Store Manager in Braintree

We are currently looking to recruit a full-time Store Manager to support our Retail Team, based at our brand-new outlet in Braintree. OKA Braintree is our third outlet, following the successful introduction of the brand with the Bicester Village Garden Centre in 2025.

About Us

We know the best work is done by people who enjoy their jobs, so we create a fun and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and is able to thrive. We are looking for an agile and proactive Store Manager with a positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit who can help us nurture this company culture.

Key Responsibilities

Store Operations

• Organising and executing all general daily activities and operational requirements of the store
• Proactively motivating and leading the store teams to exceed targets and KPIs
• Working with our Visual Merchandising team to update and maintain exceptional standards of store presentation and organisation
• Working with Business Leads to ensure smooth operations

Customer Service

• Role-modelling the provision of exceptional customer service to OKA customers
• Leading the store teams to deliver the highest possible standards of customer service – both face to face and via phone – in the most efficient and effective manner
• Establishing meaningful, long-term relationships with our customers via clienteling and customer loyalty initiatives

People and Culture

• Maintaining a key presence on the shopfloor to role model excellent service standards
• Recruitment and onboarding of a passionate, dedicated and dynamic retail store team
• Managing store staffing levels, workload and schedule
• Managing store team performance and leading them to achieve revenue targets and objectives
• Provision of training, learning and development and regular performance reviews for your retail store team to support their professional development
• Creating a culture of recognition within your store team, celebrating achievements and contributing to high levels of morale and employee engagement
• Responsibility for legal compliance and health and safety
• Partnering with our Trade, Interior Design and Marketing departments, to provide open and welcoming support with sales, customer queries and hosting a regular schedule of campaigns and events
• Role-modelling our Company Values and Behaviours

Our Values

• Put the Customer First – provides exceptional internal and external customer service at all touchpoints
• Be In It Together – approachable, personable, committed to shared success
• Think Big – creative, innovative, solutions orientated
• Own It – curious, persistent, drives results
• Stay Playful – energises others, focuses on positives and opportunities, finds room for spontaneity

About You

• Experienced retail Store Manager with a proven track record, ideally gained within a luxury furniture or homeware retail environment
• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• Natural flair for interiors and store merchandising
• Experience and enthusiasm for high‑end retail environments
• Extensive selling skills and the ability to motivate others
• Flexible approach to working hours as the sector demands
• Tenacious, hardworking and reliable
• Strong leadership, management and organisational skills
• A creative, problem‑solving spirit
• Passion for the OKA brand

Our Benefits Package

• 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement), plus Length of Service increases
• Day off for your birthday
• Health Cash Plan
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Eligibility for a discretionary company Bonus Scheme
• Plus a suite of additional employee benefits including Company pension scheme, life assurance cover, free eye tests, cycle to work scheme, interest free travel loans, social events, online wellbeing centre and more