At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Store Manager in operations, customer service, and team motivation.
- Company: Join OKA, a vibrant brand passionate about beautiful homes and exceptional service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, health plans, discounts, and a fun work environment.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and help create memorable customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Retail experience, strong communication skills, and a flair for design are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are currently looking to recruit a full-time Assistant Store Manager to support our Retail Team, based at our brand-new outlet in Braintree. 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, the Assistant Store Manager supports the overall management and performance of our new OKA retail space. You will play a key role in preparing our Braintree store for its opening in July 2026, assisting in the delivery of both sales and operational objectives.
Working closely with the Store Manager, Area Manager, and wider Retail team, you will help lead by example to deliver an exceptional customer experience, while supporting and motivating the store team to drive sales and consistently exceed customer expectations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Store Operations: Support the Store Manager in overseeing all operational aspects of the outlet, 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 client-eling 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 outlet 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 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
- 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. 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 OKAFounded 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.
Assistant Store Manager in Braintree employer: OKA
Contact Detail:
OKA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Store Manager in Braintree
✨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 responses and show that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since the role is all about delivering exceptional experiences, think of examples from your past where you've gone above and beyond for a customer. Be ready to share these stories during your chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work there. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the company!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the OKA family and ready to contribute to their exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Store Manager in Braintree
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 creating exceptional customer experiences and how you embody the OKA values.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Store Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in retail, especially in luxury environments, and showcase your skills in 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 see your key achievements and skills. Remember, we appreciate a straightforward approach!
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 Braintree.
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA
✨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 Retail Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous retail experience, especially in high-end environments. Prepare specific examples of how you've driven sales, managed teams, or enhanced customer experiences. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a similar role at OKA.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Culture Fit
OKA values a positive and inclusive team culture, so be prepared to talk about how you’ve contributed to team success in the past. Share stories that highlight your ability to motivate others and work collaboratively, aligning with their 'Be In It Together' ethos.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the store's opening plans, team dynamics, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.