 as Neighbourly, the company has focused on acquiring and developing premium franchise brands within the home service industry.
In the 15 years that Neighbourly has been in the UK, it has shown its keen intent for growth, with over 330 locations across 6 brands, and over 4,000 frontline operatives.
Gaining a strong reputation for investment and franchisee development, Neighbourly has consistently grown year-on-year.
Our Brands
- Drain Doctor
- Bright & Beautiful
- Countrywide Grounds Maintenance
- Dream Doors
- Pimlico Plumbers London
- Greensleeves Lawn Care
Dream Doors
Established in 1999 Dream Doors is the UK’s Number One showroom-based kitchen makeover company, specialising in transforming existing kitchens into stunning, functional spaces, without the cost and disruption of a full renovation.
Our innovative approach, high-quality products, and exceptional customer service have made us a trusted name in the home improvement industry.
As we expand, we’re offering a unique opportunity for a driven individual to manage one of our showrooms with a clear path to securing personal financial security.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
REPORTS TO
- Managing Director
DIRECT REPORTS
- Sales Consultants
- Driver & Operations Assistant
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- Brand Leader
- Business Development Manager
- Finance & Sales Admin team
- Shared functions (marketing, IT, HR)
- PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
This is more than a management role, it’s a launchpad for future business ownership.
As the Retail & Operations Manager, you’ll be the face of our brand, guiding customers through the kitchen makeover journey, managing showroom operations, and driving local growth.
After a successful employment period, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase and operate the business as a business owner.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drive growth and profitable turnover for the business.
- Showroom Management: Oversee daily operations, ensuring the showroom is welcoming, organised, and reflective of our brand standards.
- Customer
Consultations: Directly, and through leadership of your team, provide expert advice and design consultations to help clients reimagine their kitchens using our makeover solutions.
You will be showing customers the products and services we offer e. g., kitchen doors, worktops, storage solutions, appliances, lighting, flooring, handles etc. while helping customers choose colours, styles etc.
You will be responsible for ensuring all relevant information is gathered from customer enquiries prior to a home visit, including conducting pre-appointment calls to understand customers’ needs and supporting/liaising with the Showroom Consultant.
- Sales & Quoting: Creating an in-home quotation and presenting features and benefits with passion and enthusiasm; closing sales in the home, resolving customer concerns and taking payments.
- Following up enquiries and unsold appointments (sweeping).
- Carry out post-sale surveys which will require a keen eye for detail when taking measurements, due to the made-to-measure products & service we provide.
- Project management: Liaise with installers, suppliers and customers to ensure smooth project delivery from consultation to completion.
- Visual Merchandising: Keep displays fresh, clean and inspiring, showcasing the latest trends and product innovations, in line with current brand guidelines.
- Opening showroom/closing showroom (key holder duties). Showroom operational hours Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm, Saturdays 10.00am – 4.00pm.
- Local Marketing: Build brand awareness through community engagement, local partnerships and promotional events.
- Franchise Readiness: Work closely with the franchisor to understand business operations, financials, and systems in preparation for future ownership.
- Recruit, train, coach and guide the in-house team, including all aspects of HR management.
- Any other reasonable duty that falls within your capabilities.
This role profile provides an indication of the role’s key accountabilities and is not intended to cover the whole scope of the role.
EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE
EXPERIENCE
- Previous management experience advantageous.
- Able to pivot and stretch between commercial and operational elements.
SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE
- IT literate (Microsoft Office/CRM)
- Excellent commercial attributes – with strong business acumen, sales-focused, relationship builder, and an engaging networker with a high proficiency in ‘people’ skills.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
- Financial acumen and understanding of business principles (including P&L, financial reporting)
- Awareness of previous execution of the sales process
- Background and understanding of the customer journey/experience
- UK driving licence
- BEHAVIOURS
- Resilient
- Customer and Sales focused
- Open & Clear communicator
- Organised
- Self-Motivated & Hardworking
- Problem Solver
- Proactive & hands-on
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- WHAT WE CAN OFFER
- Competitive salary with performance bonuses
- Comprehensive training and support from us (the franchisor)
- A clear and supported pathway to franchise ownership
- Access to a proven business model with strong brand recognition
- A collaborative and supportive team environment
- The opportunity to purchase and operate as a business owner
- INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT
Neighbourly is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their age, sex, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.
Brand: DDR UK Dream Doors
Retail & Operations Manager - Seaford, East Sussex employer: Neighborly
Join Neighborly, a market-leading home service company with over 40 years of experience and a strong presence in the UK. As an Internal Recruiter, you'll thrive in a supportive and collaborative HR team, where your contributions will directly influence recruitment processes and enhance employee experiences. With a commitment to growth and innovation, Neighborly offers excellent benefits, including a company pension, life insurance, and access to an on-site gym, making it an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail & Operations Manager - Seaford, East Sussex
✨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 Neighborly, 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 Neighborly!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail & Operations Manager - Seaford, East Sussex
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 Neighborly, 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 Neighborly 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 Neighborly that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Neighborly
✨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!
