Operations Manager - Stratford, Westfield in London

Operations Manager - Stratford, Westfield in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Sephora

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead store operations and ensure seamless cash and stock management.
  • Company: Join SEPHORA UK, a dynamic beauty retailer celebrating creativity and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous discounts, and a paid day off on your birthday.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of beauty while empowering teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in retail operations and strong organisational skills required.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

At SEPHORA UK, beauty isn’t just what we sell - it’s who we are. It’s the freedom to express yourself, the thrill of discovering something new, and the power of belonging to a community that celebrates every identity. From our beginnings in France in 1969 to becoming part of the LVMH family, we’ve always pushed boundaries through creativity, innovation, and inclusivity. Today, with nearly 500 iconic brands and our own SEPHORA Collection, we’re redefining the future of prestige beauty as we continue our bold expansion across the UK.

The Opportunity

As the Operations Manager, you’ll be the guardian of flawless store operations - ensuring our cash, stock and back‑of‑house processes run seamlessly, efficiently and in perfect alignment with SEPHORA’s high standards. With your strategic mindset, operational expertise and passion for developing others, you’ll lead the teams who keep the store running smoothly behind the scenes. You’ll elevate every aspect of operational delivery, from stock flow and cash management to compliance, safety and commercial readiness, enabling our store teams to deliver unforgettable customer experiences every day.

If you thrive in a fast‑paced retail environment, enjoy building structure in moments of change, and love empowering teams through great process and great leadership, this is your moment to help shape the operational foundation of our newest flagship.

What you’ll be doing…

  • You’ll lead store operations, team capability and efficiency across cash, stock and back‑of‑house, including:
  • Overseeing all day‑to‑day cash and stock operations, ensuring full compliance with SEPHORA policies and procedures.
  • Driving operational efficiency through high standards of replenishment, cleanliness, organisation and visual presentation.
  • Managing stockroom layout and workflow to optimise space, speed and productivity.
  • Leading delivery processes to meet timing, accuracy and productivity targets.
  • Directing cash desk operations - ensuring accuracy, security, compliance and smooth daily transactions.
  • Facilitating cash‑management procedures, conducting audits and resolving discrepancies promptly.
  • Maintaining optimal stock levels to prevent shortages and support strong commercial performance.
  • Ensuring compliance across cash handling, returns, safety and all operational guidelines.
  • Promoting safe working practices and maintaining a secure, hazard‑free environment for teams and customers.
  • Leading and developing operational and cash desk teams, providing ongoing training, coaching and performance feedback.
  • Ensuring effective use of SEPHORA digital tools to enhance efficiency and support personalised service.
  • Managing performance of Beauty Advisors, setting goals and supporting their leadership development.
  • Creating efficient staff schedules, rotas and daily plans that balance business needs with team wellbeing.
  • Partnering closely with the Store Director and Customer Experience Manager on ER, payroll and resource planning.
  • Working with Recruitment to onboard and attract strong talent for operational roles.
  • Supporting the customer experience by resolving challenges quickly and ensuring operational readiness for exceptional service.

What you’ll bring…

  • You’ll be a structured, detail‑driven and people‑focused leader who thrives in a dynamic retail environment. You will also bring:
  • Proven leadership experience in retail operations, with strong cash and stock management expertise.
  • Strong organisational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritise in a fast‑paced environment.
  • A customer‑focused approach with confidence handling complex situations and resolving issues.
  • Experience using digital tools to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret KPIs and drive performance improvements.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to lead and motivate diverse operational teams.
  • Experience navigating ER processes when required.
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and peak trading periods as needed.

Beautiful Benefits at SEPHORA UK

When you join SEPHORA, you’re joining a team that we truly value - and our benefits reflect that. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • SEPHORA University - receive industry‑leading product, customer care and development training to help you grow your skills and your career.
  • Allowances tailored to your role and location - including shoes, lunch and more.
  • Competitive pay that grows with you - including annual salary reviews based on your performance and our company results.
  • Performance‑based commission tied to collective store success.
  • A generous employee discount across the world’s best beauty brands.
  • A paid day off on your birthday - because you deserve to celebrate!
  • Access to a perks and wellbeing platform offering discounts, wellness support, and more.
  • Generous holiday allowance, plus the option to buy extra days.
  • And more!

Start a beautiful career with us. Together, we belong to something beautiful. SEPHORA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace for all. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, advancement, or other employment practices. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating and fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.

Operations Manager - Stratford, Westfield in London employer: Sephora

At SEPHORA UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity, inclusivity, and personal growth. As an Operations Manager in the vibrant Westfield Stratford location, you'll benefit from comprehensive training through SEPHORA University, competitive pay with performance-based incentives, and a supportive work culture that values your contributions and well-being. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your leadership will directly impact our mission to deliver unforgettable beauty experiences.

Sephora

Contact Details:

Sephora Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Stratford, Westfield in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the beauty retail industry, especially those at SEPHORA. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into SEPHORA’s values and operations. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission of creativity and inclusivity – we love candidates who resonate with our culture!

Tip Number 3

Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you’ve empowered teams or improved processes. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your operational expertise.

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 serious about joining the SEPHORA family.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Stratford, Westfield in London

Leadership in Retail Operations
Cash Management Expertise
Stock Management
Operational Efficiency
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Customer-Focused Approach

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Beauty:When writing your application, let your love for beauty shine through! Share why you’re excited about the role and how your passion aligns with SEPHORA’s mission to celebrate every identity.

Highlight Your Operational Expertise:Make sure to showcase your experience in retail operations. Talk about your skills in cash and stock management, and how you've driven efficiency in past roles. We want to see how you can elevate our store operations!

Be Personable and Engaging:Your written application should reflect your personality. Use a friendly tone and engage us with your communication style. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can lead and motivate diverse teams!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sephora

Know Your Operations Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into SEPHORA's operational processes. Familiarise yourself with their cash and stock management practices, as well as their compliance standards. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

As an Operations Manager, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to empower others and drive performance improvements, as this is key to SEPHORA's operational success.

Emphasise Customer Focus

SEPHORA values a customer-focused approach, so be ready to discuss how you've handled complex situations and resolved issues in previous roles. Share specific instances where your actions directly enhanced the customer experience, demonstrating that you understand the importance of operational readiness.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage operational challenges. Think about potential issues you might face in the role and how you would address them. This preparation will help you respond confidently and showcase your strategic mindset.