Retail Manager

Location:  On-site, Josephine Scott Showroom & Studio, Luton Hoo Estate (Bedfordshire)
Type:  Permanent. Working days and hours to be agreed, subject to discussion and individual circumstances
Reporting to:  Founder & Creative Director (Josephine) and COO
Salary:  Competitive, depending on experience

About Josephine Scott
Josephine Scott is a modern British luxury bridal brand known for refined craftsmanship, modern femininity, and an elevated, personal bridal experience. Founded in 2022, the company designs and produces couture bridal collections alongside its Avenue by Josephine Scott line, selling directly to brides through its showroom and to leading boutiques internationally.
We are growing quickly, including recent expansion into new international markets, and we are building a small, dedicated team to support that growth.
Our showroom is where brides first experience the house in person. We are now looking for someone to lead it, and to make every bride’s journey with us exceptional.

Role Purpose
To take full ownership and leadership of the retail side of Josephine Scott. You will run the bride’s journey from first contact all the way through to gown collection, and lead the showroom as if it were your own: its appointments, its standards, its team and its results.

This is a role for someone entrepreneurial, self-motivated and driven; someone who spots opportunities, acts on them and takes responsibility for the outcome. You will be warm and personable, with a natural understanding of the brand and the level of care, expertise and experience a Josephine Scott bride expects. Every bride should leave feeling celebrated, and every appointment should be run with the confidence to close.

Key Responsibilities

Retail Leadership & Ownership
Take full ownership of the showroom and the retail side of the business, setting the standard for how it runs day to day.
Own retail sales performance, agreeing targets with the Founder and COO and reporting regularly on enquiries, appointments, conversion and average order value.
Plan showroom opening times, the appointment diary and team cover, so the showroom runs seamlessly while the Founder is travelling, at shows or designing.
Lead, train and support junior showroom team members, so every bride receives the same standard of care whoever she sees.
Identify and drive new ways to grow retail revenue, from bridal events, trunk shows and sample sales to local partnerships and referrals.

The Bride’s Journey: First Contact to Collection
Own every bride relationship from first enquiry, responding promptly across phone, email, WhatsApp and social messages.
Nurture enquiries into booked appointments, and follow up every bride who has not yet decided.
Prepare properly for every appointment: review the bride’s notes and wishlist, and make sure the gowns she wants to try are in the showroom and ready.
Keep complete, accurate records of every appointment, including gowns and veils tried, measurements, customisation notes and next steps, so nothing is lost between visits.
Keep brides informed and reassured through production, fittings and alterations, coordinating a seamless handover with the operations and alterations team through to collection.
Build lasting relationships that turn brides into advocates, gathering reviews, testimonials and real wedding content.

Bridal Sales & Styling
Lead bridal appointments from start to finish: consultation, styling, fitting and close.
Guide brides to the right gown with authority, warmth and real product expertise across Josephine Scott and Avenue.
Maximise the value of every sale, introducing veils, accessories and additional pieces naturally and tastefully
Handle pricing, deposits, payments and order confirmation accurately and with care.

Showroom, Samples & Stock
Maintain the showroom to the highest luxury standards, with gowns and samples always beautifully presented.
Keep a clear, up-to-date record of the showroom sample collection: what is in the showroom, on loan, at events or on order.
Run a regular stock and sample audit, flagging gaps in sizes and bestsellers to the Founder.
Care for samples, arranging steaming, cleaning and repairs promptly.

Events & Exhibitions
Support the team at exhibitions and shows throughout the year, across both retail and wholesale, in line with the seasonal calendar.
Represent the brand at bridal shows, trunk shows, designer weekends and showroom events, engaging with brides and boutique buyers alike.
Help prepare for each event, from selecting and preparing samples to stand set-up, appointments and follow-up afterwards.
Turn event enquiries into booked showroom appointments and orders.

Brand & Insight
Work with the Marketing & Social Lead on content, events and campaigns that bring brides into the showroom.
Share bride and sales insight with the Founder to help shape collections, pricing and the client experience.

Who We Are Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience leading or managing a retail environment, ideally in bridal, luxury fashion, jewellery or high-end retail
• A strong track record in sales and conversion, and confidence working with high-value clients
• Entrepreneurial, self-motivated and driven: you take ownership, find solutions and do not wait to be asked
• Warm, personable and a natural with people, able to read and guide a client with confidence and care
• A real understanding of luxury, and of the experience a bride expects at every touchpoint
• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and record keeping
• A passion for bridal, fashion and craftsmanship
• Comfortable working weekends, late appointments, events and seasonal exhibitions as part of the role
• Based within practical commuting distance of Luton Hoo Estate

Desirable

• Bridal, made-to-order or couture sales experience
• Experience leading or training a small team
• Experience with appointment booking systems, a CRM or Shopify
• A working understanding of the bridal buying cycle, fittings and alterations
• Full UK driving licence

Role Details

• Permanent, on-site at the Josephine Scott showroom and studio, Luton Hoo Estate
• Working days and hours to be agreed, subject to discussion and individual circumstances
• Weekend and event work forms part of the role, with patterns agreed in advance
• Seasonal support at retail and wholesale exhibitions and shows, which may include occasional travel
• A real opportunity to own and shape the retail side of a growing luxury bridal house
• A collaborative, supportive working environment within a close-knit team

How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short note telling us why you would be brilliant in this role to james@josephinescott.co.uk with the subject line: Retail Manager Application.

Due to the volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to everyone. If you have not heard from us within 14 days of submission, unfortunately we are not able to take your application forward on this occasion.