At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Store Manager in leading a dynamic team and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join The Works, where we inspire creativity and learning in a fun environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% discount, flexible hours, and access to exclusive online discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a leader who motivates others while making a real impact on customers' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail leadership and a passion for great customer service.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
We don’t just sell products. We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play. With your passion and our products, you will help ignite the spark within people, allowing them to unleash their creativity, find new passions, hobbies, or rekindle fond memories.
As a Deputy Manager, you play a vital role in supporting the Store Manager to lead the team and deliver an exceptional customer experience. You’ll help drive commercial performance, maintain high operational standards, and step up to lead the store in the Store Manager’s absence. You’ll be a role model for the team – motivating, coaching, and ensuring every shift runs smoothly.
Your Mission
- Support the Store Manager in leading the team to deliver excellent customer service and achieve store targets.
- Take ownership of key operational areas such as stock management, merchandising, and compliance.
- Lead by example on the shop floor, setting high standards for service, presentation, and teamwork.
- Coach and develop team members, providing feedback and support to help them grow.
- Step up to manage the store in the absence of the Store Manager, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members.
- Monitor store performance and contribute ideas to improve sales and efficiency.
- Ensure health & safety, cash handling, and loss prevention procedures are followed.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
Skills / Behaviours that will set you apart
- Experience in a supervisory or team leadership role within retail or customer service.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Confident in leading a team and making decisions.
- Organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Customer-focused with a passion for delivering great service.
- Flexible and reliable, with a hands‑on approach.
- Experience in a high-volume or value retail environment.
- Familiarity with retail systems and reporting tools.
- Experience supporting recruitment, training, or performance management.
Being a Great Leader
As a great leader with wonderful people skills, you’ll create a team that’s more than just co‑workers – it’s a team. Inspire and motivate your team in line with our employer brand, values, behaviours and purpose. Lead your team to reach their potential and steer your store to break records and get in the spotlight. Work collaboratively with support departments and peers. Provide quality constructive feedback and support your team’s well‑being and aspirations.
Our PERKS
- 25% Colleague Discount – plus exclusive double discount days.
- MyWorks – access exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers.
- Family Friendly Leave – enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- Holiday – 33 days, including bank holidays, with allowance increasing with long service.
- Can‑Do Academy – further training and development in areas that interest you.
- Stream – early access to 50% of your wages as you earn them.
- Share Scheme – own a piece of The Works.
- 24/7 support – partnership with Retail Trust Charity provides an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Healthcare Cash Plan – support for everyday healthcare costs.
- Long service awards, pension, life assurance, Cycle to Work scheme, and optional charity giving.
Our Purpose
To inspire reading, learning, creativity and play.
Our Values
- We are Crafty – smart with what we’ve got.
- We are Caring – heart in every action.
- We are Can‑do – energy that gets it done.
- We Listen. We Care.
Diversity, Inclusion & Reasonable Adjustments
The Works is proud to have an inclusive culture where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. Our roles are open to all, including under‑represented groups such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, carers and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We welcome discussions around working hours and flexible working. If you need reasonable adjustments for an interview, let us know in your application and we will be happy to help.
Retail Deputy Manager in Luton employer: Retail Trust
The Works is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and passion for reading and learning are at the forefront. As a Retail Deputy Manager, you will benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, a generous employee discount, and a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth. With a commitment to diversity and well-being, The Works ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Deputy Manager in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, dive into The Works' values and mission. This way, you can show how your passion for creativity and customer service aligns perfectly with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of times when you've motivated a team or solved a problem. Being able to share these experiences will demonstrate your capability as a Deputy Manager and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss operational excellence! Brush up on stock management and merchandising strategies. Showing that you understand these areas will highlight your readiness to support the Store Manager effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful queries about team dynamics or store performance. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Deputy Manager in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for reading, learning, and creativity shine through. We want to see how you can inspire others just like we do at The Works!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your supervisory or team leadership experience in retail. We’re looking for someone who can lead by example, so share specific examples of how you've motivated and coached your team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points if it helps, and make sure to address the key skills and behaviours mentioned in the job description. We appreciate straightforward communication!
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’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Retail Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into The Works' mission and values. Understand how they inspire creativity and learning. This will help you connect your experiences to their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Manager, you'll need to lead by example. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams or improved customer service in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to coaching and developing team members.
✨Be Customer-Focused
The Works is all about delivering exceptional customer experiences. Think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Highlight your passion for service and how it aligns with their values.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the store's culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the Deputy Manager role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
