ASSISTANT RETAIL MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Shrinkage, missed sales plans, and inconsistent floor execution tend to surface first at the assistant manager level; that gap is what this role exists to close. An Assistant Retail Manager oversees the sales floor during operating hours, driving KPI performance while maintaining store standards, loss-prevention procedures, and operational compliance. Most stores require schedule flexibility across a seven-day retail calendar, and many add responsibility for cash handling, daily deposits, and inventory reconciliation. The role reports to a Store Manager and typically supervises a team of frontline associates.

As the Assistant Retail Manager, you drive floor-level sales performance and associate development while keeping daily store operations aligned with company policies and revenue goals. You work within the store's management structure, assuming full operational authority when the Store Manager is absent and remaining accountable for team output, merchandise standards, and the customer experience across all shifts.

Career Impact: Experience leading a multi-associate retail team across sales, scheduling, and compliance prepares you for a Store Manager appointment with measurable P&L accountability.

Business Impact: Your presence on the sales floor during operating hours directly determines the conversion rate and basket size that move the store toward, or past, its monthly sales plan.

Growth Opportunity: Consistent KPI delivery and demonstrated coaching ability are the two factors most frequently cited in promotions from this seat to Store Manager or Area Supervisor roles in retail.

• Lead frontline associates on the sales floor to meet daily sales targets and maintain brand and service standards.
• Coach and develop team members through one-on-ones, product knowledge training, and real-time performance feedback.
• Oversee merchandise presentation, signage placement, and display execution to company visual standards.
• Monitor loss prevention compliance and enforce cash handling, till reconciliation, and deposit procedures each shift.
• Review sales reports and inventory data to identify stock gaps, flag discrepancies, and recommend merchandise adjustments.
• Resolve customer complaints and escalated service issues promptly to protect the store's public reputation.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and scheduling to maintain adequate floor coverage across a seven-day operating week.
• Partner with the Store Manager on operational planning, promotional execution, and store layout decisions.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of retail sales or customer service experience, with at least 1 year in a supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team toward sales targets and measurable KPIs in a high-traffic retail environment.
• Sound working knowledge of retail POS systems, inventory scanning, and cash reconciliation procedures.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to give direct, constructive feedback to associates at all levels.
• Competency in scheduling, task prioritization, and shift management across variable hours including evenings and weekends.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, lift, and carry up to 40 pounds through extended shift durations.

• Associate's degree or higher in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experience in a specialty or fashion retail environment with clienteling or loyalty program responsibility.
• Familiarity with loss prevention frameworks and shrink-reduction practices in a multi-associate store setting.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and reporting tools sufficient to analyze weekly sales data against historical benchmarks.

• Monthly sales plan attainment rate, measuring the store's performance against revenue targets on each managed shift.
• Associate productivity per hour, tracking individual contribution to sales volume during supervised floor time.
• Shrink percentage versus store benchmark, reflecting inventory control and loss prevention adherence.
• Customer complaint resolution rate within shift, measuring how consistently escalated issues are closed without escalation to the Store Manager.
• Schedule fill rate, capturing the percentage of shifts covered without last-minute gaps affecting floor standards.
• Typical tools: point-of-sale platforms (commonly Lightspeed or NCR); inventory management systems (commonly RetailPro or similar).

• Base Salary Range: $38,000 – $52,000 annually, depending on store volume and market
• Bonus: Annual or quarterly performance bonus tied to store sales plan attainment
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level in retail
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; eligibility often begins after 60–90 days
• PTO: 10 to 15 days per year plus observed holidays; varies by employer
• Common Perks: Employee merchandise discount, flexible scheduling within retail hours, advancement pathways to Store Manager

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for all applicants. Employment in this role is contingent on the successful completion of a background check, which may include a review of criminal history consistent with applicable law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process.

