Purpose of the Role
To support the General Manager in the day-to-day operation of the convenience store, ensuring high standards of customer service, legal compliance, staff performance, and commercial results. The Assistant Manager will lead by example, deputise in the General Manager’s absence, and contribute to a safe, efficient, and profitable store environment.
Key Responsibilities
Store Operations
- Support the effective day-to-day running of the store, ensuring smooth trading during all shifts.
- Deputise for the General Manager during absence, assuming full operational responsibility as required.
- Ensure store opening and closing procedures are followed correctly, including cash handling and security.
- Monitor stock levels, availability, rotation, and waste control.
- Maintain store presentation standards, including cleanliness, merchandising, and pricing accuracy.
People Management
- Support recruitment, induction, and training of store colleagues.
- Supervise, motivate, and support team members to achieve individual and store targets.
- Assist with rota planning, absence management, and adherence to Working Time Regulations (NI).
- Address minor performance or conduct issues in line with company procedures, escalating where appropriate.
- Promote positive employee engagement and teamwork.
Customer Service
- Deliver consistently high standards of customer service.
- Handle customer complaints professionally and resolve issues promptly.
- Lead by example in promoting a friendly, helpful, and professional store culture.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including but not limited to:
- Health & Safety at Work (NI)
- Food Safety and Hygiene (HACCP principles)
- Age-restricted sales (alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, lottery)
- Equality and dignity at work legislation
- Support accurate completion of compliance checks, audits, and records.
- Promote a safe working environment for staff and customers.
Financial & Commercial
- Support achievement of sales, margin, and cost control targets.
- Assist with cash controls, banking procedures, and loss prevention.
- Identify opportunities to improve sales performance and customer spend.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Experience
- Previous experience in a retail or convenience store environment.
- Experience of supervising or supporting a team (informal or formal).
- Experience of cash handling and working to SOPs.
- Experience working to and achieving KPIs.
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong customer focus with good communication skills.
- Ability to lead, motivate, and support colleagues.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Understanding of age-restricted sales and retail compliance requirements.
- Basic IT skills (e.g. tills, stock systems, emails).
Personal Attributes
- Reliable, flexible, and able to work a range of shifts, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
- Confident decision-maker with a practical, hands-on approach.
- Calm and professional under pressure.
- High level of integrity and attention to detail.
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience at Supervisor or Assistant Manager level.
- Food hygiene certificate (Level 2 or above).
- Experience of staff training or coaching.
- Knowledge of local community or customer base.
- Previous experience overseeing a butchers and deli counter
- Experience in forecourt management
Additional Information
- This role involves standing for prolonged periods and manual handling.
- Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
- Ongoing training will be provided, including compliance and leadership development.
Work Location: In person
