Newcastle Assistant Store Manager

ABOUT FINISTERRE

Born two decades ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre creates enduring outdoor wear for an inspired life in and around the ocean. Proudly B Corp certified, we have committed to a deep belief: to make truly exceptional products in a more responsible and transparent way. Whether based at our cliff top headquarters in St. Agnes, Cornwall, or in one of our retail locations across the UK, Finisterre is a truly unique brand and career proposition.

Our store locations are the beating heart of our community. As Finisterre grows and moves forward, we want to increase our retail footprint; opening more stores where our customers are and continuing to make them exciting places that bring our brand and product narratives to life through our friendly, knowledgeable staff and exceptional customer service. Our retail teams offer amazing opportunities to grow a long-term career with purpose-led brand.

So, if you want to be part of a truly authentic, purpose-led brand and you share our vision to create exceptional products in a responsible way, then we would love to hear from you.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We have an exciting opportunity for retail professionals to join the Finisterre team at our new Newcastle store.

The role of Retail Assistant Manager is an important management step on our retail development path. Deputising for the Store Manager as required, you will assist in the day to day running of the store to deliver agreed targ ets and KPI’S. Assisting with the coaching and development of the team to achieve best in class customer service and retail operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Experience

• Demonstrate and influence others on how to deliver an engaging and experiential customer service.
• Ensure store team are set up to educate and guide customers in making the right purchase, ensuring they are fully versed in customer facing operations.
• Keep up to date with seasonal product range and ensure that all store team have adequate product knowledge training and are fully informed on the current range.
• Work with store manager to build community relationships within stores local area and look for opportunity to collaborate with like minded associates.
• Work with the store manager and marketing team to deliver successful & engaging store events.

Commercial

• Share ownership of the stores performance, understand and communicate the store targets and future plans with the team.
• Review and analyse RCA report, implement commercial changes in order to drive more sales.
• Keep up to date with the trading calender, support manager with planning and preparation for any seasonal or promotional launch activity.
• Communicate with manager and merchandising team making sure we gain the most opportunity through stock.
• Understand the overall company strategy and how the retail goals fit into the overall direction

Community

• Support building genuine relationships with customers and local community champions (surfers, swimmers, creatives, activists) who share our values.
• Assist and deliver in-store community events and activations (screenings, talk nights, workshops), helping to ensure every experience is authentic and connection-led.
• Help nurture local partnerships with surf clubs, swim groups, environmental and creative organisations.
• Champion the store as a community hub, welcoming ocean enthusiasts and supporting activity that drives quality footfall through events and word-of-mouth.

Operations

• Work with Manager to ensure the store is staffed efficiently reflecting the trade patterns of the store and taking into account productivity and cost.
• Train all staff on all stock handling processes and procedures ensuring accuracy in any stock movements.
• Ensure store teams have adequate training on all retail operations and is up to date, communicating any changes made from HO.
• Support manager with implementing high standards of visual merchandising and store presentation.
• Assist with managing the health & safety for the store, ensuring all checklists are completed and store is compliant at all times.

People

• Proudly represent Finisterre and ensure the brand story and company values are being championed through the store team.
• Ensure adequate training has been rolled out to the store team, supporting all team members to reach their full potential.
• Maintain an open and positive relationship with Store Manager, adopt the responsibilities of store manager in their absence.
• Maintain good communications and relationships with all the department teams at Wheal Kitty, visit and attend meetings at WK where necessary.
• Assist manager with recruiting the best team for the brand and store. 

KPIs

• Annual sales & contribution targets 
• ATV
• Conversion
• Customer satisfaction

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO FINISTER RE

•   You share our love of the sea and our brand values. You care about our planet and want to share your passion for protecting it with others.
• You like to lead by example, motivating and supporting others.
• You are a people person, building positive relationships with both customers and your retail team.
• You pay attention to detail, take pride in delivering tasks accurately and to a high standard.
• Proven experience managing a team within a premium Apparel brand who share Finisterre’s brand ethos
• Be commercially aware and possess in depth experience of working towards KPIs  
• Visual merchandising skills
• Competent with Excel, Word and Office Outlook
• Motivates and coaches others to be the best they can be.
• Good communicator between management and retail team.
• Passion, energy and aspiration in line with Finisterre products, brand and customers

Important : The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK. Please note that Finisterre are not licensed to sponsor overseas workers.

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE FROM FINISTERRE

We are offering a full time, permanent contract, based at our Newcastle Store. We’ll invest in you with a competitive salary of £29,536 per annum.

But it’s not just a job. At Finisterre, we provide an opportunity to grow and develop yourself within at a fast-paced, growing B Corp certified brand with a great culture and an exciting purpose. You’ll get the chance to collaborate with a diverse community of people with a shared mission. In return, we take good care of you through a range of initiatives and rewards, including:

• 25 days holiday per year, plus an allowance of up to 8 UK bank holidays (pro rata for pat time employees)
• Additional holidays for length of service
• Your birthday day off
• Up to 3 days of paid volunteering per year – we will support you in giving back to communities and causes 
• A discretionary bonus scheme, based on store performance
• A pension scheme with Nest
• 60% product discount for personal and gift use
• 30% Friends and Family product discount
• A uniform allowance to help you represent the Finisterre brand with confidence and authenticity on the shop floor
• Enhanced Family Leave policies to support you in growing your family 
• Life assurance with access to an online wellbeing platform which includes, an employee assistance program, virtual GP appointments, digital gym, and a range of perks 
• Access to a range of wellbeing resources, including counselling services, cycle to work, eye tests, and wellbeing activities
• Regular team social and training days
• Various discounts from our B Corp community
• Access our online Learning Library and company-wide training sessions delivered by both internal and external trainers to support you in your ongoing development.
• Sea Tuesday companywide updates
• And so much more!

Closing date: We’ll be interviewing as we go along, so we’d encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as the role may close earlier than advertised.

Finisterre is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work.

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