Position: Assistant Store Manager (40 hours per week)
Location: Samsonite Store, Cotswold Designer Outlet, Unit 37, Platinum Dr, Tewkesbury GL20 7FY,
Availability: May 2025 (New store opening)
Job Purpose
- Assists the store Manager in coordinating the daily operations of the store and the daily activities of the sales team.
- Offer Samsonite customers exceptional service by projecting a positive image of the Company at all times to maximize sales and profitability.
- Maintain high standards in all spheres of responsibility within the branch.
- Contribute to the smooth running of the branch by supervising shop floor activities, administration, and staff development with Store Manager.
- Work jointly with the Manager to implement Company Policies and Procedures.
- Run the store in the absence of the Manager.
Principal Accountabilities
Customer Service/Sales
- Offer advice on and demonstrations of Samsonite products in a professional manner to ensure a friendly shopping experience.
- Introduce selling benefits and various features of merchandise range.
- Maximize sales through detailed product knowledge and add-on sales.
- Be knowledgeable about store layout, products, and stock availability.
- Deal with customers in a polite and efficient way, always considering their needs.
- Handle customer complaints tactfully, always adhering to company policy.
- Process transactions in an efficient and professional manner in line with Company Procedures.
- Process refunds and exchanges in line with company procedures.
- Be fully aware of Samsonite after-sales service, supplier's warranties, and areas covered.
- Ensure staff are fully conversant with sales promotions, incentives, and product brochures.
- Monitor the activities of staff on the shop floor to ensure customers receive exceptional service and all Company Procedures are followed.
- Be aware of all sales figures and targets on a daily/weekly/period basis.
- Communicate to the Area Manager and Store Manager any factors affecting local trading conditions.
- Enforce excellent customer service through the emphasis on client books, attention to customers, and development of staff.
Stock/Merchandising
- Process deliveries and communicate any errors in an efficient manner.
- Ensure backup stock and stockrooms are kept in order.
- Be knowledgeable of all products (current and new) and selling benefits.
- Assist in layouts and maintenance of merchandising and internal displays. Design and arrange store displays to attract customers.
- Maintain a neat, clean, and well-organized shopping environment.
- Implement correct usage of interior signage.
- Process returns in accordance with Company Procedures.
- Read and action relevant Head Office communication.
- Carry out stock counts as directed. Assist in the management and control of stock.
- Liase with Management and Head Office departments to ensure stock packages are maintained.
Personnel
- Communicate in a professional manner with staff at all levels.
- Assist in the management and allocation of daily work, ensuring tasks are fully completed and high standards are maintained.
- Assist management in training, developing, organizing, and leading the Sales team.
- Develop and motivate the team through regular training, assessment, and promotion.
- Assist in review/disciplinary meetings with Store Manager.
- Ensure welfare of all members of staff in relation to working conditions.
- Ensure any store problems are communicated to Store Manager.
Communication
- Report and communicate information concerning personnel, merchandise, and operations on a regular basis to Store Manager.
- Actively participate in monthly staff meetings for discussing salesmanship principles, policy implementation changes, merchandise, etc., and to encourage an exchange of information and ideas.
- Report merchandise status - fast sellers, slow sellers, deficiencies, buying trends, etc. to the Store Manager on a regular basis. Offer this information during an Area Manager or Head Office visit.
Operation/Administrative Duties
- Open and close the store following company procedures. Report any late openings to the Area Manager.
- Operate daily banking procedures ensuring all relevant administration is always up to date.
- Carry out stock and personnel administration and ensure a timely dispatch.
- Handle telephone inquiries in a polite, helpful, and efficient manner.
- Ensure all customer inquiries/orders are communicated to Head Office in accordance with Company Procedures.
- Complete regular audits as per Company Policy.
Security
- Ensure the safe is locked and secure at all times.
- Ensure any store or till keys are secured at all times and alarms (where appropriate) are used in accordance with security directions.
- Ensure that any security issues are acted upon where possible and reported to Management.
- Work with Store Manager to identify and address any issues with regard to external and internal losses.
- Remain vigilant when dealing with stock and monies, ensuring that Company Procedures are always adhered to.
House Keeping
- Maintain high standards within the branch.
- Ensure that cleaning is carried out daily and look after all fixture fittings and stock.
- Ensure all equipment is maintained to required standards.
Attendance
- Report for work 5-10 minutes before the start of the shift in order to prepare for the scheduled start time.
- If absent or late, contact the store Manager at the earliest opportunity to allow for any alternative arrangements to be made.
- Attend training courses as directed by Store Manager, arriving at the training venue in a timely manner.
Appearance
- Maintain a well-groomed, neat, and tidy appearance at all times, in line with Company Dress Policy.
- Ensure that your team meets the dress code and appropriately represents the Company at all times.
- Ensure a copy of the dress policy is discussed and hand-delivered to each employee.
Health & Safety
- Ensure that any accidents or potential dangers to staff or customers are acted upon where possible and reported to Management.
- Check First Aid Kit and fire extinguishers to ensure compliance with Health and Safety standards.
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform duties of a similar nature as required and directed by Management.
Skills Required
- Constant standing, bending, frequent lifting of luggage up to 15 kilos.
- Computer literate.
- Previous experience in retail.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Team player and motivator.
- Management skills.
- Target driven.
- Planning skills.
- Brand sensibility.
- Good command of English.
- Flexibility.