Assistant Store Manager

Position:                      Second Assistant Store Manager (40 hours per week)

Location:                     Samsonite Store, 285 Oxford St, London W1C 2DW

Availability:                 As soon as possible

Job Purpose

• Assists the store Manager in coordinating the daily operations of the store and the daily activities of the sales team.
• Offer TUMI customers exceptional service by always projecting a positive image of the Company in order to maximise 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, TUMI products in a professional manner to ensure a friendly shopping experience.
• Introduce selling benefits and various features of merchandise range.
• Maximise 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 TUMI 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.
• To 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.
• Communicate to the Manager/Area Manager any factors affecting local trading conditions.

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.
• Liaise 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.
• To 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 the purpose of 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 despatch.
• Handle telephone enquiries in a polite, helpful and efficient manner.
• Ensure all customer enquiries/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.
• To ensure that any security issues are acted upon where possible and reported to Management.
• Work with Store Manager to identify and address any all issues with regard to external and internal losses.
• To 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

• To 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, to contact the store Manager at the earliest opportunity to allow for any alternative arrangements to be made.
• To 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.
• To 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

• To 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