Deputy Manager Operations

ZARA; Bromley; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Zara is seeking an organised Operations Deputy Manager (Maternity Cover) in Bromley to support the store leadership team in delivering high operational standards across back and front of house.

You will help ensure efficient store operations, manage stock flow, cash desk standards, store systems and team support, while developing colleagues for operational excellence in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in retail operations, supervisory or management roles.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee stock flow, replenishment and stockroom organisation.
• Support online processes including SINT, Store Mode and Click & Collect.
• Maintain store technology and systems (POS/RFID, iPods, iPads).
• Review operational reports and KPIs to drive improvements.
• Lead front-of-house operations and cash desk coverage.
• Assist with stock takes and budgeted stock levels.

Skills

Retail operations

Supervisory experience

Cash handling

Stock control

Team leadership

Customer service

Policies & compliance

Job description

Zara Operations Deputy Manager (Full-Time) Maternity Cover In Bromley

Reporting to: Operations Department Manager / Department Manager / General Manager

About the Role

We are looking for an organised, proactive and people-focused Operations Deputy Manager to support our store leadership team in delivering exceptional operational standards across both back and front of house.

In this role, you will help ensure the store runs efficiently by overseeing stock flow, operational processes, cash desk standards, store systems and team support. You will play a key part in creating a safe, organised and customer-ready environment while supporting and developing colleagues to achieve operational excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment, enjoys solving problems and is passionate about supporting people and processes.

What You'll Be Doing

Store Operations & Organisation

• Support smooth stock flow, including deliveries, replenishment, stockroom standards and ongoing organisation.
• Support online processes including SINT, Store Mode and Click & Collect, ensuring all daily deadlines are met.
• Assist with stock takes across departments, ensuring preparation and execution are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain store technology and systems, including POS/RFID, iPods, iPads and Bluebirds, providing troubleshooting support and team guidance where required.
• Review operational reports and key performance indicators, supporting actions to improve efficiency and performance.
• Support daily front-of-house operations, including fitting room organisation, queue management and cash desk coverage.
• Assist with store supply ordering, ensuring appropriate stock levels are maintained within budget.

Security Procedures & Cash Standards

• Support the management team in ensuring security and cash handling procedures are consistently followed.
• Ensure cash desk standards are maintained across purchases, refunds, exchanges, transfers, faulty items and held products.
• Open and close cash desks when required and support training for cashiers and managers.
• Monitor cash discrepancies and **escalate** issues appropriately.
• Support banking routines and follow up on incidents raised by the Loss Prevention team.
• Manage and monitor change requests as required.

Training, Development & Team Support

• Promote company policies, the Code of Conduct and best practice through positive leadership and role modelling.
• Support leaders in identifying talent and succession opportunities within the team.
• Assist with development conversations, one-to-ones and development plans, helping colleagues reach their full potential.
• Support the implementation of new operational processes and projects through effective training and coaching.

Customer Service, Health & Safety

• Ensure every customer receives a welcoming and high-quality service experience.
• Resolve customer concerns confidently and professionally, particularly regarding returns and refunds.
• Apply return policies consistently and fairly.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping standards across the store.
• Support the reporting and escalation of accidents, hazards and operational risks.
• Follow safe working practices and comply with all Health & Safety requirements.

What We're Looking For

• Experience working in a retail operations, supervisory or management role.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise effectively and remain calm in a fast-paced environment.
• A reliable and consistent approach to processes, procedures and deadlines.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence in supporting and coaching others.
• Emotionally intelligent with the ability to handle sensitive or challenging situations professionally.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a willingness to learn and develop.
• Confidence working with retail systems, operational reporting and numerical data.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to develop your retail leadership career.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Dynamic and fast-paced retail setting where no two days are the same.
• The chance to make a real impact on store performance, team development and customer experience.