Assistant Manager

Wickes; Reading; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 7.5% annual bonus + up to £300/m

Up to 35 days’ holiday

Life assurance

Digital GP & wellbeing support

Staff discounts

Job summary

Wickes in Reading is seeking a Store Assistant Manager to lead on shift, support a busy team and deliver outstanding customer service. You’ll manage day-to-day operations, assist with store initiatives, and help drive sales while maintaining high standards of service.

The role requires hands-on leadership, a proactive approach, and flexibility to support nearby stores if needed. A strong customer-service mindset and collaboration with colleagues are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in a customer-facing environment.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team on busy days.
• Organised, adaptable and solutions-focused.

Responsibilities

• Lead on shift in the Store Manager's absence and support the store team.
• Deliver sales and exceptional service to customers.
• Ensure store safety, compliance and day-to-day operations.

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Communication skills

Adaptable

Job description

Position Type: Permanent, Contract Type: Full Time

Hours of work: 39

Posted: 18-Sep-2026

Descriptions & Requirements

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. 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

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:
• 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
• Up to 35 days’ holiday including bank holidays
• 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.

We aim to create an inclusive workplace with colleagues' wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

We're a Disability Confident Employer and committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from disabled people and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process and workplace for everyone. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments, please let us know here.