Assistant Manager

JD Sports Fashion; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incremental Holiday Allowance

Staff discount on purchases

Exclusive colleague bike discount scheme

Discounted gym membership

Personal development opportunities

Job summary

JD Sports Fashion in Bedford is seeking a retail management professional to support store operations and drive sales performance. You will lead from the front, motivating teams and upholding JD standards.

The ideal candidate should have prior retail management experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to analyze KPIs effectively. This position offers opportunities for personal development, staff discounts, and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in retail management or supervisory position.
• Strong leadership skills to motivate and develop colleagues.
• Confidence in analysing KPIs and supporting commercial decisions.

Responsibilities

• Support store leadership to achieve sales targets and KPIs.
• Lead and guide colleagues on the shop floor.
• Maintain high presentation and operational standards.
• Deliver key operational duties and escalate issues as needed.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analysing KPIs and sales data

Communication skills

Retail experience

Customer-centric mindset

Job description

Overview

Our management opportunities place you at the centre of the store’s success. You’ll lead from the front—motivating teams, influencing performance, and supporting store operations to deliver strong commercial results. You will inspire colleagues to excel, uphold high operational and visual standards, and contribute to ambitious sales targets and an outstanding customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Support store leadership with day‑to‑day operations to achieve sales targets and key KPIs.
• Lead and guide colleagues on the shop floor, allocating tasks, supporting service delivery, and upholding JD standards.
• Assist with coaching and development, providing real‑time feedback and reinforcing expectations set by store management.
• Maintain high presentation and operational standards, including product availability, pricing accuracy, visual displays, and store safety.
• Deliver key operational duties such as cash handling support, till checks, delivery processing, stock audits, and opening/closing routines—escalating issues as appropriate.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience in a retail management or supervisory position, demonstrating readiness for a leadership role.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide, motivate, and develop colleagues.
• Confidence in analysing KPIs and sales data to support commercial decision‑making and shift planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ensuring professional interactions with customers and colleagues.
• Proven success driving sales performance and contributing to KPI achievement within a retail environment.

Desirable Attributes

• Passion for retail, sport, fashion, and representing the JD brand.
• Proactive, solutions‑driven leadership approach.
• Hands‑on attitude with a commitment to leading by example.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to remain composed under pressure.
• Customer‑centric mindset with a strong focus on delivering the premium JD experience.

What We Offer

• Incremental Holiday Allowance
• Staff discount on qualifying purchases across Group retail stores and online
• Exclusive colleague bike discount scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work
• Access to apprenticeships and accredited qualifications

We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer, committed to creating a workplace where every colleague is valued, respected, and empowered. We celebrate diversity and strive to ensure that all colleagues, regardless of background, identity, or lived experience, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.