At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic retail team and ensure exceptional store operations.
- Company: Join OKA, a fun and nurturing luxury homeware brand.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, health cash plan, and more perks.
- Other info: Flexible hours and great career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant retail environment.
- Qualifications: Proven retail management experience and a passion for interiors.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Store Manager employer: OKA Direct Ltd.
At OKA Braintree, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and supportive work culture where our employees are encouraged to thrive and grow. As a Store Manager, you will benefit from a comprehensive package that includes generous holiday allowances, enhanced maternity pay, and a range of employee perks designed to promote well-being and work-life balance. Join us in our brand-new outlet and be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and exceptional customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their social media and website to see how they engage with customers and what values they promote. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've motivated a team or solved a problem in a retail setting. Being able to share these experiences will demonstrate your capability as a Store Manager and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your qualifications; show your passion for the brand! Talk about why you love OKA and how you can contribute to their mission. This enthusiasm can really resonate with interviewers and set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining the team at OKA.
We think you need these skills to ace Store Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see your love for retail and how you connect with our brand values. Share specific examples of how you've put customers first in your previous roles.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Store Manager position. Highlight your experience in retail management, especially in luxury environments. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and drive results, so showcase those skills!
Be Personable:In your cover letter, be yourself! We value a friendly and approachable attitude, so don’t hesitate to let your personality come through. Talk about your leadership style and how you motivate teams to achieve their best.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive, which is exactly what we’re looking for!
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA Direct Ltd.
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research OKA thoroughly. Understand their values, products, and customer service approach. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the brand.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Store Manager, you'll need to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams in the past, handled challenges, and achieved targets. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Customer-Centric Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you prioritise customer service. Think of specific instances where you went above and beyond for customers or implemented initiatives that improved customer loyalty. This aligns perfectly with OKA's value of putting the customer first.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the store culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the role. This shows you're engaged and serious about contributing to the team’s success.
