Assistant Retail Manager

Summary Working in Retail is at the front line of raising the funds we need to deliver our cause, whilst delivering an exceptional service for our visitors. As well having an array of stunning product ranges, we partner with local craft artisans to support the sales of unique, local products which really capture the spirit of our special places. Directly interacting with all our customers that visit our shops, our retail teams are in a key position to inform our customers what amazing work we are doing as an organisation and where the money that is spent in our shops is being invested – whether this be investments in local projects or on funding our national strategy. What it’s like to work here Hill Top House, part of the South Lakes property portfolio, was the start of Beatrix Potter’s life as a farmer and conservationist in the Lake District. A truly international icon, it is open to the public and a very busy small property! What you’ll be doing With your love of leading people and ambition to deliver beyond expectation, your role will be to assist the Retail Manager lead and co-ordinate the retail team to deliver a beloved and unique retail experience here. Through supervising and motivating staff and volunteers, you’ll manage the day to day operation and ensure the retail team are engaged to exceed customer service expectations, and are proud to talk about the amazing work the National Trust are carrying out, with the money that is invested at our property. You will be comfortable stepping up to take full responsibility of the shop to cover the Retail Manager’s holidays and other absence as and when needed. As well as being a key leader within the retail outlet, you’ll work with all teams across your property to ensure the shop is an integral part of the visitor experience. Harnessing ideas from customer feedback and identifying new opportunities to drive income, you’ll make sure the merchandise reflects the properties unique spirit of place, and that your products will deliver stretching financial targets. You’ll know that delivering a fantastic retail experience is paramount to our ability to invest in conservation priorities, and you’ll coach and develop the retail team to drive sales, champion our cause and maximise our profits. Please also read the full role profile, attached to the end of this advert. Who we’re looking for As the Assistant Retail Manager in this large retail outlet, you’ll need to have experience leading people and have been responsible for a retail operation previously. You’ll love being a positive role model, naturally able to inspire people to deliver exceptional customer service, exceed targets, and understand their contribution to how their role funds our cause. So, you’ll be/have; Inspiring and great with people Enjoy working with and supervising a team and unafraid to give direction and feedback Target / Sales driven Customer aware and take pride on delivering excellent customer service Able to bring to life new idea’s Experience managing a retail operation with knowledge of retail best practice (including selling, merchandising, space management, stock control, risk) Analytical and good financial skills – working towards delivering targets – customer satisfaction / financial Awareness of Health & Safety requirements Confident with using IT, retail management systems and Social Media for marketing The package Benefits Benefits include flexible working whenever possible plus free parking at most locations. You’ll be entitled to discounts in high street stores and cinemas, National Trust shops and NT cafes, and have free entry to NT properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18). Your health and wellbeing is important to us and is supported through generous annual leave and the option to buy additional days (minimum contract length applies), a cycle to work scheme, subsidised health cash plan and confidential access to a free support service 24 hours a day should you need it. Your future financial health is helped by an employer matched – up to 10% of basic salary – contributory pension scheme and you can further your career with training and development tailored to you. All of this and the opportunity to give something back to your community with up to 5 days of paid volunteering per year !