At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new retail store, ensuring top-notch customer experiences and team performance.
- Company: Join Scotland's leading Whisky retailer with a passion for premium drinks.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced leave, childcare support, staff discounts, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and industry events.
- Why this job: Shape a new store and make an impact in the vibrant world of whisky and cigars.
- Qualifications: Retail management experience and a passion for customer service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25543 - 30000 £ per year.
The Dormant Distillery Company operate one of Scotland’s leading Whisky Specialist retailers and wholesalers, Royal Mile Whiskies.
Founded in 1998, the company also run a specialist tobacconist on the Royal Mile, The Cigar Box, and in 2011 opened specialist drinks retail shops in Edinburgh and Pitlochry, Drinkmonger, with the vision to provide the most comprehensive range of quality alcohol products in Scotland.
Along with their online business through www. royalmilewhiskies. com and www. drinkmonger. com, the company have also developed a wholesale business, supplying the on trade across Scotland and beyond.
We are now opening a new Royal Mile Whiskies store in York.
The successful candidate will need a genuine interest in cigars as well as premium drinks, with training and supplier support provided.
The Role
The Retail Branch Manager will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the York store, ensuring a positive and seamless customer experience.
The role involves implementing clear sales and merchandising strategies, managing a team of staff, maximising operational efficiency, and ensuring effective compliance and security.
You will play a key role in opening the new store, shaping the team, establishing standards, and building a strong customer experience from the outset.
The Retail Branch Manager position will report to the Head of Retail.
Responsibilities
- Team leadership
- Recruit, train and supervise retail staff
- Create a positive and collaborative work environment
- Set clear expectations and support performance and development
- Delegate tasks effectively to ensure smooth day to day operations
- Lead by example on the shop floor to deliver exceptional customer service
- Handle customer queries and concerns professionally
- Build relationships with regular customers and support repeat business
- Ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for all customers
- Sales and performance
- Deliver sales targets through strong service, product knowledge and upselling
- Monitor sales performance and key metrics
- Support events and promotions, including tastings and in store activity
- Stock and merchandising
- Maintain excellent standards of stock control and accuracy
- Oversee deliveries, stock replenishment, and stock room organisation
- Maintain high visual merchandising standards and seasonal displays
- Work to minimise shrinkage and losses through good practice and audits
- Cigar Box integration
- Ensure a confident customer experience across cigars and accessories as well as drinks
- Maintain presentation standards for cigars and related products
- Support staff learning and confidence in cigar knowledge over time
- Compliance and security
- Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures
- Maintain licensing standards and safe, compliant retail operations
- Implement security measures to safeguard stock and cash
- Job Requirements
- Previous retail or hospitality management experience
- Strong people leadership skills with the ability to motivate a team
- A commercial mindset and confidence working towards targets
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- While specialist knowledge is not required, an interest in drinks retail is important and you should be open to learning about premium products, including cigars, over time.
- Additional Info, Salary, and Benefits
This is a 40 hour per week, permanent post. The store is open 7 days and opening times are variable according to seasonal requirements.
Benefits include
- Enhanced annual leave with length of service
- Childcare support contribution for children under 3
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Staff discount on a large range of products
- Training opportunities including WSET and supplier training
- Opportunities to attend industry events and festivals
We would particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
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Retail Branch Manager employer: Royal Mile Whiskies
The Dormant Distillery Company is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values collaboration and inclusivity. As a Retail Branch Manager in the new York store, you will benefit from comprehensive training, generous employee discounts, and opportunities for professional growth through industry events and supplier training. With a commitment to employee well-being, including enhanced leave and childcare support, this role provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about premium drinks and cigars.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Branch Manager
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Royal Mile Whiskies, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Royal Mile Whiskies!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Branch Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Royal Mile Whiskies, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Royal Mile Whiskies and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Royal Mile Whiskies that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Mile Whiskies
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!