Job Description

Retail Store Assistant / Trainee Store Manager

Full-time, Permanent - Join the team at Uniform Direct!

About Us

At

Uniform Direct

, we're more than just a school uniform supplier -- we're a trusted partner for schools and families across the UK. Designed by parents for parents, our products are built on quality, value, and care. We take pride in our customer-first approach, ensuring schools can rely on us to deliver a complete solution, from stock availability to outstanding service.

As experts in schoolwear, we're looking for enthusiastic, committed, and ambitious individuals to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone ready to take their retail career forward into management.

The Opportunity

We're searching for a

Retail Store Assistant / Trainee Store Manager

who is eager to grow with us. This role is ideal if you're passionate about retail, love working with people, and want the chance to develop into a leadership position with the right training and support.

In this role, you'll:

Provide

excellent customer service

and ensure every family and school has a positive experience. Support the day-to-day running of the store, taking on responsibility for sales, stock, and merchandising. Work alongside and lead a team, motivating them to achieve great results. Develop professional relationships with schools and local communities, representing our brand with pride. Be hands-on and adaptable -- this is a role where no two days are the same. Contract- minimum 28 hours per week-

Fully flexible to work weekdays and weekends, with no other commitments - working to the needs of our business as the number one priority.

What We're Looking For

We value

energy, reliability, and a proactive approach

. You don't need years of management experience -- if you're keen to learn and grow, we'll support you.

Essential requirements:

Fully available throughout our busiest season (July-September).

This vacancy is not suitable for any applicant that has other employment or education commitments

Applicants with holiday commitments during July, August and early September will not be considered.

Previous experience in retail or customer service.

A positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead by example.

Confidence using IT systems and handling cash accurately.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise, and problem-solve.

Desirable:

Leadership experience in a retail or service environment. Full driving licence and access to your own transport (mobility between branches and school sites is an advantage). Awareness of retail and fashion trends.
Key Responsibilities

Customer Service & Sales

Deliver a first-class shopping experience and respond effectively to customer needs. Handle queries, complaints, and feedback with professionalism and care. Promote the brand locally by building relationships with schools, communities, and customers.

Leadership & Team Development

Motivate, support, and guide your team to meet targets. Take part in recruiting, training, and developing staff. Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative team culture.

Store Operations & Planning

Manage stock levels, merchandising, and promotions. Analyse sales data and trends, using insights to drive performance. Work with Head Office to plan and deliver business objectives, including school partnerships and promotional activities. Ensure compliance with company standards, Trading Standards, and Health & Safety policies. Maintain awareness of market trends in the school uniform industry, understand forthcoming customer initiatives and monitor and report on what local competitors are doing; Initiate changes to improve the business, e.g. revising opening hours to ensure the store can compete effectively in the local market; dealing with sales, as and when required. Lead by example - Housekeeping, Flexible/Irregular working including late nights, weekends and bank holidays to meet the demands of the business at peak times, personal presentation (this list is not exhaustive) Attend training to develop relevant knowledge and skills Respond to out of hours alarm activations.

Community Engagement

Represent Uniform Direct at schools, events, and local initiatives. Build lasting partnerships with existing schools and actively seek opportunities to expand our client base.
What We Offer

The opportunity to make a real difference to families and schools. A permanent, full-time role with genuine career progression. A supportive, inclusive workplace where your contribution is valued. The chance to join a growing national brand that invests in its people.
Our Values

At Uniform Direct, we believe in:

Respecting the unique worth of every person.

Diversity and equality of opportunity.

Encouraging people to fulfil their potential.

Working together to provide a

sustainable and thriving workplace

where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
If you're ambitious, passionate about retail, and ready to take the next step in your career,

apply today and start your journey with Uniform Direct!

THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND SUBJECT TO CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT

All criteria is essential unless otherwise denoted

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 11.00-12.25 per hour

Benefits:

Company events Employee discount
Application question(s):

Please confirm that you are fully available with no periods of unavailability during our busiest season, which runs from July to September.
If you have any planned absences or are unable to commit to the needs of the business, we kindly ask that you not to apply.

Your response should be: Yes - fully available or No - not available

Have you applied with us in the last 3 months?
We kindly request that you do not re-apply at this time.

Due to the nature of our business, we're unable to allow annual leave during our busiest period, which runs from 1st July to 16th September.
Please confirm that you're fully available to work during this time without any conflicting dates and that you understand this requirement.

If you're unable to commit, we kindly ask that you hold off on applying for now. Thank you for your understanding!

We'd love to hear about your knowledge of the local schools in Derby! Having an awareness of the schools in the area is important, so please share a brief overview of what you know.
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:

face to face retail store: 1 year (required) face to face customer service: 1 year (required) retail store supervising: 2 years (preferred) retail clothing sales: 1 year (preferred)
Language:

English (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Derby DE1 1SX (preferred)
Work Location: In person