Assistant Store Manager

Cotswold Outdoor Group Ltd; Preston; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading outdoor retail brand in Preston is seeking an Assistant Store Manager to lead a busy store. Responsibilities include supporting daily operations, driving team performance, and ensuring excellent customer service. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a leadership role, understand store operations, and value teamwork. Competitive starting salary of £28,600 – £29,000, plus bonuses and generous staff discounts are offered, along with ongoing development opportunities.

Benefits

40‑60% discount on top outdoor brands

33 days holiday

Ongoing training and development

Free wellbeing support

Savings on everyday spending

Qualifications

• Experience as an Assistant Store Manager or similar leadership role.
• Pride in delivering outstanding customer service.
• Understanding of store operations from stock to safety.

Responsibilities

• Support daily store operations including stock management.
• Motivate team to deliver expert service and meet performance targets.
• Maintain high standards of store presentation.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Store operations

Job description

Looking for a new opportunity in retail? Want to build your skills, support a great team and help customers feel welcome?

We're looking for an Assistant Store Manager to help lead one of our busy stores. In this role you will :

• Help with the day-to-day running of the store
• Encourage your team to give expert service
• Take charge when the Store Manager is away

Work 40 hours per week

Enjoy great benefits including staff discounts and regular development opportunities

If that sounds like you, read on to find out more.

About Us

We believe life is better when it's spent outdoors. Whether it's hiking, running or just enjoying fresh air, being outside helps us feel connected and refreshed. Behind every great adventure is the right gear, and behind that, a passionate team.

As an Assistant Store Manager you’ll contribute to leading that team. You’ll help to make the store a friendly place where customers can get expert advice and the right equipment for their adventures.

We're part of the Cotswold Outdoor Group which includes Runners Need and Snow + Rock. Together, we offer trusted outdoor brands, helpful advice and care about protecting the planet.

Whether you're moving up in your career or building your leadership skills, we'll support you with training and chances to grow — so you can help create great experiences for customers and your team.

What you’ll be doing

Working in partnership with your Store Manager, you’ll support your team to give every customer a great experience. In this role you’ll :

• Drive high performance by coaching your team through daily operations including stock management, cash handling and store safety
• Lead by example, motivating your team to deliver expert service and hit performance targets
• Help create an inclusive, welcoming environment where every customer feels valued

Step up to lead the team in the Store Manager’s absence

Maintain a high standard of presentation, keeping the store organised, inviting, and easy to shop in

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who’s confident leading a team, enjoys helping others and understands how a store runs behind the scenes. You’ll enjoy this role if you :

• Have experience as an Assistant Store Manager and know how to get the best from a team
• Take pride in delivering outstanding customer service and helping people find the right products
• Understand the key parts of store operations, from stock and safety to visual standards
• Value being part of a supportive team that works together to bring out the best in each other

What you’ll get from us

We know that to lead well, you need to feel supported. As an Assistant Store Manager you’ll be trusted to make an impact and we’ll make sure you’re rewarded for it. Here’s what’s on offer :

• Starting salary of £28,600 – £29,000, plus a yearly bonus of up to £2,000
• 40‑60% discount on top outdoor brands across our stores
• 33 days holiday with the option to buy more
• Ongoing training and development, including leadership support and expert sessions from leading brands
• Free, confidential wellbeing support whenever you need it
• Extra savings on everyday spending like groceries, travel, gym memberships and more through our perks platform

Everyone’s welcome

We welcome applications from all genders, backgrounds and experiences. Diverse teams make us stronger, helping us learn, grow and create a place where everyone belongs.

We want to hear your voice so encourage you to write your own application and use AI tools sparingly. We’re looking for honesty, authenticity, and a real sense of who you are. Applications that feel generic or AI-generated may not stand out.

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so don’t wait too long to apply.