The Assistant Retail Manager owns the day-to-day operation of the business unit, coaching and developing direct reports while driving revenue, profit, and expense control in alignment with store and divisional objectives. Working alongside the Store Manager and reporting within the broader organizational structure, the role shapes a high-performing environment where associate experiences, customer service quality, and compliance with company values and procedures all contribute to mission-supported outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the store manager with the overall operation of the business unit.
• Develop, coach, and train all direct reports in the business unit.
• Create an atmosphere of ongoing exceptional customer service for internal and external customers.
• Make recommendations for hiring and evaluating associates on the team.
• Perform daily administrative and clerical functions of store operations.
• Resolve customer concerns and provide exceptional customer service.
• Model, monitor, and enforce compliance with company policies, standard operating procedures, and values.
• Monitor sales transactions associated with purchases and ensure proper sales procedures are followed.
• Maintain the general appearance of the store and premises according to agency standards.
• Assist in the enforcement of store safety and security procedures on an ongoing basis.
• Assist with maintaining production levels and quality of merchandise on the sales floor in line with established standards.
• Monitor and ensure a smooth process for all donation functions while adhering to standard company practices and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or higher preferred.
• One to three years of previous management experience in retail or a similar service-oriented environment.
• Previous experience in inventory movement and warehousing, preferably in a retail environment.
• Basic math and computer skills, including the ability to create and manipulate spreadsheets, understand computerized time and attendance systems, and understand point-of-sale systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Fluency in a language other than English is an asset.
• Personal vehicle required to transport store receipts to the bank.
• Willingness to work flexible days and hours, including across a seven-day-per-week operation.

Embedded within the store management team, the Assistant Retail Manager delivers a consistent brand experience on the sales floor by motivating associates, managing merchandise presentation, and driving sales growth through internal talent development and execution of company strategies. Working closely with the broader management team, this position builds brand loyalty and develops future leaders while maintaining the professional standards and operational compliance that support sustainable business growth.

Core Functions

• Motivate and inspire associates to build brand loyalty and create a positive store environment for internal and external customers.
• Support the management team in fueling business growth through internal promotions to develop future leaders.
• Serve as a positive role model by driving and maintaining high standards throughout the store while ensuring brand integrity.
• Train associates and monitor compliance with all company standard operating procedures.
• Foster a positive work environment and provide direct, honest feedback promptly.
• Manage company standards of merchandise presentation, signage, and display.
• Ensure adherence to all loss prevention procedures to protect company assets.
• Model, encourage, and demonstrate exceptional customer service behaviors on the sales floor.
• Represent the company professionally and positively.

Qualifications & Experience

• One to two years of previous supervisory experience, with specialty retail preferred.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with the ability to adapt to additional internal applications.
• Ability to utilize a retail point-of-sale system and inventory scanner.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business, including availability on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Ability to make change using standard monetary units.
• Excellent customer engagement skills.
• Established time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
• Adaptability and openness to embracing self-development.

Reporting to senior retail leadership, the Assistant Retail Manager shapes the performance of multiple retail locations by overseeing day-to-day operations, leading frontline sales teams to achieve sales targets, and developing procedures that drive competitive positioning and customer relationship quality. Partnering with store teams and the broader organization, this role builds long-term client relationships and sustains merchandise availability standards that directly support revenue maximization across the retail network.

Primary Duties

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and monitor performance of multiple retail locations to maximize sales performance and deliver quality service standards.
• Lead the frontline sales team to achieve sales targets and provide an excellent shopping experience to customers.
• Develop all necessary procedures and processes to ensure the sales force operates efficiently and effectively.
• Develop and maintain customer relationship management programs to build long-term client relationships.
• Maintain awareness of developments in sales techniques to ensure the retail team sustains and develops its competitive position.
• Manage stock replenishment, allocation, and visual merchandising coordination.

Skills & Qualifications

• At least ten years of retail experience, of which at least five years were at a supervisory level.
• Significant experience in retail sales management, preferably in fashion retail.
• Experience in managing multiple stores with excellent supervisory ability.
• Excellent interpersonal, planning, and organizing skills.
• Customer-oriented, self-motivated, and results-driven with strong numerical acumen.

Sitting at the intersection of sales leadership and brand stewardship, the Assistant Retail Manager leads client specialists through coaching, onboarding, and performance accountability while leveraging store analytics and community relationships to maximize sales and deliver service excellence. Operating across a specialty retail environment, this role supports management in sustaining a strong selling culture, protecting company assets, and ensuring every associate upholds the brand standards and productivity expectations that underpin financial goal achievement.

