Reporting To: Senior Retail Operations Manager Location: Woods Way, Worthing. There is an expectation that the role will be office-based for a minimum of two days per week. Bird & Blend Tea Co. is an eco-conscious, people-focused, award-winning & B Corp-certified Tea Mixology company on a mission to spread happiness & reimagine tea! Bird & Blend was set up & is run by Krisi & Mike, who met whilst studying Politics (of all things!) at university. Building Bird & Blend from scratch while staying true to their ethos & values has been Krisi & Mike’s passion for over 10 years. From the early days of packing tea in their bedroom & attending markets, to now, with an awesome team, multiple retail stores & a thriving international online store, Bird & Blend is leading the way in tea innovation in the UK. Bird & Blend has grown out of a core belief in doing business in a better way. This is ultimately our why - it’s why we are in business & what we believe in. Of course, we want to welcome as many people as possible into our Magical World of Tea but fundamentally it’s what we care about other than great tea that makes us magical. You can read heaps more information about us and our mission here: https://www.birdandblendtea.com/pages/our-story Overview: The Retail Operations Assistant plays a key supporting role within the Operations team, reporting directly to the Senior Operations Manager. The role provides day-to-day operational support across the retail estate, helping to ensure stores run efficiently and issues are resolved promptly and professionally. Responsibilities include raising and managing orders, coordinating property and maintenance issues, chasing quotes, supporting new store openings, and actioning instructions from the Senior Operations Manager and wider business. Acting as a central point of contact for store teams and internal stakeholders, the role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment. Key Responsibilities 1. Property & Maintenance Support Act as the first point of contact for property-related issues across the retail estate. Obtain multiple quotes, liaise with contractors, and manage jobs from instruction through to completion. Ensure all works are completed to a high standard and within agreed timeframes. 2. New Store Openings Support the coordination of new store openings across multiple departments Assist with pre-retailing activity including stock readiness, equipment ordering, quantity sense-checking, and post-opening follow-up 3. Data Input and Reporting Maintain and update retail reports for the wider business Use Google Sheets confidently to input, track, and present data accurately 4. Develop strong relationships with multiple stakeholders in Woods Way Build and maintain strong working relationships with teams across Woods Way, including Digital, Brand, Back Office, and Finance Ensure clear and timely communication to support effective decision-making 5. Retail communications Contribute to weekly retail communications and updates Communicate clearly and concisely with store teams to ensure understanding and consistency 6. Update existing manuals, include policies and procedures as required We have a range of documents that are vital for store teams in order to support their knowledge and empower them to make decisions. These will regularly need to be added to or new ones created to ensure we can provide the best assistance 7. Support the operational organisation of all retail meetings including Managers Meet Support the planning and organisation of retail meetings, including Managers Meet Coordinate travel, accommodation, and venue logistics to ensure smooth deliver 8. Support daily operations of retail processes and compliance Provide general operational support across retail processes and compliance requirements A wide ranging task where no two queries or tasks will be the same! 9. POS Systems Support Develop a strong understanding of POS systems Troubleshoot day-to-day issues calmly and professionally Currently working with Shopify, including back-end uploads, downloads, and issue resolution 10. Retail IT Systems Support Provide first-line troubleshooting for IT systems used within the retail network Identify, diagnose, and resolve system issues in a timely and professional manner Work closely with relevant stakeholders, including internal the IT team and external service providers, to support issue resolution Escalate and track unresolved issues to ensure minimal disruption to retail operations 11. Proof Reading Proofread operational documents and communications to ensure accuracy and clarity 12. Managing day to day Retail store enquiries and managing the Retail Ops inbox Being able to respond quickly and effectively to a range of enquiries is key, supporting our store teams so they can continue to focus on our customers Skills & Experience Essential Skills Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities Excellent attention to detail and accuracy Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills Strong problem-solving ability with a calm, solutions-focused approach Ability to build effective relationships with internal teams and external suppliers Technical Skills Working knowledge of Google Sheets (or similar spreadsheet tools) Confidence using retail systems and databases Willingness to learn POS systems (Shopify experience desirable but not essential) Experience Previous experience in a retail, operations, or head office support role Experience coordinating tasks across multiple stakeholders Exposure to property, maintenance, or facilities coordination is desirable Experience supporting stores or frontline teams is an advantage Are there any perks? Of course there are, for all the hard work you will get: Friendly and supportive team culture: Enjoy working alongside a team of like-minded individuals who value collaboration, camaraderie, and fun in the workplace. Membership of company pension scheme (if applicable): Secure your financial future with enrollment in a company-sponsored pension scheme, ensuring peace of mind and financial stability in retirement. Holiday accrual that grows with loyalty: Enjoy 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays ) as a token of appreciation for your dedication and loyalty to the organisation, providing you with ample opportunities for rest and relaxation. This entitlement increases with service. Life Insurance & Income Protection: providing financial security and peace of mind for you and your families. Health Cash Plan: after one year service we will enrol you into our Health Cash Plan which will allow you to claim back money for dental, optical, prescription charges etc. Specific information on this scheme will be shared with you. Life Happens Leave: Sometimes life can throw unexpected challenges our way, we offer paid leave specifically dedicated to these situations to provide employees with the time and space needed. Complimentary drinks and snacks: Stay refreshed and energised throughout the day with a variety of free drinks and snacks provided in the office. Monthly tea allowance and generous staff discount: Indulge in your favourite teas while benefiting from a discount on company products, fostering a culture of enjoyment and appreciation. Employee Assistance Programme: Access confidential and professional mental health support services to prioritise your well-being and address any personal or work-related challenges. Bike to Work and Electric Vehicle Schemes: Take advantage of a sustainable transportation option, contribute to environmental conservation, and benefit from tax-efficient savings. Paid volunteer days: Make a positive impact in our community by participating in volunteer activities during dedicated paid volunteer days, fostering a culture of corporate social responsibility and giving back. Dog-friendly office: Bring your furry friend to work and enjoy a pet-friendly environment that promotes work-life balance and companionship. We also have enhanced family friendly policies, offer flexible working and are always open to discussing your individual circumstances! We are proud to be a Sunday Times Best Places To Work 2024 employer. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all, applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the application or interview process please let us know.