Store Manager Designate

Are you a passionate retail leader ready to step into a Store Manager role and take the next step in your career?

We're hiring an ambitious Store Manager Designate to join our Kent region on a permanent contract, offering a clear pathway into a Store Manager position.

You'll begin your journey with a structured development programme, preparing you for a 12 month placement in our Dover Tesco store. This high impact opportunity is designed for someone looking to progress into retail store management in a fast paced, customer focused environment.

About the Role

As a Store Manager Designate, you'll gain hands on experience across all aspects of retail management, including:

• Leading, coaching, and developing high performing teams
• Driving sales performance and commercial results
• Delivering an exceptional customer experience
• Managing store operations, compliance, and processes
• Building a strong, engaged and motivated team culture

You'll work closely with experienced leaders, developing the skills and confidence needed to run your own store. During your 12 month placement in our Dover store, you'll join an established, supportive team known for strong results and a positive, collaborative culture. This is a key development phase where you'll take on increasing responsibility and prepare for a future Store Manager role.

What We Offer

• Free eyewear annually (from day one)
• Monthly bonus scheme - up to £1,030 per month
• Family and friends discount - up to 75% + free eye tests
• 33 days annual leave, with buy and sell options
• Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support
• Opportunities to support the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation
• Clear career progression into a Store Manager role

Skills & Experience

• Experience creating and delivering store improvement or business plans
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to maximise sales
• Proven experience in team management and colleague development
• Excellent problem solving and decision making skills
• A customer first mindset with a passion for service excellence
• Emotional intelligence and the ability to support and motivate others
• A collaborative approach with experience partnering with HR
• Resilience and a results driven approach in a fast paced retail environment

Why Join Vision Express

With over 550 stores across the UK and Ireland, Vision Express offers real opportunities to grow your retail management career. We're passionate about developing future Store Managers, providing structured progression, ongoing training, and the chance to work with experienced leaders across our network.

Our culture is built on diversity, inclusion and teamwork, because we know that different perspectives help us achieve better results for our colleagues and customers.

We're eager to hear from aspiring retail leaders ready to elevate their careers with us in Kent.