Duties

• Educate, coach, mentor, and inspire client specialists based on their individual strengths, opportunities, and needs, including onboarding new talent, sharing product knowledge, wardrobing and fashion trends, and driving key performance indicators.
• Model exceptional customer service and relationship-building behaviors to drive customer loyalty and a sustainable sales trend.
• Create a collaborative team environment where all associates are held accountable and proud to uphold the same standards, policies, and procedures.
• Provide coaching and feedback as necessary and address performance and disciplinary matters when required.
• Assist management in leading the team as needed.
• Stay abreast of the business and competitive landscape, fashion trends, and key business drivers to strategically identify opportunities that will maximize sales and ensure financial goals are achieved.
• Analyze store reports, leveraging historical sales data alongside current sales goals to establish achievable stretch goals for individual and team performance.
• Strategically identify, target, and cultivate community relationships that align with the brand and help drive incremental sales.
• Model sales and service excellence by creating a selling culture where all associates align around the needs of customers.
• Use company resources and personal leadership to facilitate and sustain a strong selling environment that holds associates accountable for achieving productivity standards.
• Exhibit knowledge of industry trends and competitive activity and share this knowledge with the team.
• Lead associates in consistently marketing brand initiatives to achieve key sales and service metrics.
• Demonstrate strong planning and organizational skills to proactively contact clientele in a way that is relevant, timely, and meaningful.
• Represent the brand image professionally and ensure all associates meet the same standards.
• Plan and prioritize tasks and responsibilities to meet the needs of the customer and business.
• Protect company assets and maintain a safe work environment.
• Follow all company policies and procedures as well as applicable employment laws.

Requirements

• High school degree required; college degree preferred.
• One year of leadership experience preferred.
• Two or more years of specialty retailing experience preferred, with an emphasis on selling.
• Strong sales experience with a demonstrated ability to meet or exceed performance standards preferred.
• Customer-centric mindset with an understanding of the importance of exceptional service in contributing to growing store sales.
• Ability to drive, build, and cultivate relationships with customers and the community, with a focus on prospecting and establishing a strong clientele from existing and new customers.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, a high level of integrity, fiscal responsibility, critical thinking, and leadership courage.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Professional, assertive, and friendly with the ability to make decisions independently.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to navigate computer and handheld systems with intermediate computer and keyboarding skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse work environment.
• Open to relocation and opportunities in other areas of the business.

A key member of the store management team, the Assistant Retail Manager leads shift responsibilities, purchasing decisions, and merchandise evaluation for the gift shop while coordinating staff scheduling, training, and inventory recordkeeping to ensure smooth floor operations and financial accuracy. Collaborating across store leadership, including the retail manager and general manager, this role supports sales floor planning, customer complaint resolution, and inventory reporting that directly maintain correct stock levels and positive public relations.

Functions

• Handle shift responsibilities for closing at least three evenings.
• Ensure the smooth operation of the sales floor.
• Purchase merchandise to be sold in the gift shop.
• Maintain adequate merchandise levels within corporate guidelines.
• Evaluate space allocations for retail items.
• Assign duties to workers and schedule break periods, work hours, and vacations.
• Train workers in store policies, department procedures, and job duties.
• Record delivery of merchandise, compare records with merchandise ordered, and report discrepancies to control costs and maintain correct inventory levels.
• Prepare sales and inventory reports.
• Listen to customer complaints, examine returned merchandise, and resolve problems to restore and promote good public relations.
• Assist sales workers in completing difficult sales.
• Audit cash receipts in accordance with company policy.
• Plan store layout in coordination with the retail manager and general manager.

Experience & Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.
• Six months to one year of related experience and training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume, including application of basic algebra and geometry concepts.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagram form and to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and write simple correspondence and instructions, and to present information effectively in one-on-one and small group situations.

Sales growth and team development in a specialty retail setting depend on the Assistant Retail Manager, who supports the store manager with daily operations, inventory ordering, and sales planning while coaching a sales-driven team across physical store tasks that keep the business running effectively. Based within a high-activity retail environment, this role builds the team's capacity to seek and convert sales opportunities, ensuring merchandise is stocked, displayed, and processed in a way that meets daily goals and sustains store performance.

