The Area Manager is a senior field leader responsible for translating regional strategy into exceptional commercial performance, operational excellence and elevated customer experience across a defined portfolio of stores. As the primary execution partner to the Regional Manager, this role ensures the consistent delivery of business priorities, change initiatives and performance standards at store level. The Area Manager builds high-performing, customer-first teams by developing Store and Cluster Managers, embedding disciplined ways of working and driving consistent, commercially focused execution. Through strong commercial leadership, people development and operational rigour, the role delivers sustainable growth, strengthens the leadership pipeline and ensures an exceptional and consistent customer service.
Sales Growth & Commercial Delivery
* Own delivery of area performance across sales budgets, LFL growth, ATV, AUS, conversion and OMNI targets through strong leadership and execution
* Drive customer acquisition, retention and loyalty growth through consistent customer-first behaviours and commercial focus
* Use data and insight to challenge performance, embed accountability and coach Store and Cluster Managers to maximise commercial outcomes
* Ensure disciplined execution of store plans, campaigns and promotional priorities across the area
Operational Excellence & Performance Standards
* Own operational excellence across the area ensuring stores operate efficiently, compliantly and profitably
* Lead consistent execution of standards across payroll, stock accuracy, shrinkage, health & safety and loss prevention
* Partner with Store Managers to embed new processes, systems and tools that improve productivity, capability and cost control
* Lead the preparation, mobilisation and operational readiness for new store openings and refits
* Ensure high standards of visual merchandising, stock availability and operational readiness that reflect brand expectations and drive commercial performance
People Leadership & Talent Development
* Lead, coach and develop Store and Cluster Managers to strengthen commercial capability, leadership effectiveness and accountability
* Hold quarterly inspiring, motivating and commercial focused Area Meetings
* Own succession planning, talent identification and performance management across the area to build a robust and future-ready pipeline
* Partner with People Business Partners to drive talent development, engagement and leadership capability
* Foster a high-performance, inclusive and customer-first culture that encourages ownership, collaboration and growth
* Role model leadership behaviours aligned to company values and ways of working
Customer, Brand & Experience Excellence
* Champion the 'Connected By Beauty' ethos across the area, ensuring service excellence is consistently delivered in every store
* Enable Store and Cluster Managers to create immersive, inspiring and commercially effective customer experiences
* Partner with Field VM and Education teams to elevate execution standards and strengthen service capability
* Drive continuous improvement in customer satisfaction, loyalty and advocacy metrics
Stakeholder Collaboration & Regional Partnership
* Act as the primary field execution partner to the Regional Manager, delivering regional priorities and providing structured insight into performance, risk and opportunity
* Represent the area within cross-functional forums, ensuring strong execution, adoption and feedback on business initiatives
* Build effective partnerships with Loss Prevention, Compliance, VM, Education, People and Operations teams to strengthen store performance and capability
* Provide clear, timely and actionable trade updates and performance insight to inform regional and business decision-making
Commercially driven field leader with strong operational excellence and execution capability.
Qualifications
* Proven experience leading multi-site retail teams and developing store leadership capability
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to translate insight into action and performance improvement
* Resilient, adaptable and delivery-focused in fast-paced retail environments
* Collaborative, influential communicator who builds trust and drives accountability through others
This role will require 4 days working in store and 1 day working from home per week. There will be occasions where you need to manage your diary to attend in-office meetings.
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