Role: Store Assistant Manager
Location: Whiteley
Job type: Permanent, Full-Time, 40hrs
Reporting to: Store Manager
About us
Who are we?
For over 30 years, we’ve travelled, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. We are Made for Life.
Our mission statement:
Crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures. Today, tomorrow and always.
Our Product formula:
Considered style. Trusted Quality. B Corp certified.
Equality and inclusion isn’t an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces.
Role Summary
Putting the customer at the heart of everything you do, you will support the Store Manager in commercially managing the store to maximise profitability through the retail plan. This includes driving sales, managing costs, and delivering our brand through the visual proposition. You will create a fun and inspiring atmosphere in line with our brand and culture, support the development of the team, and ensure the highest standards are maintained throughout the store according to company guidelines.
Role Responsibilities
- Lead by Example – Demonstrate exceptional standards of behaviour, ensuring the integrity of the brand is maintained at all times.
- Customer Service Excellence – Drive and role model customer service standards to exceed customer expectations.
- Team Development – Train, coach, and develop the team, supporting the completion of appraisals and performance reviews.
- Commercial Decision Making – Analyse financial data and company strategy, leveraging local knowledge to maximise sales opportunities and exceed KPI targets.
- Operational Efficiency – Ensure the store works within budget through effective scheduling, cost controls, and team productivity.
- Retail Planning & Visual Merchandising – Successfully implement the retail plan and execute the visual proposition to company standards, including new season launches and floor moves.
- Stock & Compliance – Oversee stock management, health & safety, office security, and loss prevention.
- Communication & Coordination – Liaise effectively with Head Office to influence and maximise stock packages where appropriate.
- Acting as Store Manager – Take on holding responsibilities in the absence of the Store Manager to ensure continued success in sales, standards, and team development.
- Champion Social & Environmental Responsibility – Align with the company’s social and environmental mission and champion impactful actions.
Skills and Experience
- Previous management experience in a retail store (clothing desirable but not essential).
- Proven ability to work with KPIs, analysing commercial reports to support decision-making.
- Strong experience in operational, stock, IT, and cash management.
- Ability to lead, coach, and develop a team.
- Strong planning and organisational skills.
- Ambition and determination to succeed.
- Ability to work productively in a high-pressure environment.
- Confident in taking initiative and working independently.
- IT literate with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Role Competencies
- Deliver excellent customer service, focusing on customer needs and satisfaction.
- Align with the company’s social and environmental mission and champion impactful actions.
- Proactively offer alternative ways for customers to buy across all channels.
- Ensure the team is equipped with product knowledge and multi-channel sales skills.
- Champion the FatFace vision and values, keeping the customer at the heart of decision-making.
- Provide learning and development opportunities for team growth.
- Build confidence through recognition and rewards.
- Set and uphold appropriate standards of behaviour.
- Communicate information effectively to ensure the team understands their role in store success.
- Take ownership of personal development by reviewing appraisals and objectives regularly.
- Use financial reports to make sound commercial decisions and identify opportunities for growth.
- Drive conversion rates and transactions through proactive sales.
- Use local knowledge and creativity to maximise sales opportunities.
- Ensure budget efficiency through effective scheduling, cost control, and team productivity.
- Conduct competitor analysis to identify market opportunities.
- Support store profitability by managing P&L effectively.
Key Contacts and Relationships:
- Reporting to: Store Manager
- Key internal relationships: Regional Team, HR, Visual Merchandising, Stock Control, and Marketing teams
- External relationships: Customers, Local Community Partners
Accountable for Resources:
- Store Team Development
- Stock Management
- Store Presentation & Visual Merchandising
- Customer Experience & Service Standards
- Compliance with Health & Safety and Security Procedures
FatFace Benefits:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Perkbox our online platform to use from day one (this includes amazing online discounts, home workouts, wellbeing content, popular brand discounts etc.)
- THRIVE – Our learning management system- access from day one with 1000’s of pieces of learning
- Dental Insurance (employee funded)
- Pension scheme
- EAP support around the clock- UNUM/Retail Trust/ Fashion Textiles Support
- Income Protection/Death in service for Salaried staff
- Sick pay allowances
- O2 phone discount
- Eye Tests/contributions to glasses
- Sabbatical leave in line with service
- Enhanced Family Friendly policies i.e. Maternity Leave
- Refer a friend scheme