Assistant Store Manager - General Merchandise Retail

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 460,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Assistant Store Manager for its East London store in the Eastern Cape. You will support the management team in driving sales, supervising staff, managing inventory, and upholding high customer service and operational standards.

The role requires at least 3 years of retail management experience, with strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills. Flexible scheduling including weekends and holidays is expected to ensure store performance.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in retail management
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a retail team
• Strong understanding of retail operations, inventory management, and customer service principles

Responsibilities

• Assist the Store Manager in all aspects of store operations, including sales, staff management, and inventory control
• Supervise and coach retail staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment
• Drive sales performance by motivating the team and ensuring high levels of customer engagement
• Oversee inventory management processes, including receiving, stocking, and conducting stock counts
• Ensure store presentation and visual merchandising standards are consistently met
• Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and returns efficiently and professionally
• Manage staff schedules, training and performance evaluations
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and health and safety regulations
• Open and close the store as required, acting as key holder
• Contribute to achieving the store's sales and profitability targets in East London

Skills

Retail leadership

Staff coaching

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

POS systems

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established retailer offering a diverse range of general merchandise, is seeking a motivated and experienced Assistant Store Manager to support the management team at their East London store. This role is integral to the successful operation of the store, focusing on driving sales, managing staff, maintaining operational standards, and ensuring excellent customer service. The ideal candidate will have proven retail leadership experience and a strong understanding of store operations in the Eastern Cape. This is an excellent opportunity for career growth within a reputable retail chain in East London.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Store Manager in all aspects of store operations, including sales, staff management, and inventory control.
• Supervise and coach retail staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Drive sales performance by motivating the team and ensuring high levels of customer engagement.
• Oversee inventory management processes, including receiving, stocking, and conducting stock counts.
• Ensure store presentation and visual merchandising standards are consistently met.
• Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and returns efficiently and professionally.
• Manage staff schedules, training and performance evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and health and safety regulations.
• Open and close the store as required, acting as key holder.
• Contribute to achieving the store's sales and profitability targets in East London.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in retail management, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or assistant management role.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a retail team.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, inventory management, and customer service principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with POS systems and basic computer applications.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Demonstrated ability to drive sales and achieve targets.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to East London.
• Experience in the Eastern Cape retail market is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. You will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, generous employee discounts on a wide range of merchandise, and the chance for career advancement within the company. This role provides a direct impact on store success in East London. Join a dynamic team and contribute to delivering exceptional retail experiences for customers across the Eastern Cape.