Accountabilities

• Support the store manager with day-to-day store operations.
• Order and check in inventory.
• Ensure the store is meeting daily sales plans and goals.
• Arrange and display store merchandising.
• Stay up to date on all merchandise promotions, advertisements, and product information.
• Process daily deposits as needed.
• Grow the business by seeking sales opportunities and developing a sales-driven team.
• Develop, motivate, train, and coach the team.
• Carry out physical tasks essential to store operations, including packing candy, stocking shelves, ringing sales, opening and closing the store, and processing returns and orders via telephone.

Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
• Previous retail sales experience and/or management experience.
• Computer literacy, including familiarity with point-of-sale systems and store equipment, including registers and PCs.
• Ability to spend the majority of working time standing, walking, and moving around the store.
• Ability to regularly bend at the waist, squat, kneel, climb, carry, reach, and stoop, and to occasionally push, pull, and lift more than 25 pounds.
• Ability to use janitorial equipment, rolling racks, tables, ladders, and other assigned supplies.
• Availability to work a minimum of 20 to 35 hours per week, including weekends and peak season shifts.

As the Assistant Retail Manager, this role leads and holds the team accountable for delivering and growing sales metrics while supporting the store manager in recruiting and building a successful retail team aligned to organizational priorities. The store management structure relies on this work to sustain clear communication across the team, peers, and headquarters, and to drive community development initiatives that deepen guest engagement and strengthen store performance outcomes.

Activities

• Motivate, lead, and hold the team accountable to deliver and grow sales along with other metrics and key performance indicators.
• Lead by example with results within the store.
• Drive community development within the store and promote community initiatives to guests.
• Support the store manager in recruiting, building, developing, and managing a strong and successful retail team.
• Maintain clear, thoughtful communication with the team, peers, managers, and headquarters.

Position Requirements

• Minimum of one year of leadership experience preferred.
• Strong overall business acumen with the ability to understand organizational direction, priorities, and goals and to analyze trends, processes, and procedures to develop effective solutions for improved performance.
• Proven problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively and respectfully collaborate with diverse teams.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Flexibility in handling change and adapting to new situations with innovative approaches.

Assistant Retail Manager oversees retail store operations, portable locations, and warehouse functions, managing the implementation of retail programs that achieve inventory and revenue goals while ensuring corporate standards are consistently upheld across store-level merchandising, in-stock positions, and physical inventory reporting. The work directly supports retail supervisors and the broader organization by delivering the procedural compliance, visual impact, and product development participation that enable sustainable revenue generation and inventory control.

Operational Focus

• Support management in overseeing retail stores, portable locations, warehouse operations, and retail associates.
• Manage the implementation of retail programs to meet corporate standards and achieve inventory and revenue goals.
• Participate in product development.
• Provide support and direction to retail supervisors on the implementation of company policies and procedures and ensure proper follow-through.
• Manage in-store merchandising and display to ensure maximum visual impact and revenue generation.
• Monitor in-stock positions of approved merchandise programs and inventory control at the store level to ensure procedural and policy compliance.
• Adhere to company directives on physical inventory and reporting.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• One to three years of retail operations management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of merchandising techniques and retail operations, policies, and procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to train and develop a team.

The Assistant Retail Manager owns the day-to-day operations of boutiques, counters, and pop-ups, leading a team of tea ambassadors and baristas while implementing sales strategies and marketing campaigns designed to achieve revenue targets within budget. Working across store management and reporting to senior retail leadership, the role shapes customer service standards, competitive market awareness, and team performance analytics that sustain the brand's position within the luxury retail segment.

Key Deliverables

• Manage the day-to-day operations of boutiques, counters, and pop-ups.
• Ensure all team members uphold and demonstrate the established approach to customer service.
• Conduct market research to stay abreast of competitors and trends.
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve sales targets within budget.
• Review and analyze store sales against budgets and team performance on key performance indicators.
• Support marketing through store-specific marketing campaigns and visual merchandising.
• Manage and coach a team of tea ambassadors and baristas.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in the retail or luxury industry.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with experience in a sales-focused environment.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong command of written and spoken English.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with staff and management.
• Ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines for various ad hoc tasks, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong sense of responsibility, self-motivation, and results-oriented mindset with a positive, proactive attitude and the ability to work autonomously.

Reporting to the Store Manager, the Assistant Retail Manager leads the team to high customer service and key performance indicator standards while developing and coaching associates through one-to-ones, team briefings, and proactive sales strategy execution, including events and business reporting. Working closely with store management, this position builds weekly sales reports, monitors stock levels, and manages daily banking and till reconciliation in a luxury goods environment where commercial acumen and presentation skills directly enable store success.

