Assistant Store Manager (Manchester - 6 Month FTC)

ARNE's retail vision is to redefine what shopping feels like. Every space we create embodies our ‘less is more’ approach, understated yet elevated, blending minimal, high-quality products with a store environment that’s anything but average. We’re challenging the traditional retail model and setting a new standard where exceptional design, accessible pricing and meaningful customer experiences sit side by side. 

Following the hugely successful opening of our flagship store in Liverpool One, we’re excited to continue our retail journey with a brand-new six-month pop-up activation at the Trafford Centre, opening later this year.  

With that in mind, we’re looking for passionate, customer focused individuals to join our temporary Retail Team to help bring this vision to life. You’ll be the face of ARNE, welcoming customers, sharing our story, and delivering the kind of service and experience which we believe has been missing from the Retail space.  

If you’re passionate about fashion, enjoy delivering exceptional customer experiences, and want to be part of a brand that’s redefining retail, this is your opportunity to make an impact and help shape the future of ARNE. 

Reporting to our Store Manager, the Assistant Store Manager will support in all aspects of store operations, including sales performance, team leadership, customer experience and operational excellence. They will lead by example on the shop floor and support teammates with coaching and feedback.  

Please note, this role is a six-month fixed-term contract, with an anticipated start date late October 2025. Due to the nature of this role and our pop up being open over peak (Black Friday and the Christmas Period) working hours may vary.

The Recruitment Process:  

• Submit your application online, attaching your CV.
• Once we have reviewed your CV, you will receive an email from a member of our Talent Team with instructions on how to submit a short introductory video* (more details set out below). 

• From there, we will review your application. If successful, you’ll be invited to attend an Assessment Centre.

• Following this, you will be informed whether you have been successful.

*Introductory Video: 

Our Retail roles attract a high volume of applications, so to help speed up the recruitment process, we’re asking all candidates to submit a short introductory video with their application.  It’s often hard to get a sense of someone’s personality from a CV alone, and so the purpose of the video is to help us get to know you better . Your video should be no longer than 5 minutes and cover the following areas:  

• Support the Store Manager in the daily operations of the store, ensuring smooth and effective functioning.
• Supervise and motivate the store team, ensuring they deliver excellent customer service.
• Assist in recruitment, training, and performance management of store staff.
• Analyse sales performance and customer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
• Maintain store merchandising standards, ensuring compliance with brand guidelines.
• Handle inventory management, including stock replenishment and inventory audits.
• Assist in implementing promotional plans and marketing initiatives within the store.
• Ensure that the store environment is clean, safe, and welcoming for customers.
• Act as a role model for customer service and commitment to the ARNE brand values.
• Manage the store in the absence of the Store Manager.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Previous experience in a retail management or supervisory role.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to inspire a team.
• Excellent customer service skills with a passion for retail.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data.
• Good understanding of merchandising standards and visual presentation.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed.

• We are proud to be recognised as a Medium sized Sunday Times Best Place to Work for 2024
• 32 Days Holiday (including Bank Holidays) + your Birthday off
• Holidays increasing up to 36 days with service
• Option to buy / sell holidays
• Generous staff discount & uniform allowance
• Annual and quarterly bonus schemes based on company performance
• Private Healthcare including Dental & Optical Plans after probation
• Health Cash Plan from day one
• Life assurance paying 5x annual salary from day one
• Discounted marketplace with money off/cash back from 100’s of places
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Tech Scheme

ARNE are an equal opportunities employer. We believe that diverse people bring different skills and are committed to ensuring our business support the needs of potential colleagues from Ethnic Minority backgrounds and colleagues who may be disabled or neurodiverse. We are committed creating a great place to work through diversity and inclusivity and we strongly encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds to join our growing team.