At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Store Manager in operations, sales, and customer experience at our new Kingston concession.
- Company: Join OKA, a vibrant brand passionate about beautiful homes and exceptional service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, health cash plan, discounts, and a fun work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Retail experience, strong communication skills, and a flair for interior design are essential.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and inclusive culture.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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 Kingstons 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- 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 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 14 stores across the UK – an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail-order service and a thriving website.
Assistant Store Manager in Kingston upon Thames employer: OKA
Contact Detail:
OKA Recruiting Team
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 culture! Before your interview, dive into OKA's values and mission. This way, you can show how your personality and work style align with their fun and nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since delivering exceptional service is key for this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond for a customer. Be ready to share these stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your sales savvy! Brush up on your knowledge of sales strategies and be prepared to discuss how you've driven performance in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a proactive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of 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 Retail: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for retail shine through! Share specific examples of your experience in the industry and how it aligns with our values at OKA. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about creating memorable customer experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Store Manager role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially those related to sales performance and team leadership. We want to see how you can contribute to our Kingston concession!
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 appreciate a well-structured application that showcases your qualifications without unnecessary fluff!
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 keen on joining the OKA family right from the start!
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 confidently but also show your genuine interest in the brand.
✨Showcase Your Retail Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous retail experience, especially in luxury environments. Prepare specific examples of how you've driven sales, managed teams, or enhanced customer experiences. Highlight any relevant achievements that align with the responsibilities of the Assistant Store Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Store Manager, you'll need to empower your team. Think of instances where you've motivated others or resolved conflicts. Be prepared to share how you can foster a positive team culture that aligns with OKA's values, like being approachable and committed to shared success.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the store's launch, team dynamics, or how they measure success. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to the store's success, making you a standout candidate.