Assistant Manager

Be part of something exciting – we're opening a brand-new store at Rushden Lakes!

We're looking for a driven, energetic Assistant Manager to help us bring our new store in Rushden Lakes to life from day one. As part of the team, you’ll play a key role in building something special - setting up the store, inspiring your team, and delivering an exceptional shopping experience from the moment we open our doors. It’s a hands-on, fast-paced role that requires commitment, flexibility, and a strong work ethic. If you're passionate about people, thrive under pressure, and love the idea of helping shape a new store’s success, we want to hear from you!              

If you're within a 45 to 60-minute commute and ready to bring passion, enthusiasm, and strong leadership to our team, we’d love to hear from you!

Location: Unit 1B Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre, Rushden, NN10 6FH

Salary: £28,400 plus fantastic benefits

Hours: 42.5 hours per week across 5 days, with every Sunday off

What You'll Be Doing: 

Supporting the Store Manager in driving sales, smashing targets, and keeping shrinkage to a minimum.

Leading and motivating your team, ensuring they deliver exceptional customer service.

Keeping the store looking amazing, fully stocked, and ready to delight shoppers.

Using reports and data to make smart commercial decisions.

Managing stock, staffing schedules, and store operations like a pro.

Stepping up to run the store in the Manager’s absence - including our toy space in Tesco.

How We’ll Reward You:

We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our teams, which is why we offer amazing benefits, including:

Quarterly Tesco concession bonus, a thank you for your extra effort and commitment.

Flexible access to your pay via MyView PayNow

Retail Trust benefits, including a Virtual GP.

Birthday Leave plus 33 days holiday.

Buy up to 5 extra holiday days a year, ideal for more rest, adventures, or time for you.

Pension salary sacrifice to help you plan for the future.

Life Cover for added peace of mind.

Generous toy discount.

Enhanced maternity & paternity pay.

High Street & leisure discounts

Cycle to Work Scheme for a healthier commute.

Annual Bonus Scheme to reward your success.

What We're Looking For:

At least 12 months of retail supervisory or management experience.

A people person with strong communication and leadership skills.

A commercially aware individual who can adapt and react quickly.

Someone tech-savvy—comfortable using Microsoft Office and Teams

A positive, can-do attitude with a passion for toys and retail

A UK driving license is preferred.

Why Join Us?

Work in a fun, fast-moving environment where no two days are the same.

Be part of a supportive, enthusiastic team.

Unlock your potential with ongoing training and development.

Enjoy a career where you're valued, supported, and rewarded – every step of the way.

What our managers say:

"I joined The Entertainer as a Manager in our new Exeter store and was blown away by the support from day one. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel welcome, and the recruitment, onboarding and training were fantastic, not just for me, but for my whole team. We felt guided, encouraged, and never alone, even during the busy store setup - and it was busy! It’s was an incredible start to my journey with The Entertainer.

It’s been a long time since I’ve worked somewhere as genuinely friendly and supportive as The Entertainer. From day one, it felt like joining a family - not just a business. Everyone is willing to help, guide, and share their knowledge, which made a big difference to my confidence as a new manager here. Since opening our doors, I’ve built great relationships, I’m part of a brilliant team, and I get to bring joy to people every day - I mean we get to sell great toys, every day! Nine months in, and it already feels like I've been here all of my career."

Over 40 Years of Selling Toys!

The Entertainer is the UK’s largest independent toy retailer, with over 165 UK stores spanning England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the islands of Jersey and the Isle of Man. Our global presence is growing too, with over 200 international stores across The Entertainer and Early Learning Centre!

Our sister company, Addo Play, designs and creates toys that spark joy in children worldwide, with creative teams based in Amersham, Hong Kong, and a showroom in the USA.

As retail evolves, so do we! Since acquiring Early Learning Centre in 2019, we’ve been committed to offering quality, choice, and value to our customers. We’ve also expanded our reach by partnering with Tesco, Matalan, Marks & Spencer, and Moonpig bringing our fantastic toy ranges to more high street locations and online retailers.

The Entertainer has big ambitions for growth, and we’d love for you to join us on our exciting adventure!

We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the published closing date, should we receive sufficient applications for the role, thank you