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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic retail team and create an exceptional customer experience.
- Company: Join OKA, a vibrant homeware brand with a fun and nurturing culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, generous discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for professional development await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing brand and make a real impact in retail.
- Qualifications: Proven retail management experience 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 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 within 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. Reporting to the Retail Area Manager, the Store Manager is responsible for the management and performance of our new OKA retail space. The Store Manager will support the business in preparing our Braintree store for opening in July 2026 and will be responsible for managing all sales and operational requirements of the store. Supported by your Area Manager and the broader Retail management team, you will lead and deliver best‑in‑class customer experience, while driving sales by empowering the store team to surprise and delight our customers.
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 shop floor 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 proven track record, ideally gained within a luxury furniture or homeware retail environment
- Passion for delivering exceptional customer service
- Good commercial awareness
- 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
- Good eye for detail
- 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
- Generous staff discount
- 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.
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 15 stores across the UK – an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail‑order service and a thriving website.
Store Manager in Essex employer: OKA Direct
Contact Detail:
OKA Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Manager in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Dive into OKA's values and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you connect on a personal level during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams, exceeded sales targets, or delivered exceptional customer service. We want to hear your success stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just sit back and wait for the interview; reach out! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or engage with OKA’s social media. Show your enthusiasm and get insider tips that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the OKA family. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Store Manager in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see your love for retail and customer service, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion for creating exceptional shopping experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Store Manager position. Highlight your previous retail management experience, especially in luxury environments, and showcase how you've driven sales and motivated teams in the past. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
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. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so show us your ability to convey information succinctly!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the OKA family!
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA Direct
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into OKA's history, values, and product range. Understanding their ethos of putting the customer first and creating a nurturing environment will help you align your answers with their culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Store Manager, you'll need to motivate and lead a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team, exceeded targets, or improved customer service. Highlight your ability to create a positive work environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Passion
OKA values exceptional customer service, so be ready to discuss how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles. Share specific stories that illustrate your commitment to building long-term relationships and delivering delightful experiences.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the store's opening plans, team dynamics, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.