At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team, ensuring smooth store operations and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join Wickes, a growing retail brand with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, generous holiday, and discounts for colleagues.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; opportunities for career progression as we expand.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on leadership experience while making a real impact in customers' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or customer-facing roles; strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Internally, we call Assistant Manager our Store Operations Managers who are at the heart of our stores. This is a fast‑paced, hands‑on role where no two days are the same. You’ll lead from the front, support your team, and keep everything running smoothly, all while delivering a brilliant experience for our customers. If you’re looking for a role where you can grow, take ownership and progress your career this could be the opportunity for you. With plans to expand from 230 to 300 stores by 2030, we’re investing in our future, creating more opportunities for our colleagues to progress.
The role involves being the go‑to person on shift. One moment you might be helping a customer design their dream kitchen or bathroom, the next you’re supporting a delivery, or solving a customer issue. It’s a role that keeps you moving, thinking and leading all day. You’ll play a key part across all areas of the store, including:
- Supporting the Store Managers
- Leading the store in the Store Manager’s absence
- Delivering results through sales and exceptional service
- Inspiring and supporting colleagues to deliver great customer service
- Ensuring the store safety, compliance and operational excellence for everyone
- Managing day‑to‑day operations
You’ll work alongside other Operations Managers, and you’ll be responsible for specific areas of the store. At Wickes, we operate across four key areas of the store:
- Helping customers find what they need (self‑serve)
- Supporting larger home projects from design to installation (showroom)
- Delivering great service through our sales teams (assisted selling)
- Making sure orders are fulfilled smoothly (order fulfilment)
It’s a varied, hands‑on role where you’ll build real leadership experience and learn every part of our business.
About you: You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy variety and a fast‑paced environment. This is a role for someone who’s comfortable taking ownership. We’re looking for someone who:
- Might currently be an assistant manager or store manager in a retail environment – you don’t need to be a specialist in home improvement!
- Has experience in a customer‑facing environment
- Can lead and motivate a team, even during busy or challenging days
- Is organised, adaptable and solutions‑focused
- Brings strong communication and people skills
- Takes pride in delivering a great customer experience
Experience in retail, trade, or a similar environment is essential. But it’s only as important as your behaviours and mindset.
What you’ll bring:
- A hands‑on approach and willingness to get stuck in across all areas of the store
- Problem‑solving skills and resilience in a fast‑moving environment
- The ability to balance customer needs, team support and operational priorities
- Confidence using systems and technology in day‑to‑day tasks
- A full UK driving licence and flexibility to support nearby stores when needed
What we offer: We’ll support you to grow and develop your leadership skills, with real opportunities to progress.
- Up to 7.5% annual bonus + up to £300 per month gainshare bonus
- 6% pension contribution matched
- Up to 35 days’ holiday including bank holidays
- 20% colleague discount
- Save‑as‑you‑earn scheme
- Life assurance
- Access to Digital GP and wellbeing support
- Discounts and cashback across a wide range of retailers
And you’ll be part of a supportive, down‑to‑earth culture where people genuinely look out for each other.
A few things to know: This is a hands‑on role. You may occasionally support nearby stores, so some flexibility and travel is needed. Flexible working can be discussed as part of your application.
What to do next: If you’re ready to take the next step in your retail career, build leadership experience and be part of a team that makes a real difference to customers’ homes, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.
Assistant Manager - London and M25 Corridor employer: Wickes
Wickes is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment where you can truly thrive as an Assistant Manager. With plans for significant expansion in the London and M25 Corridor, we provide ample opportunities for career progression, alongside a competitive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances, bonuses, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values leadership, customer service, and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager - London and M25 Corridor
✨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 Wickes, 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 Wickes!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager - London and M25 Corridor
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 Wickes, 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 Wickes 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 Wickes that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wickes
✨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!
