Job Description

NOTE: This role is Maternity Cover, starting soon and reporting to the Operations Manager.

The successful candidates will be responsible for a number of multifaceted skills revolving around the running of the Flagship Retail Store, developing operations, monitoring success, and responsible for all non related shop floor staff but all staff supporting the Assistant Manager in the absence of the General Manager.

You will be overseeing the daily operations of the store, ensuring efficient functioning and exceptional standards, including managing inventory, optimising workflows, and implementing strategies to enhance sales and profitability.

The ideal candidates will have management experience and a passion for fashion / luxury products.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Develop and implement operational procedures to streamline workflows and maximise efficiency
• Monitor inventory levels, conduct regular audits and coordinate replenishment to ensure adequate stock levels
• Oversee store maintenance establishing a strong collaboration with Store Management Team ensuring cleanliness, safety and compliance regulations are upheld to the highest standard
• Liaise with cross functional departments on local or regional projects
• Raise internal opportunities and concerns to the Operations Manager and General Manager and be proactive in proposing improvements
• Provide prompt resolutions to store inquiries

Team Management and Development

• Train and educate the wider retail teams on operations and procedures
• Foster a positive working environment by promoting teamwork, professionalism and staff development
• Ensure that all the processes are compliant with legal, safety, security, internal requirements, sustainability & HR guidelines
• Take the lead on all staff recruitment, onboarding and training with a continuous approach to development through the probations reviews and performance evaluations
• Ability to conduct HR meetings, disciplinary actions and conflict resolutions
• Align oneself with the company’s ‘Code of Conduct’ and ensure the team follow this throughout and respect this way of working
• In-store training for new starters joining Designer Exchange - not limited to your base store location

Inventory Management

• Handle and approve stock and supply movements such as damages, theft and replenishment
• Manage inventory control for designated locations, including cycle counts, stores adjustments, negative stock management and weekly stock takes
• Support and troubleshoot day to day matters such as shipment discrepancies, transfer issues, equipment issues, or other non-related IT issues

Store Operational Efficiency

• Project manage in conjunction with cross functional departments on stock capacity, trainings, deliveries, security, and checklists
• Collaborate on store opening schedules, ensure creation of accounts, communication of information/tasks to cross functional departments
• Manage all aspects of store openings after handover such as on site and pending list items, issues with shipments/deliveries, set-up, and employee trainings
• Liaise and develop relationship with the General Manager with all and any store related issues, concerns or developments
• Collaborate with store operations team on maintenance and cleanliness to uphold a safe and inviting environment for both customers and staff

Compliance and Risk Management

• In partnership with the General Manager and Operations Team, strategically evaluate current policies and procedures, suggesting ways to improve our stores, clients/teams as well as product experiences
• Ensure store compliance on company policies and procedures while supporting with new policy rollouts
• Ensure the proper use of digital tools as it relates to Retail Operations - Implement measures to mitigate risks related to theft, fraud and safety hazards
• Maintain accurate records related to operations, inventory and personnel

Working Conditions

The role will require working evenings, weekends and holidays as per the store operating hours and needs of the business. Physical requirements include standing for extending periods and lifting/moving stock as necessary.

About You

• Minimum 5 years of previous managerial experience in a fast-paced, ideally luxury/fashion environment
• Experience in working with cross-functional departments including Store Planning, Merchandising, Finance, loss prevention, commercial, operations and Training
• Proficient in store systems
• Able to take initiative and take charge of work without daily supervision
• Ability to prioritise task execution based on business needs
• Have a sense of organisation and multi-tasking management
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain a positive work environment while respecting brand values and behaviours
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

The above list is not exhaustive and you may be required to carry out additional duties to meet the needs of the business.