Assistant Retail Store Manager

Position Summary

The Assistant Store Manager supports the Store Manager in leading all aspects of store operations to achieve sales,profitability, customer experience, and talent development objectives. This role is responsible for driving commercial performance, developing ahigh-performing team, ensuring operational excellence, and delivering an exceptional brand experience.

The Assistant Store Manager acts as the Store Manager's deputy and assumes overall store leadership in the Store Manager's absence.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Business Performance

• Support the Store Manager in achieving store sales, profitability, and productivity targets.
• Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly sales performance and identify opportunities to improve results.
• Drive store KPIs including sales conversion, average transaction value (ATV), units per transaction (UPT), and customer acquisition.
• Execute action plans to improve business performance and address performance gaps.
• Lead the team in achieving individual and store sales goals.

Customer Experience & Brand Excellence

• Champion a customer-first culture across the store.
• Ensure consistent execution of VF and brand service standards.
• Resolve complex customer concerns and escalations promptly and professionally.
• Foster long-term customer relationships to build a strong clientele and community engagement.
• Ensure the store reflects brand standards through excellence in presentation and service.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, onboard, coach, and develop store associates.
• Conduct ongoing performance conversations and provide regular feedback.
• Identify high-potential talent and support succession planning efforts.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and reinforce VF values and behaviors.
• Manage scheduling and workforce planning to ensure optimal staffing levels.

Store Operations & Execution

• Oversee execution of daily store operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Ensure accurate cash handling, POS operations, banking, and loss prevention practices.
• Monitor operational KPIs and address compliance gaps.
• Lead opening and closing procedures and ensure operational readiness.
• Support execution of corporate initiatives, promotions, and seasonal campaigns.

Inventory & Visual Merchandising

• Partner with the Store Manager to ensure inventory accuracy and stock integrity.
• Support inventory counts, stock replenishment, and shrink reduction initiatives.
• Monitor stockroom organization and operational efficiency.
• Ensure visual merchandising standards are executed consistently and aligned with brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with store leadership to optimize product placement and commercial presentation.

Leadership in Manager-On-Duty (MOD)Capacity

• Serve as Manager-on-Duty when assigned.
• Make decisions regarding staffing, customer issues, operational priorities, and business needs.
• Take full accountability for store performance during assigned shifts.
• Act as the primary escalation point for associates and customers in the absence of the Store Manager.

Qualifications

• Minimum GCE O levels/SHATEC/NITEC or equivalent certification
• Minimum 4-5 years of retail experience.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in a supervisory or assistant management position.
• Proven experience leading retail teams and driving sales performance.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, inventory management, and customer service.
• Experience coaching and developing frontline associates.
• Proficiency in POS systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to work flexible retail schedules, including weekends and public holidays.

Key Competencies

Business Acumen

• Commercial awareness
• Sales planning and execution
• Data-driven decision making
• Financial understanding

Leadership

• Team leadership
• Coaching and talent development
• Performance management
• Conflict resolution

Customer Excellence

• Customer-centric mindset
• Relationship building
• Service recovery
• Brand advocacy

Operational Excellence

• Inventory management
• Loss prevention
• Process compliance
• Attention to detail

Personal Effectiveness

• Communication skills
• Problem solving
• Adaptability
• Accountability
• Time management

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move merchandise when required.
• Ability to support stockroom and merchandising activities.
• Comfortable working during peak retail trading periods.