At a Glance
- Tasks: Support store operations and lead teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join Vision Express, a leading optical retailer passionate about customer care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, free eyewear, generous leave, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: No optics experience needed; full training provided.
- Why this job: Step into leadership with hands-on experience and career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Previous retail leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
At Vision Express, we’re passionate about helping our customers see more and be more. We don’t just provide eye care, we create experiences that make people feel confident, valued and looked after every step of the way. We’re looking for a Store Manager Designate to join us in Brighton, with the flexibility to support stores across the Sussex area. This is a great opportunity for an aspiring leader to step into a management pathway, gaining hands‑on experience across multiple locations before progressing into a Store Manager role.
What you’ll do
- Support the day‑to‑day running of the store, focusing on service, team engagement and performance
- Provide management cover across stores in the Sussex area when needed
- Lead from the front on the shop floor, delivering a great customer experience every time
- Coach and develop colleagues to reach their full potential
- Build strong relationships with store teams and stakeholders across the region
- Take ownership and step up confidently into leadership responsibilities
What you’ll get
- A structured induction and development plan to support your progression
- Competitive salary plus monthly bonus opportunity
- Free eyewear allowance and generous colleague discount
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), with the option to buy/sell holiday
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support
- Opportunities to grow your career with a leading optical retailer
What we’re looking for
- Previous leadership experience in retail or a customer‑focused environment
- A confident, people‑focused leader who enjoys developing others
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships quickly
- Adaptable and comfortable working across multiple locations
- Customer‑obsessed, proactive and solutions‑focused
- No optics experience needed – we’ll provide full training and support
If you’re ready to take the next step into store leadership, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and start building your future with Vision Express.
Store Manager Designate in Brighton employer: Vision Express
At Vision Express, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment where aspiring leaders can thrive. As a Store Manager Designate in the vibrant Brighton & Sussex area, you'll benefit from a structured development plan, competitive salary, and generous employee perks, all while being part of a team that values customer experience and personal growth. Join us to not only advance your career but also to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our customers every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Manager Designate in Brighton
✨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 Vision Express, 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 Vision Express!
We think you need these skills to ace Store Manager Designate in Brighton
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 Vision Express, 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 Vision Express 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 Vision Express that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vision Express
✨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!
