Assistant Department Manager

Overview Of The Role:

• The Boutique Supervisor assists the Section/D Manager and Boutique Manager in running the store in alignment with company objectives, ensuring brand compliance. The role involves supervising the shop floor and coordinating staff activities while promoting a working environment that embodies brand values, teamwork, and excellence in customer service. Success factors include driving sales, maintaining standards, optimizing stock management, and fostering strong employee engagement.

What You Will Do:

Sales

• Lead by example in customer service, greet customers, provide assistance, and ensure standards are followed to reflect a strong brand image.
• Resolve and manage customer requests, comments, and complaints efficiently.
• Understand the store's opening and closing SOPs and ensure adherence.
• Analyze sales figures with the store manager to identify and act on sales opportunities.
• Challenge the team to improve performance using relevant retail metrics.
• Engage department colleagues to support local opportunities for sales growth.
• Plan monthly and daily store coverage based on sales trend and staffing needs.

Commercial & Visual Merchandising

• Maintain store image standards and implement impactful commercial events.
• Ensure VM elements highlight merchandise to create customer awareness of different lines.

Stock Management

• Ensure adherence to SOPs for stock management, including shipment receiving, cycle counts, transfers, returns, and damage handling.
• Communicate with merchandising and commercial teams to ensure regular receipt of best-sellers.
• Review top and bottom selling lines to ensure optimal stock levels and customer needs.

Service

• Model exceptional service and generate enthusiasm for maintaining service standards.
• Respond to customer complaints with a priority on satisfaction.
• Seek customer feedback to drive service improvement.
• Recognize excellent service in-store regularly.

Standards and Compliance

• Ensure store is resourced and compliant with legal requirements.
• Support the store manager in training employees on SOPs and compliance issues.
• Conduct self-assessment audits and devise corrective action plans.
• Maintain a safe trading environment and conduct regular Health and Safety reviews.
• Report and resolve store maintenance issues efficiently.
• Review and manage cleaning contractor performance according to brand standards.

Loss Prevention

• Remain vigilant to prevent shoplifting and abnormal activities.
• Ensure all staff understand cash management and adhere to security procedures.
• Conduct routine checks on stockrooms and resolve security lapses.
• Deploy staff strategically to prevent theft and loss.

People Management

• Support the store manager in implementing company policies and addressing disciplinary issues.
• Engage with employees to promote strong communication and involvement.
• Demonstrate skills in performance and development management.
• Develop and coach new hires to improve sales associate competencies.

Costs Control

• Support store manager to achieve shrinkage targets through effective stock and process management.
• Assist in managing cost improvement initiatives to enhance profitability.

Required Skills To Be Successful:

• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong customer service and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to analyze sales data and forecast trends.
• Knowledge of retail operations and stock management.

What Qualifies You For The Role:

• Graduate degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant retail experience.
• Strong leadership and customer management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.