At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team, support customers, and ensure smooth store operations.
- Company: Wickes, a growing retail company with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive bonuses, generous holiday, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; travel to nearby stores may be required.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on leadership experience while making a real impact on customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or customer service, strong communication, and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our Store Assistant Managers 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:
- As a Store Assistant Manager, you’re 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.
- 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
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.
- 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 behaviour 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.
If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please let us know here. This form is only for adjustment. General enquiries or direct CV submissions won’t be accepted.
Operations Manager - London and M25 Corridor in Newbury employer: Wickes
Wickes is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment where you can truly thrive as an Operations Manager. With a commitment to employee growth, you'll have access to leadership development opportunities and a generous benefits package, including up to 35 days' holiday and a robust pension scheme. Our down-to-earth culture fosters teamwork and camaraderie, making it a rewarding place to build your career in the vibrant London and M25 Corridor.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - London and M25 Corridor in Newbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Wickes, their values, and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you would handle various scenarios in a fast-paced retail environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows good manners and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - London and M25 Corridor in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Use a friendly tone and share a bit about what makes you tick.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Operations Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in retail and customer service, and explain how your skills align with our fast-paced environment.
Be Specific About Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've led teams or improved customer experiences in previous roles. Numbers and results can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wickes
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Store Assistant Manager. Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day tasks, from leading the team to ensuring operational excellence. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a fast-paced environment. Think about times when you motivated colleagues or solved customer issues effectively. This will highlight your ability to inspire and support others, which is crucial for this position.
✨Emphasise Customer Experience
Since delivering a brilliant customer experience is at the heart of the role, be ready to discuss your approach to customer service. Share specific instances where you went above and beyond to meet customer needs, showing that you take pride in creating positive experiences.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face hypothetical scenarios during the interview that test your problem-solving skills. Prepare by thinking through common challenges in retail and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your adaptability and solutions-focused mindset.