Assistant Store Manager Operations

Founded in 1956, Williams Sonoma, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and the brands they represent, is the premier specialty retailer of high quality home furnishings in the United States, Canada and Australia. Known for their outstanding customer service, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm and Williams Sonoma are among the most iconic and well respected retail brands. We market our products and engage our customers through three major channels - retail stores, catalogue, and the Internet. All our brands allow customers to design, furnish and decorate every room in the home - from the kitchen to the living room, bedrooms, nursery, home office, and more.

Our West Elm and Pottery Barn Kids brand is now available in the UK, through Williams Sonoma UK Limited. We believe our company has limitless potential, driven by our associates and their imagination, passion and commitment. We provide an exciting and creative work environment, along with a variety of opportunities for professional as well as personal growth. Our associates receive a generous discount on products as well as a variety of benefits including, but not limited to a competitive pension plan, employee assistance program and service recognition gifts.

SUMMARY

Support management team in achieving goals by providing world class service. Serve as a role model for building relationships with customers. Maintain presence through store supervision to ensure appropriate staff coverage in all areas of the store. Perform operational functions to ensure the store meets company guidelines. Implement visual changes and maintain store standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide exceptional customer service in the store to achieve World Class Service standards.
• Serve as a role model for sales associates in sales generation and customer service by making the customer experience the priority.
• Utilize selling programs and training resources to educate team on product, improve selling skills, support company and store contests, and achieve business goals.
• Utilize all Special Services such as In Store and In Home Consultations, Home Stylist/Design Services and Clienteling.
• Serve as an active Floor Manager and reinforce customer service principles by coaching staff on their successes and challenges, hold associates accountable to their productivity goals.
• Participate in the organization and leadership of building Community, conducting Special Events and maximizing Social Media initiatives.
• Effectively perform operations functions: opens and closes the store, register, and back office management procedures.
• Consistently analyze business for visual or inventory opportunities and communicate to Associate Manager or Senior Store Manager.
• Monitor Inventory levels and communicate discrepancies to Associate Manager or Senior Store Manager.
• Monitor Supply levels and communicate needs to Associate Manager or Senior Store Manager.
• Ensure that all shipping and receiving processes are within company guidelines.
• Ensure that all stockrooms and common areas are well organized, clean and safe.
• Ensure that all equipment and the physical store are in good repair and maintained.
• Maintain visual standards, including merchandise presentation, floorset and weekly updates, signage, markdowns, lighting, and general maintenance.
• Train all associates on the expectations, tools and resources for all aspects of their assigned roles.
• Contribute in management and store meetings, offering suggestions for associate development, sales opportunities, and organizational improvements.
• Assume additional management responsibilities in the absence of Associate or Senior Store Manager.
• Perform projects and assignments as directed by the Associate or Senior Store Manager.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Maintain an environment where all associates are treated fairly and with dignity and respect, in accordance with our People First philosophy and ensure all recognition programs are supported and consistently executed.

EXPERIENCE

• 3 4 years retail sales experience with management experience preferred.

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / COMPETENCIES

• Effective communication, organization and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to motivate and influence others through personal actions and examples.
• Ability to be mobile on the sales floor for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business; will require weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Ability to lift and mobilize medium to large items, up to 30kg, while utilizing appropriate lifting equipment and safety techniques.

EDUCATION

• Relevant university and/or equivalent level of experience, skill or knowledge preferred but not necessary.

REPORTS TO

Associate Manager or Senior Store Manager.

Williams Sonoma UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and would be happy to consider reasonable adjustments to accommodate a candidate with a disability.

This position description is not inclusive of all duties and responsibilities and can be changed without notice.