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- Tasks: Lead and develop high-performing teams while delivering exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join Vision Express, a leader in optical retail with a focus on people and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy free eyewear, monthly bonuses, generous leave, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core, fostering a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role with extensive training and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams in a customer-focused environment is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Join Vision Express as a Store Manager Designate and take the next step in your leadership career. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong people leader who thrives on developing others, building high‑performing teams and delivering brilliant customer experiences. As a Store Manager Designate, you’ll work across our Bournemouth and Poole stores, gaining hands‑on experience and preparing to step into full store ownership. You’ll be supported through an extensive induction and training programme, so optics experience is not required, we’re more interested in how you lead than what you already know about eye care. You’ll inspire and engage teams, role‑model exceptional service on the shop floor and play a key part in driving performance, culture and results. If you’re passionate about people, confident leading through change and ready for a future Store Manager role, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading, coaching and developing engaged, customer‑focused teams
- Creating a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive
- Supporting store performance through effective planning, resource management and commercial acumen
- Being hands‑on in store, delivering outstanding service to every customer
- Building your optical knowledge through our structured induction and ongoing development
Skills And Experience We Value:
- Proven experience as a people leader in a customer‑focused retail environment
- A track record of coaching, developing and motivating teams to perform at their best
- Experience creating and delivering store improvement or people development plans
- Strong problem‑solving skills and the confidence to make decisions
- A customer‑obsessed mindset with high emotional intelligence
- Resilience, positivity and the ability to stay delivery‑focused during change
- Experience managing rota planning, performance and colleague development
- Optical experience not required (full training provided)
Benefits:
- Free eyewear annually with immediate eligibility
- Monthly bonus potential up to ÂŁ1,030
- Family & friends discount up to 75%, plus free eye tests
- 33 days annual leave, with the option to buy or sell holiday
- Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential wellbeing support
- Opportunities to get involved in the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation
Why Vision Express?
At Vision Express, you’ll be part of something bigger. With over 550 stores across the UK and Ireland, we offer genuine career pathways, industry‑leading training and the chance to make a real difference, not just to our customers, but to the people you lead. We believe we’re stronger because of our differences. Diversity, inclusion and mutual trust sit at the heart of everything we do, creating a culture where everyone can reach their full potential.
Store Manager Designate in Exeter employer: Vision Express
Contact Detail:
Vision Express Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Manager Designate in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail industry, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to team leadership and customer service. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your people skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've developed teams and improved customer experiences. This will highlight your fit for the Store Manager Designate role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities right there, tailored just for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Store Manager Designate in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience as a people leader. We want to see how you've developed and motivated teams in the past, so share specific examples that showcase your leadership style.
Emphasise Customer Focus: Since this role is all about delivering brilliant customer experiences, don’t forget to mention your customer-centric mindset. Tell us about times when you went above and beyond for customers or improved service in your previous roles.
Be Authentic: We love genuine personalities! Let your true self shine through in your application. Share your passion for leading teams and creating positive cultures, and don’t be afraid to show a bit of your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vision Express
✨Know Your Leadership Style
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of Vision Express. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to inspire and develop others.
✨Showcase Customer Focus
Since this role is all about delivering brilliant customer experiences, prepare to discuss how you've previously created a positive customer-centric culture. Think of instances where you went above and beyond for customers and how that impacted your team's performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Practice responding to situations like managing team conflicts or adapting to change, highlighting your resilience and positivity in those moments.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Vision Express's commitment to diversity and inclusion. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for creating an inclusive environment and how you plan to foster a culture where every team member can thrive.