At a Glance
- Tasks: Support store operations, deliver exceptional customer service, and drive sales performance.
- Company: Join OKA, a vibrant homeware retailer with a passion for beautiful living.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, health cash plan, discounts, and more perks.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun, nurturing environment where your contributions truly matter.
- Qualifications: Retail experience, strong communication skills, and a flair for interior design.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Founded over 20 years ago by three entrepreneurial women with a passion for beautiful, practical and comfortable homes, OKA is more than a furniture and homeware retailer: it is a love affair with living well. We inspire people to confidently create a home that reflects their personality, a space where nothing should be too precious or perfect to be enjoyed with family and friends. British-born, today we have 15 stores across the UK – an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail‑order service and a thriving website.
We are currently looking to recruit a full‑time Assistant Store Manager to support our Retail Team, based at our brand‑new concession in Fenwick Kingston. OKA Kingston is our fourth concession, following the successful introduction of the brand into the renowned Fenwicks Department Store in Newcastle. 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 able to thrive.
We are looking for an agile and proactive Assistant Store Manager with a positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit who can help us nurture this culture. Reporting to the Store Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the ongoing success of our Kingston concession. You will assist with all sales, operational and customer experience responsibilities, ensuring the store runs smoothly and delivers consistent excellence. You will support the Store Manager in driving performance, empowering the team, and contributing to a best‑in‑class shopping experience that surprises and delights our customers.
Key Responsibilities- Store Operations: Support the Store Manager in overseeing all operational aspects of the concession, ensuring high standards of presentation, merchandising and stock management in line with OKA brand guidelines. Work collaboratively with the host store management and teams to maintain smooth operations. Assist with scheduling, maintaining staffing levels, and supporting team performance.
- Customer Service: Deliver exceptional service and assist with resolving customer enquiries professionally and efficiently. Lead by example on the shop floor, promoting OKA’s values and ensuring every customer receives a memorable experience. Support clienteling efforts to build strong, personalised customer relationships. Uphold and represent OKA brand standards at all times within the concession. Ensure the store environment consistently reflects the quality, creativity and personality of the OKA brand.
- Sales and Commercial Focus: Proactively contribute to driving sales performance and analysing concession results. Assist with implementing sales strategies to maximise revenue. Support promotional activities, in‑store events and product launches in collaboration with OKA retail and marketing teams.
- People and Culture: Assist in recruiting, onboarding and training concession staff to ensure strong product knowledge and confident customer engagement. Help motivate and develop the team to meet sales targets and KPIs. Support the Store Manager in fostering a positive, inclusive team culture aligned with OKA’s 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 oriented
- Own It – curious, persistent, drives results
- Stay Playful – energises others, focuses on positives and opportunities, finds room for spontaneity
- Experienced retail professional with proven track record, ideally gained within a luxury furniture or homeware retail environment
- Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
- Natural flair for interior design, styling 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
- A creative, problem‑solving spirit
- Passion for the OKA brand
- 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
- Discounts on 60+ UK retailers via My OKA benefits platform
- 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.
If successful you will become part of the OKA family, a fast‑paced and dynamic business.
Assistant Store Manager in Kingston upon Thames employer: OKA Direct Ltd.
At OKA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a fun and nurturing work environment where every team member feels valued. Located in the vibrant Fenwick Kingston, our new concession offers a unique opportunity to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding customer experiences while enjoying generous benefits such as 33 days holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and a supportive culture that encourages personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Store Manager in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research OKA's values, products, and culture. When you walk into that interview, show us you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely connects with what we stand for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Be ready to share your experiences and how they align with the role of Assistant Store Manager. We want to hear about your successes in retail and how you can bring that energy to our Kingston concession.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! We love a positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit. Let us see your creativity and problem-solving skills during the interview. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can help nurture our fun and inclusive culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop us a quick thank-you note. It shows you’re keen and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make our decision. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your excitement about joining the OKA family!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Store Manager in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Home Design:When writing your application, let your love for interior design and homeware shine through. Share any personal experiences or projects that reflect your style and creativity, as this will resonate with our brand's values.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Store Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in retail, especially in luxury environments, and demonstrate how your skills align with our mission at OKA.
Be Personable and Approachable:We value a friendly and approachable attitude, so make sure your application reflects this. Use a conversational tone and show us your personality – we want to know who you are beyond just your qualifications!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and shows us you're serious about joining the OKA family!
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA Direct Ltd.
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into OKA's history, values, and product range. Familiarise yourself with their unique selling points and how they create a memorable customer experience. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the brand.
✨Showcase Your Retail Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous retail roles, especially in luxury environments. Highlight specific examples where you drove sales, improved customer service, or contributed to team success. Use metrics if possible to demonstrate your impact, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
As an Assistant Store Manager, you'll be leading a team and interacting with customers daily. Prepare to share examples of how you've motivated staff or resolved customer issues in the past. Emphasising your interpersonal skills will show that you're a great fit for OKA's collaborative culture.
✨Bring Your Creative Flair
Since OKA is all about beautiful and practical home design, don’t hesitate to showcase your creative side during the interview. Discuss any relevant experience in merchandising or interior design, and consider bringing a portfolio or examples of your work to illustrate your style and vision.
