At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Shop Manager in daily retail operations and ensure top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join The Shop at UEA, a vibrant retail environment on campus.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days of annual leave, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Access to wellness facilities and unlimited LinkedIn Learning courses for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and drive sales while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail operations and strong team management skills are essential.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Shop Manager to join The Shop at UEA. The Assistant Manager supports the Shop Manager in the day-to-day operation of the retail department, ensuring excellent customer service, effective stock control, strong team performance, and compliance with organisational and legal policies and procedures. The role involves managing retail operations, supporting staff development, driving sales and promotions.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Strong retail operations and stock management experience
- Effective leadership, team management, and coaching skills
- Good analytical and commercial awareness
- Excellent organisational and communication abilities
- Knowledge of EPOS systems and retail performance reporting
- Commitment to customer service, health and safety, and continuous improvement
This full-time post is available from 1 November 2026 on an indefinite basis. Benefits include:
- 34 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days.
- Family and Work-life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
- Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
- Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on-campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
- Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
- Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.
Closing date: 9 October 2026. The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.
For further information, including the Job Description and Person Specification, please see the attached Candidate Brochure. For an informal discussion about the post please contact Kerry Searle, Shop Manager via k.searle@uea.ac.uk.
Assistant Shop Manager (Retail) (GG741) in Norwich employer: UEA
The University of East Anglia (UEA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, UEA provides numerous growth opportunities and encourages a collaborative culture where your contributions are valued. Located in a vibrant academic community, this role not only allows for flexible hybrid working but also enables you to make a meaningful impact in the field of higher education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shop Manager (Retail) (GG741) in Norwich
✨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 UEA, 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 UEA!
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 UEA, 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 UEA 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 UEA that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at UEA
✨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!
