Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences? Do you have the drive to lead, inspire, and grow with a successful, family-run business? If so, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for!

Whittakers Schoolwear is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Retail and Event Manager to join our team.

This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a growing company where your ideas are heard, valued, and have a direct impact.

About the Role

As our Retail and Event Manager, you will take full ownership of delivering a first-class shopping experience across our stores and national school selling events.

This is a hands-on leadership role that blends customer service, retail management, and event coordination.

You will:

• Lead and inspire your team to provide a tailored, personal service to every customer
• Ensure exceptional standards across all aspects of store presentation and operations
• Take full accountability for the performance of your stores, including sales development, stock control, and financial responsibility
• Organise and manage national school selling events, including logistics, stock, and customer communication
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Headteachers and School Business Managers to win new business and retain existing partnerships
• Act as a brand ambassador, representing Whittakers Schoolwear with professionalism and pride
• Regularly liaise with company Directors, playing an active role in shaping future business initiatives

This role will mainly cover the Manchester and Blackburn areas, with additional travel to selling events at schools further afield.

About You:

We're looking for a confident, energetic leader with a passion for people and service excellence.

You will:

• Be proactive, with a hands-on leadership style and a desire to motivate and develop your team
• Thrive in a customer-focused environment and take pride in delivering operational excellence
• Be highly organised, commercially minded, and driven to achieve and exceed targets
• Have excellent communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and negotiate at all levels
• Be enthusiastic about learning, growing, and contributing ideas in a collaborative environment
• Be flexible, with the ability to work additional hours during peak seasons (including late nights and weekends as needed)
• Hold a valid UK Driving License (required)

Skills & Experience:

• Previous management experience is preferred
• Strong stock management and commercial awareness
• A commitment to hard work and delivering results
• A customer-first approach with strong interpersonal skills

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary: £32,000 per annum
• Generous 10 weeks holiday per year
• Company van for business use
• Company pension scheme
• Free parking
• Staff discount across our stores
• A supportive, family-run environment with regular contact with Directors and opportunities for career development

Job Details:

• Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
• Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, with weekend availability as required
• Work Location: In-person (Manchester and Blackburn areas)

About Us

Whittakers Schoolwear is a leading school uniform supplier with 10 retail outlets across the North of England.

We pride ourselves on delivering a modern, friendly, and efficient service to parents, schools, and communities alike.

Our brand has built a reputation for quality, value, and outstanding customer service, and we are dedicated to maintaining the high standards that our customers have come to expect.

Ready to Join Us?

If you are ready to lead, inspire, and make a real difference, we would love to hear from you! Please send your up-to-date CV to the link provided & we will be in direct contact.