Job Description
Assistant Retail Manager - House of Dresses (New Boutique Opening)
Location: Hemel Hempstead.
Are you excited about launching something new? House of Dresses is opening its doors as a luxury prom and evening dress boutique, and we’re looking for an experienced, dynamic Assistant Retail Manager to join us from day one. This senior, customer-facing role is perfect for a motivated leader who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and can inspire a team to provide an exceptional customer experience.
Salary & Benefits:
* Package: £28,000 base salary + £3,000 potential bonus scheme + unlimited overtime during peak season (August–May))
* Working Hours: 40 hours per week (minimum 30 in low season and up to 55 in peak season)
* Shift Patterns:
* Summer (low season): Flexible hours, reduced weekends (approx. 1 in 3) with limited evenings
* Winter (peak season): Longer shifts with overtime available; typically, two weekends per month and up to three evening shifts per week (2 max if working the same weekend)
* Closed over the Christmas period
* Required school holiday availability during October, February, and Easter breaks
Annual Leave: 30 days including bank holidays.
About the Role:
We are seeking our star to lead our new Retail Management Team. You will be someone who loves fashion, customers and sales. This role will require a highly adaptable, confident leader who can build our boutique’s reputation and manage through the demands of peak season. You’ll ensure exceptional service and efficient operations from the ground up.
As a keyholder and the first point of contact, you’ll set the tone on the shop floor, from greeting customers to managing the day-to-day tasks. You’ll oversee both front-of-house sales and back-of-house operations, adjusting processes and creating strategies that best suit our boutique’s unique needs. As it is a new business no job is too big. You will be an excellent salesperson who will know how to suggest best styles to the customers, gently guide them through the decision-making process and convert it into a sale. You will set high standards and be able to teach younger and newer staff about the skills of sales. You will also help in developing and executing effective marketing strategies to bring more customers into the store.
Key Responsibilities:
Team & Staff Management
* Oversee recruitment, training, and staff development to ensure new recruits progress toward sales excellence and meet KPIs
Sales & Customer Service
* Serve as the Meet & Greet Host, providing a welcoming and engaging experience for all visitors, especially during high-traffic times
* Demonstrate exceptional sales skills and support the team in hitting sales targets, creating memorable experiences for each customer
* Ensure consistent, high-quality service and resolve any customer issues with professionalism and poise
Operations & Inventory Management
* Coordinate and manage goods-in processes, stock allocation, and dispatches, while continually refining these workflows
* Manage boutique openings and closings, troubleshoot site maintenance issues, and respond to call-outs when necessary
Marketing & Brand Building
* Represent House of Dresses at local events, fashion previews, and work with the marketing team on social media content and customer engagement strategies
* Act as a brand ambassador, fostering a welcoming and unique shopping experience that reflects our values and style
Qualifications:
* Experience: Proven management experience in retail, hospitality, or sales, with at least 2 years in a customer-facing role
* Skills: Strong sales ability, excellent communication, and team motivation skills; high level of adaptability to handle evolving responsibilities
* Technical: Comfortable with Microsoft Office, email, and general IT applications
* Traits: Energetic, driven, and eager to work in a start-up boutique setting; thrives in a high-responsibility, customer-centric environment
* Schedule Flexibility: Availability for weekends, evenings, and some holidays, especially during peak season
About House of Dresses:
As a brand-new luxury dress boutique, House of Dresses is dedicated to making every client feel special and stylish. This is a unique opportunity to join a startup boutique at an exciting moment and help shape the future of our brand. If you’re passionate about fashion, dedicated to customer service, and eager to lead a dynamic team, we’d love to meet you.
Ready to apply?
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining why you're the perfect fit for House of Dresses and what interests you about joining a brand-new boutique.