Retail Manager

Role: Retail Manager
Hours: Permanent (weekends required)
Availability: For immediate start
Location: Leigh, Leopards Den, Leigh Sports Village, WN7 4JY (travel required)
Salary: Commensurate with experience.

We are seeking a driven and enthusiastic Retail Manager to oversee the daily operations of our club stores and further develop a department that has seen significant growth since our rebrand and return to Super League.

You will be responsible for the smooth running of the operations to maximise sales and minimise costs, be a competent leader and team player, with an eye for detail.

You will be expected to manage employees and the overall efficiency of the club retail stores (Stadium store and Leigh Market Retail unit) and ecommerce site along with expanding sales productivity.

Key tasks include assessing items being sold in the store, working with the marketing department to promotions when necessary, managing the store’s staff and ensuring all department targets at met.

With an emphasis on customer service and shop floor interaction, ensuring standards reflect that of a nationally recognised sports club.

You will be required to create retail plans and initiate changes with the intention of improving the store’s annual performance, as well as collating and relaying all relevant financial reports and stock information in a suitable and timely manner to the Chief Operating officer and the Executive Board.

This role requires flexibility around working hours and annual leave. Working Leigh Leopards evening / weekend home games is essential.

Experience in retail and managing a team of staff is essential. A knowledge of Leigh Leopards, rugby league and sports retail is a strong advantage, but not essential.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing the department, including staffing and stock levels, in a suitable manner, encourage growth, performance and excellence at all times.
• Consider and develop appropriate stock buying strategy, marketing campaigns and sales promotions to drive high footfall and an increase in sales revenue.
• Work with independent suppliers to source, design and order suitably bespoke Leopards products.
• Training employees in sales, stock management, inventory, customer service, cashier, ticketing, and other relevant skills.
• Managing employees, making sure they represent the club in a positive manner, and maintaining a positive attitude.
• Interviewing potential new retail employees.
• Scheduling employees to fit their weekly contractual hours.
• Liaise with Leopards Kit and Technical partner and working to strict deadlines with regards product design/ orders and deliveries.
• Maintaining the store at optimum sales productivity by making sure all items are in stock and shelved properly throughout the stores and in the stockrooms.
• Communicating with staff, customers, and other departments of the club in person, over the phone, and by email.
• Maintaining inventory and ordering new stock when necessary whilst working to annual budgets.
• Deal with complaints from customers promptly and efficiently to maintain the club’s reputation.
• Weekly and monthly reporting on the retail site's productivity, making sure the site is meeting financial monthly targets.
• Having sufficient product knowledge and customer service skills to help customers with advanced questions on club products.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience as Retail Manager or in another managerial position.
• Suitable qualifications are an advantage, but not essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic IT skills are important, plus a knowledge of retail management software preferred.
• Competent using till systems, stock control systems and ecommerce CMS is a strong advantage.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal ability.
• As capable at leading a team as being a key component of that team, who can inspire others around them.
• Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Experience in financial reporting and an understanding of basic accountancy.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Strong business and commercial awareness to effectively improve the operations of a retail store.
• Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Dynamic and engaging person with a passion for retail and great customer service.
• A Creative and dynamic thinker with an obsession for attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong cultural sensitivity, and first-class customer engagement skills.
• Committed to always demonstrating the highest professional standards of operation and delivery.
• Excellent communicator and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people.
• Able to present a highly professional image when representing the Club.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Due to the nature of the business, and the role, this is not a standard Monday- Friday 9-5 job. Requires flexibility towards working hours, including the requirement to work at all home fixtures, plus various events on evenings, weekends, and Bank Holidays.

APPLICATION PROCESS

A current CV together with salary expectations and an introductory letter setting out why you feel you would be an appropriate candidate for this role, should be emailed to [email protected]. Application deadline 19th February 2024, but interviews will be made available thought the application process whilst the vacancy is open.