At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting retail fit-out projects and enhance guest experiences at Bicester Village.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at The Bicester Collection, known for extraordinary shopping experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, career growth, and benefits for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment where your creativity shapes retail experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management or architecture, with strong skills in design software.
The predicted salary is between 33075 - 40425 £ per year.
We are extraordinary people creating extraordinary experiences. Part of The Bicester Collection, Bicester Village doesn't do ordinary. Set in the heart of rural Oxfordshire, well connected across the UK, our open-air, pedestrianised Village is home to more than 160 boutiques, a celebrated food and drink scene, and a team that refuses to stand still.
The Retail Development team is hiring a Retail Development Manager. As our Retail Development Manager, you are part of a team who are primarily responsible for all matters related to Retail Fit Out (RFO) and store opening/refurbishment, Guest Experience, Food and Beverage Fit Out, Kiosks, Terraces, Furniture and all other aspects related to design management and implementation.
You will be working closely with Brands and across the business on a wide range of activities including shop-fit orientation, communications with Brands on compliance and design, information collection and detailed design packs, dealing with local authorities and ensuring compliance with the ‘Brand Works Manual’, the ‘Sustainability Handbook’, ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ and the ‘Building Safety Act’.
Location: Bicester Village
What you'll be doing
- Be responsible for the Brand Orientation by Brand visit, briefings and providing all relevant information about shop-fit, i.e. work manual, local services, etc.
- Ensure that the fit-out process for new openings, re-merchandising and/or re-fit programmes are in progress.
- Enhance shop-fit quality to achieve standards of excellence.
- Support the local team on requests for drawings relating to units or special projects.
What we're looking for
We foster a culture of winning together, and we work hard to ensure everyone is supported to succeed. To thrive in this role, you'll bring:
- Proven experience as a surveyor or construction project management; a Qualified Architect would be beneficial.
- Computer literate and high proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD, Photoshop and 3D visualisation software (SketchUp or alternative).
- Proven track record on leading store openings process.
- Strong project management capability and ability to manage several projects concurrently.
- Thorough knowledge of local building regulations.
- Exposure to European / international companies.
- Excellent working knowledge of BIU, CRREM, ESG and Energy Reduction in line with the VR Company Policy to be Net Zero by 2030.
What we offer
A warm welcome, the chance to build an ever-evolving career story, and benefits designed around your lifestyle, physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Our commitment
We're proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer — and we mean it. The best ideas come from people who don't all think the same, and we welcome applications from every background. Come as you are.
Bicester Village exists to be experienced in the real world. To be actual, not virtual. To be lived. We'll never stop evolving. Are you ready for the challenge?
Retail Development Manager in Bicester employer: The Bicester Village Shopping Collection
At Bicester Village, we pride ourselves on creating extraordinary experiences for both our guests and our team members. Located in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, we offer a vibrant work culture that champions collaboration and inclusivity, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth. With a focus on employee wellbeing and a commitment to diversity, joining us as a Guest Experience Duty Manager means being part of a dynamic environment where your contributions truly matter.
Contact Details:
The Bicester Village Shopping Collection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Development Manager in Bicester
✨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 The Bicester Village Shopping Collection, 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 The Bicester Village Shopping Collection!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Development Manager in Bicester
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 The Bicester Village Shopping Collection, 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 The Bicester Village Shopping Collection 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 The Bicester Village Shopping Collection that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bicester Village Shopping Collection
✨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!