Assistant Store Manager Position: Assistant Store Manager (40 hours per week) Location: TUMI Bicester Village Store, New store opening Availability: Immediately Job Purpose • Assists the store Manager in co-ordinating the daily operations of the store and the daily activities of the sales team. • Offer Samsonite customers exceptional service by projecting a positive image of the Company at all times; 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, Samsonite 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 Samsonite 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-organised 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. • Liase 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, organising 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