At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Store Manager in driving sales and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join OKA, a vibrant homeware brand with a fun and nurturing culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, generous discounts, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth in a creative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and help create memorable shopping experiences.
- Qualifications: Retail experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. 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 launch and ongoing success of our Kingston concession, opening in early 2026. 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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 orientated.
- 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.
- Passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
- 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.
- Good eye for detail.
- 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.
- Generous staff discount.
- 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. If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and details of your salary expectations, notice period and right to work information via the link provided.
ABOUT OKA 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 14 stores across the UK - an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail-order service and a thriving website.
Assistant Store Manager employer: OKA Direct
Contact Detail:
OKA Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Store Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research OKA's values and culture, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus when applying for jobs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios related to retail management. Think about how you would handle customer complaints or motivate your team. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Store Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Retail: When writing your application, let your love for retail shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for customer service and how you’ve contributed to a positive shopping experience in the past.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Store Manager role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially those related to team leadership and sales performance.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at OKA Kingston.
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA Direct
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research OKA thoroughly. Understand their values, product range, and what sets them apart in the luxury homeware market. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the brand.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As an Assistant Store Manager, exceptional customer service is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond for a customer. Highlight how you resolved issues and created memorable shopping experiences, aligning with OKA's commitment to putting the customer first.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading and motivating teams. Think of specific instances where you empowered your colleagues or improved team performance. This will resonate well with the company's focus on fostering a positive and inclusive culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle operational challenges. Practice responses to situations like managing stock levels during peak times or dealing with difficult customers, showcasing your proactive and agile approach.