Retail Deputy Manager in Worthing

Why The Works? We don't just sell products. We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play. We sell the paint that turns someone into an artist. We provide the book that unleashes an inner author. We supply the games that help bring families together. We give someone the puzzle book that reconnects them with a late family member's memory. You never know who someone will become. So 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. The unseen possibilities are limitless, and it all starts with you.

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. If something’s not quite right, provide quality constructive feedback so we can work as a team to get it right! But let's not forget about the most important part… your team's well‑being and aspirations. You'll be their biggest supporter, cheering them on. You'll have amazing everyday conversations with your team, discussing everything from performance to career aspirations and helping them get there.

Our PERKS really are 'The Works'

• 25% colleague discount and exclusive double discount days.
• MyWorks – access exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers, holidays, utilities deals, tech and more.
• Family‑friendly leave – enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Holiday – 33 days, including bank holidays and increased allowance with long service.
• Can‑Do Academy – grow your skills and career with access to further training and development.
• Stream – claim early access to 50% of your wages as you earn them.
• Share scheme – own a piece of The Works.
• 24/7 support for you and your family through the Retail Trust Charity Employee Assistance Programme and more.
• Healthcare cash plan – support everyday healthcare costs.
• Other benefits – long service awards, pension, life assurance, cycle to work scheme, 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.

Promoting Diversity, Inclusion, and Applying Reasonable Adjustments

We are proud to have an inclusive culture where everyone truly feels able to themselves. Our roles are open to all, including under‑represented groups such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, carers & members of the LGBTQ+ community. We are open to discussions around working hours and flexible working. If you need reasonable adjustments for an interview you might attend with us, let us know in your application and we'll be happy to help!