Assistant Manager

Wickes; Sutton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus 7.5%

Gainshare

Pension 6%

Holiday 35 days

Colleague discount 20%

Save-as-you-earn

Life assurance

Digital GP

Wellbeing support

Retail discounts

Job summary

Wickes is seeking a Store Assistant Manager to be the on‑shift lead, supporting the Store Manager and driving sales with exceptional service. You’ll inspire colleagues, maintain store safety and operations, and ensure a high-quality customer experience across all areas of the store.

The role emphasises ownership, adaptability and hands‑on leadership in a fast‑paced retail environment, with opportunities to develop and progress within Wickes.

Qualifications

• Experience in a customer-facing environment is essential.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, even on busy days.
• Excellent organisation and adaptability with solutions-focused mindset.
• Strong communication and people skills.
• Pride in delivering a great customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the Store Manager and lead the store in their absence.
• Deliver results through sales and outstanding service.
• Inspire and support colleagues to deliver excellent customer service.
• Ensure store safety, compliance and operational excellence.
• Manage day-to-day store operations.

Skills

Customer-facing

Team leadership

Organised

Communication

Customer experience

Job description

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 and 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)

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
• 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.

Other considerations

• 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.