Areas of Ownership

• Support the store manager with daily duties, including performing additional duties in the store manager's absence.
• Lead the team to a high standard, achieving company key performance indicators while maintaining the highest level of customer service.
• Develop and coach team members, including motivation through one-to-ones and team briefings.
• Prioritize store objectives and proactively source ways to increase sales and service standards through the creation and execution of events and strategic planning.
• Create weekly business reports at the request of the store manager.
• Monitor weekly stock levels.
• Handle customer queries.
• Manage cashing up, till reconciliation, and banking on a daily basis.

Education & Experience

• Solid customer-facing experience in retail sales, ideally within a luxury goods environment.
• Retail management and team management experience.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, including interpersonal, written, and presentation abilities.
• Excellent product knowledge with good commercial and numerical skills.
• IT skills, including Microsoft Office with reasonable Excel proficiency, and excellent accuracy and organizational skills.
• Ability to deal with people from all backgrounds confidently and with respect, and to work well in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong initiative and follow-through.

Embedded within a retail sales and customer service team, the Assistant Retail Manager delivers leadership across sales floor performance, financial objective execution, and associate development while maintaining competitive marketplace awareness and sharing innovative best practices that impact organizational performance. Working closely with store leadership, this position builds a culture of safe, standards-driven retail operations where wine knowledge, customer service excellence, and scheduling flexibility directly support business growth and team capability.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and model best-in-class customer experiences with a focus on driving sales and customer service.
• Support the execution of business strategies to meet and exceed financial objectives.
• Support recruiting, developing, and motivating team members.
• Maintain awareness of and report on competition in the marketplace.
• Identify and share innovative best practices to impact performance across the organization.
• Follow safe work procedures and practices and report all unsafe working conditions and hazards.

Background & Experience

• Minimum of two years of leadership experience in retail sales and/or customer service.
• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Business or Marketing is an asset.
• Smart Serve Certification.
• Wine experience and knowledge are an asset.
• Working knowledge of Windows applications, including Word and Excel.
• Proven leadership capability with exemplary customer service and communication skills.
• Strong business acumen with a creative desire to increase sales.
• Flexibility for evening and weekend work every week.
• Ability to lift to 40 pounds regularly, as well as to frequently stand, bend, and twist.

Reporting to store management, the Assistant Retail Manager leads and coaches the retail team to achieve monthly sales targets and business objectives while delivering professional customer service, managing long-term customer relationships, and handling enquiries and complaints through structured follow-up. Partnering with department and store leadership, this role shapes sales performance and team capability across a fast-paced retail environment where numeracy, proactive collaboration, and weekend availability directly support revenue outcomes and customer satisfaction.

Job Functions

• Ensure monthly sales targets are achieved and maintain a thorough understanding of business objectives.
• Lead, motivate, and coach the team to achieve business objectives and enhance individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Deliver professional services to delight customers.
• Handle all customer enquiries, feedback, and complaints and follow up with sales service.
• Maintain long-term, positive relationships with customers and maximize sales opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two to four years of retail sales and customer service experience.
• At least two years of experience leading a department or small store.
• Excellent supervisory and numeracy skills.
• Proactive, collaborative, and able to work well in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Willingness to work on weekends and public holidays.

A key member of the store management team, the Assistant Retail Manager leads coaching and mentoring of team members to meet sales targets while maintaining accountability for store profitability, inventory integrity, and a safe retail environment for staff and customers. Collaborating across the broader retail operation within a big-box setting, this role sustains administrative, audit, and safety framework standards that directly protect profitability and support a high-performing team culture.

What You'll Do

• Coach and mentor team members to meet and exceed targets.
• Maintain accountability for the profitability of the store within the profit centre.
• Ensure administrative and audit processes are followed.
• Maintain the integrity of inventory.
• Promote a safe environment for staff and customers through actively upholding established safety frameworks.

Required Qualifications

• Relevant retail experience, ideally in a big-box retail setting.
• Prior experience managing staff within a retail environment.
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational, and sales skills.
• High level of business acumen and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously, remain self-motivated, and function effectively as a team player.
• Flexibility to work rostered shifts, including weekends.