Assistant Manager

Bell Recruitment; Dungannon; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Leadership role

Collaborative environment

Growth opportunity

Job summary

Bell Recruitment is seeking an experienced Assistant Manager for a busy retail operation in Northern Ireland. The role supports the General Manager in day-to-day leadership, ensuring high standards and outstanding customer service while overseeing Fresh Food operations and driving business growth.

The candidate will lead stores teams, manage shift procedures, coach supervisors, and monitor KPIs to improve efficiency, sales, and waste reduction.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in an Assistant Manager or similar retail leadership role.
• Experience managing sales performance, labour costs and KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day store operations and leadership.
• Deputise for the General Manager when required.
• Drive consistency, accountability and high performance across departments.
• Monitor KPIs and implement improvement plans.
• Ensure excellent customer service and standards during all trading periods.
• Support targets including sales, labour efficiency, productivity and waste reduction.
• Lead opening/closing and shift management procedures.
• Coach supervisors and team leaders daily.
• Develop staff and succession plans.
• Promote teamwork and a positive working culture.
• Ensure Health & Safety and compliance documentation is complete.

Skills

People leadership

Customer service

Retail operations

Team development

Communication

Decision making

Organisational skills

Pressure management

Education

Food Safety Level 3

Job description

Full-time (40–45 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as required)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Assistant Manager to support the General Manager in the day-to-day leadership of a busy retail operation. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, supporting department managers, ensuring high standards across all areas of the store, and delivering outstanding customer service.

The successful candidate will also oversee the Fresh Food operation, supporting food quality, commercial performance, compliance, and team development while helping to deliver business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Support the overall day-to-day management of store operations.
• Deputise for the General Manager when required.
• Drive operational consistency, accountability, and high performance across all departments.
• Monitor operational KPIs and implement improvement plans.
• Ensure excellent customer service and operational standards throughout all trading periods.
• Support commercial targets including sales, labour efficiency, productivity, and waste reduction.

Duty Management

• Lead opening, closing, and shift management procedures.
• Ensure operational issues are identified, escalated, and resolved promptly.
• Monitor completion of operational checklists and compliance documentation.
• Coach supervisors and team leaders during daily operations.
• Support and develop supervisors, team leaders, and department managers.
• Deliver coaching, performance feedback, and leadership development.
• Assist with succession planning and staff development.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive working culture.

Commercial Performance

• Monitor sales performance, labour costs, and operational KPIs.
• Improve operational efficiency and resource planning.
• Support promotional planning and implementation.
• Provide operational reporting and performance analysis.

Fresh Food Operations

• Lead and support the Fresh Food departments.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
• Drive sales growth, margin improvement, and waste reduction.
• Maintain excellent merchandising, availability, and product presentation.
• Support new product launches and promotional activities.
• Train and develop Fresh Food teams.

Customer Experience

• Deliver exceptional customer service across all departments.
• Resolve escalated customer issues professionally.
• Promote a customer-focused culture throughout the business.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, food safety, and operational policies.
• Support audits and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Promote a safe working environment for colleagues and customers.

Communication

• Maintain effective communication across all departments.
• Support leadership meetings and operational planning.
• Encourage collaboration and consistent management practices.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 3 years' experience in an Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, Store Manager, or similar retail leadership role.
• Experience managing sales performance, labour costs, and operational KPIs.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience leading teams within a fast-paced retail environment.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards.
• Strong organisational, planning, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform under pressure.
• Experience within a symbol-group retail environment.
• Food Safety Level 3 qualification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience supporting product development or menu innovation.
• Knowledge of operational improvement and labour management.

What We Offer

• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Leadership role with operational responsibility.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of the business.