Retail Deputy Manager

Retail Deputy Manager

20 hour contract

Why The Works? We don’t simply sell products – we inspire reading, learning, creativity and play. You sell the paint that turns someone into an artist, provide the book that unleashes an inner author, supply the games that bring families together, and give a puzzle book that reconnects with cherished memories. With your passion and our products, you ignite the spark within people, helping them unleash their creativity, discover new passions or rekindle fond memories. The possibilities are limitless, and it all starts with you.

Become a Retail Deputy Manager. As a Deputy Manager you support the Store Manager to lead the team and deliver an exceptional customer experience. You help drive commercial performance, maintain high operational standards, and step up to lead the store in the Store Manager’s absence. You serve as a role model for the team – motivating, coaching, ensuring every shift runs smoothly. Your mission is to deliver exceptional service, spark brilliant conversations, and help customers with their shopping missions – whether discovering new products or finding the perfect gifts. By knowing their interests or shopping mission, you recommend things that surprise, delight and inspire them. You also keep the store well‑stocked, tidy, safe and welcoming, creating an environment where everything runs smoothly and everyone feels supported and included.

Your Mission

• Support the Store Manager in leading the team to deliver excellent customer service and achieve store targets.
• Take ownership of key operational areas such as stock management, merchandising, and compliance.
• Lead by example on the shop floor, setting high standards for service, presentation and teamwork.
• Coach and develop team members, providing feedback and support to help them grow.
• Step up to manage the store in the absence of the Store Manager, ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of new team members.
• Monitor store performance and contribute ideas to improve sales and efficiency.
• Ensure health & safety, cash handling and loss prevention procedures are followed.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and high‑performing team culture.

Skills / Behaviours that will set you apart

• Experience in a supervisory or team leadership role within retail or customer service.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confident in leading a team and making decisions.
• Organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Customer‑focused with a passion for delivering great service.
• Flexible and reliable, with a hands‑on approach.
• Experience in a high‑volume or value retail environment.
• Familiarity with retail systems and reporting tools.
• Experience supporting recruitment, training or performance management.

Being a great leader

• Inspire and motivate your team in line with our employer brand, values, behaviours and purpose.
• Lead your team to reach their potential and steer your store to break records and gain recognition.
• Work collaboratively with support departments and peers.
• Provide constructive feedback when something is not quite right so the team can improve.
• Support your team’s well‑being and aspirations, having everyday conversations about performance and career growth.

Our PERKS

• 25% Colleague Discount and exclusive double discount days.
• MyWorks – access exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers, holidays, utilities, tech and more.
• Family Friendly Leave – enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Holiday – 33 days, including bank holidays; increase with long service.
• Can‑Do Academy – grow your skills and career with instant access to training and development.
• Stream – claim early access to 50% of your wages as you earn them.
• Share Scheme – own a piece of The Works.
• 24/7 support for you and your family through partnership with Retail Trust Charity, Employee Assistance Programme, and more.
• Healthcare Cash Plan – support everyday healthcare costs.
• Long‑service awards, pension, life assurance, cycle to work scheme and optional charity giving.

Our Purpose

To inspire reading, learning, creativity and play.

Our Values

• We are Crafty – smart with what we've got.
• We are Caring – heart in every action.
• We are Can‑do – energy that gets it done.
• We listen. We care.

Promoting Diversity, Inclusion, and Applying Reasonable Adjustments

At The Works, we are proud to have an inclusive culture where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. Our roles are open to all, including under‑represented groups such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, carers and members of the LGBTQ+ community (including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non‑binary or use another term). We are open to discussions around working hours and flexible working, and where possible we will try to support this. If you need reasonable adjustments for an interview you might attend with us, let us know in your application and we’ll be happy to help.