Assistant Store Manager

Introduction:
Defining the modern Australian wardrobe since 2004, Viktoria & Woods believes in fostering a creative and collaborative culture. Our boutique stylists have a strong fashion and styling focus. They love connecting and engaging with customers to build authentic relationships.

We have a supportive team and working environment and are dedicated to creating a memorable and lasting customer and brand experience in all facets of our business.

Located across Australia within 28 locations, we offer a unique opportunity to join a community that values timeless design, modern versatility, and thoughtful craftsmanship. We invite individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to bring their unique perspective to creating extraordinary experiences for our clients. If this sounds like you, we welcome you to apply today!

About the role:
We are seeking a full time Assistant Store Manager to support the overall success of our Rundle Street Boutique by driving sales, operational excellence and delivering memorable experiences for our clients. As a key leadership position within the store team the Assistant Store Manager contributes to achieving budget, fostering a positive team culture and ensuring the Viktoria & Woods standards, policies and pillars are consistently upheld.

This position assists the Store Manager in operational tasks and role modelling a collaborative and nurturing culture amongst the team. This role is to support and coach the team to improve their sales performance and assist them in building clientele and assist in driving a high performance through regular feedback and training.

Responsibilities include:
Customer Service & Sales Growth:

• Assist the Store Manager to drive a customer and sales focused culture to propel brand loyalty and deliver weekly/monthly/annual sales and margin targets. Provide consistent training and development to in-store staff while creating a positive and engaging store culture.
• Collaborate with the Store Manager to build out and formalise Store Strategy and Action Plan to develop sales, build a strong database and CRM plan, and support the team in their development.
• Manage, motivate and ensure the team is fully equipped to exceed sales targets and KPIs.
• Drive business through KPI and goal management.
• Demonstrate sales leadership by playing an active role on the sales floor and managing client relationships personally.
• Discuss initiatives to enhance sales with the retail team and Manager. Look to problem solve potential solutions to increase brand loyalty and sales.
• Build and maintain a strong VIP list of customers within the store. Ensure all team members are aware of VIPs and upskilled to provide exceptional customer service.
• Support the Store Manager in handling client concerns and resolving issues effectively.

Management Support:

• Roster assistance and finding coverage for staff who are unable to complete their shift.
• Act as Store/Concession Manager when required or during absences.
• Lead team briefings, training, mentoring and coaching alongside the Store Manager.
• Recruitment and interview support, including but limited to: Phone Screens, Reference Checks, Interview Notes.
• Provide feedback to the Multi-Site/Store Manager on store operations, customer feedback and where improvements can be made.
• Coach and develop all retail store team members to ensure a well-defined understanding of the brand, products and ranges.
• Provide regular, constructive feedback to team members regarding product knowledge, clienteling and performance in a way that makes team members feel valued, respected and recognised.
• Discuss staffing requirements with Multi-Site / Store Manager and assist with any in-store recruitment needs. Support the identification of staff growth and development to assist with in-store/across-store staff movements.
• Assist with any on-boarding needs for new team members as directed by Multi – Site Manager / Store Manager.
• Ensure the store meets or exceeds all Workplace, Health and Safety (WHS) requirements and/or legislation; as well as comply with all V&W’s processes, policies and retail guidelines; as support all.

Culture:

• Acts as a role model for the brand’s values, cultivating an environment that prioritises excellence, innovation and being customer focused.
• Fostering a positive team culture across all sites, promoting collaboration, inclusivity and mutual respect to enhance employee engagement and retention
• Takes on team feedback in regard to culture concerns, and escalates to Multi-Site Manager or Store Manager
• Promotes working collaboratively as a team rather than individually to increase overall store sales and exceed targets.
• Embody the brand purpose, values and pillars, leading by example in service, presentation, and conduct.

Retail Operations:

• Assist the Manager with day-to-day store operations to uphold V&W’s operational standards and to ensure the achievement of operational goals. Activities may include (but not limited to): the highest level of store presentation Managing stock inventory and proactively tracking stock to ensure any discrepancies are discovered and reported prior to stocktakes
• Managing store administration needs as required
• Assist with the implementation of visual merchandising directives and promotional changes within store
• Assist with the management of store stock movements. Educate the retail team on managing stock losses and implement stock loss prevention strategies where identified.
• Provide leadership and support for seasonal stocktakes and implement visual merchandising directives and promotional changes within the store.

Compliance and Policies

• Comply and stay up to date with all V&W’s policy, procedures and standards as provided.

Key Requirements:

• Understanding of retail systems such as Kepler and AP21 would be preferred.
• Knowledge of Learning Management Systems (LMS) beneficial but not essential.
• Knowledge of garment design and materials would be beneficial.
• Ability to manage time and competing priorities effectively and efficiently.
• 2+ years' experience in an Assistant Store Manager (2IC) role in a retail fashion store or similar environment, or have significant experience working as a retail team member.
• Fashion retail sales experience or high-end client experience would be highly regarded.
• Strong sales and customer-focused mindset with a passion for fashion and luxury retail.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• A proactive results-driven approach with the ability to adapt to changing retail environments.
• Experience training/developing/recruiting team members.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing retail team members to create a positive and motivating culture is essential.
• Passionate about craftsmanship, provenance, and design storytelling.
• Client-focused with the ability to build deep loyal relationships.

What is on Offer?

• Competitive salary
• Career Development Opportunities
• Generous Wardrobe allocation
• 50% Staff discount on Viktoria & Woods product
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program

Next Steps:
Submit your application today! Once received, we will be reviewing applications as they come through and successful applicants will be contacted to attend an interview in store.

To learn more about VIKTORIA & WOODS, follow us on social media via:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/viktoria-woods/?originalSubdomain=au

Instagram: www.instagram.com/viktoriaandwoods/?hl=en

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@viktoriaandwoods?lang=en