At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our first flagship store, creating a warm and engaging customer experience.
- Company: Pineapple Island, a brand focused on handmade jewellery and meaningful connections.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, staff discounts, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy creative workshops and café-style drinks.
- Why this job: Shape a unique retail experience from the ground up in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or team leadership, with a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 39000 £ per year.
Pineapple Island was born in 2008, out of a period of solo travel where days were slow and curiosity was the only plan. That feeling, of living simply and noticing the small rituals, became the foundation of everything we make. We design jewellery to be lived in. Pieces that go in the ocean, through long trips, late nights and quiet mornings, and stay on for years. We work closely with artisan makers in Bali and Java, people we have known for years, whose skill and care are present in every piece. How something is made matters to us as much as what it looks like.
After years of growing our online store and wholesale community, we are opening our first flagship store in Bournemouth town centre. A proper home for the brand, with jewellery, permanent jewellery, creative workshops, café-style drinks and real connection with customers.
About the role: We are looking for a Flagship Store & Experience Manager to lead our first Pineapple Island store in Bournemouth. This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to help shape something from the beginning. You will lead the day to day running of the store, create a warm and considered customer experience, support sales, and help grow the team as the store develops.
The store is designed to feel more personal than a typical shop. A place people can browse, make something, have a drink, come to an event or find a piece they will wear for years. In the early stages the team will be small, so you will need to be comfortable working independently and making sensible decisions on the spot. As the store grows, you will help shape the team, the customer experience and the way the space runs.
You will work closely with our Head of Retail, Founder and head office team in Winton, with support across stock, marketing, events, recruitment and training.
We are looking for someone warm, capable and organised. Someone who notices the small details, enjoys people, and has the confidence to take the lead without needing every step mapped out. This role would suit someone who likes building things, not just stepping into something already finished.
What you'll be doing: You will look after the day to day running of the store, making sure the space feels welcoming, organised and easy to shop. This will include:
- Leading the shop floor and setting the tone for the customer experience
- Opening and closing the store confidently
- Managing stock, deliveries, displays and replenishment
- Keeping the store looking considered, clean and on brand
- Supporting sales targets, workshop bookings and store performance
- Helping customers choose jewellery in a way that feels natural and never pushy
- Sharing the story behind our products, materials and makers
- Handling customer questions, feedback and any issues with care
- Helping recruit, train and support the team as the store grows
- Working closely with head office on launches, events and local marketing
- Sharing ideas for how the store can grow and improve
Workshops, permanent jewellery and drinks: The store will include jewellery making workshops, permanent jewellery and a simple café-style drinks offer. You will help host workshops and deliver our permanent jewellery service after full training. Permanent jewellery is a bracelet or necklace welded closed on the wrist or neck, with no traditional clasp, so the piece can be worn indefinitely. You will also support the simple drinks offer, including coffee, matcha and loose leaf tea. This is designed to add warmth to the space and make visits feel more relaxed. It is not a full café operation, and no barista experience is needed. Full training will be given for permanent jewellery, workshops and drinks.
About you: You may already be a Store Manager, Experience Manager or a strong Assistant Manager ready for a bigger role. What matters most is that you are confident with people, calm when the floor is busy, commercially aware, and happy taking ownership of a space as it grows.
You will probably be someone who:
- Enjoys creating a warm, personal customer experience
- Has led or supported a small team before
- Is comfortable taking ownership of making day to day decisions
- Stays organised when there are lots of moving parts
- Notices the details that make a shop feel good
- Understands that sales matter, but wants the experience to feel genuine rather than pushy
- Is practical, reliable and happy to get hands on
- Cares about handmade products, craft, design or independent brands
- Likes the idea of building something from the beginning
Experience in jewellery, lifestyle retail, fashion, workshops or events would be a bonus, but is not essential. Full training will be given where needed.
What we offer: £34,000 to £39,000 per year, depending on experience. Full time, permanent role, 40 hours per week. Weekend working as part of a fair rota. 21 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Days in lieu where bank holiday working is required. Annual leave increases with length of service (one extra day per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days). Workplace pension through NEST. Staff discount on all Pineapple Island collections. The chance to help shape Pineapple Island's first flagship store from the beginning.
How to apply: Please apply with your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you are interested in the role. We would love to hear about your background, what kind of customer experience you enjoy creating, and what excites you about being part of a new store from the beginning.
Our recruitment process has two stages: First stage phone interview. Second stage in-person interview.
Right to work: You will need the right to work in the UK.
Adjustments: If you need any adjustments to the application or interview process, please let us know and we will do what we can to support you.
Equal opportunities: Pineapple Island is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to building an inclusive team.
Flagship Store & Experience Leader — Build from Day One in Bournemouth employer: Pineapple Island
Pineapple Island is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead our first flagship store in Bournemouth, where creativity and personal connection are at the heart of our customer experience. With a focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training, a supportive work culture, and the chance to shape a brand from its inception, all while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous annual leave policy and staff discounts. Join us in creating a welcoming space that celebrates handmade craftsmanship and fosters genuine relationships with our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flagship Store & Experience Leader — Build from Day One in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the brand inside out! Before your interview, dive into Pineapple Island's story and values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role is all about creating a warm customer experience, think of examples from your past where you've made a difference for customers. Be ready to share these stories during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for handmade products! Whether it's jewellery or crafts, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about why you care about quality and craftsmanship, and how that aligns with Pineapple Island's ethos.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the store's vision, upcoming events, or team dynamics. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in being part of the Pineapple Island journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Flagship Store & Experience Leader — Build from Day One in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, let your personality shine through! Share why you're excited about the Flagship Store & Experience Leader role and how your background aligns with our values. We want to know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Customer Experience Skills:In your CV, highlight any previous experience where you've created warm and engaging customer experiences. We love candidates who can connect with people, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to make customers feel valued.
Be Authentic and Genuine:We appreciate authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show your true self in your application. Whether it’s your passion for handmade products or your excitement about building something from scratch, let us see the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and cover letter, and we can’t wait to read what you have to say about joining our Pineapple Island family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pineapple Island
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Pineapple Island's story and values. Understand their commitment to craftsmanship and the personal touch they bring to their jewellery. This knowledge will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Flagship Store & Experience Leader, you'll be interacting with customers daily. Prepare examples of how you've created warm, personal experiences in previous roles. Think about times when you went above and beyond for a customer or how you handled challenging situations with grace.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
This role requires juggling multiple tasks, from managing stock to leading workshops. Be ready to discuss how you stay organised in busy environments. Share specific strategies or tools you use to keep everything running smoothly, as this will highlight your ability to thrive in a dynamic setting.
✨Embrace the Hands-On Approach
Pineapple Island is looking for someone who enjoys building something from the ground up. Be prepared to talk about your hands-on experience in retail or any projects where you've taken initiative. Show your enthusiasm for getting involved in all aspects of the store, from customer interactions to team development.