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 30000 - 40000 £ 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. As we grow our store footprint we currently have a number of opportunities across London and the M25 Corridor.
The role:
- As an Operations 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.
- 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.
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.
Assistant Manager - London and M25 Corridor in Slough 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 in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Wickes, their values, and what makes them tick. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and passion for the brand.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of times you've led a team or solved a tricky problem. Be ready to share these experiences during interviews to demonstrate your hands-on approach and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Wickes family.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager - London and M25 Corridor in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to lead a team and deliver great customer experiences.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in retail and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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 Assistant Manager role thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like supporting the Store Manager and leading the team. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated and supported colleagues in previous roles. Think of specific situations where you’ve solved problems or improved customer service, as these will highlight your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
The job is all about delivering a brilliant experience for customers. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled customer issues in the past and what strategies you used to ensure satisfaction. This will show that you understand the importance of customer service in retail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the store's culture, growth opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.