Duty Manager - Athlone

About the Company

Smyths Toys Superstores is a fast-expanding toy retail brand in Europe, focused on giving customers a broad selection of quality products at highly competitive prices, all wrapped in a lively and entertaining shopping experience. The business aims to keep growing this retail concept while keeping customers at the heart of every decision.

The company values personal ownership and trusts managers to take initiative rather than relying on close supervision. Stores are expected to feel energetic and engaging, more like an experience than a traditional shop. This role suits someone who is motivated, commercially driven, and comfortable in a busy retail environment.

Role Overview

As Duty Manager in Athlone, you will take ownership of the daily running of your department and support the Store Manager with the full operation of a busy, high-traffic retail store. The role covers sales-floor standards, stock intake, team performance, customer service, and compliance with company procedures.

Your focus will be to drive sales, help develop a strong team, and ensure customers receive smooth, efficient, and memorable service every time they visit.

Responsibilities

• Drive store sales through effective space use, strong merchandising, and well-placed stock on the shop floor.
• Support the Store Manager in tracking and improving key measures such as sales, shrinkage, and health and safety compliance.
• Hire, train, schedule, and coach a diverse retail team, helping them understand product ranges and perform well during busy seasonal periods.
• Maintain a lively and engaging sales environment, handle customer queries quickly, and keep housekeeping standards consistently high.
• Oversee cash management, till checks, stock control, security routines, and back-office administration.

Candidate Profile

The ideal applicant will have experience in a busy retail setting, with a background such as Assistant Manager, Duty Manager, Team Leader, or Shift Supervisor. You should be confident leading teams through heavy footfall and large stock deliveries.

You will need strong numerical, analytical, and organisational ability so you can respond quickly to sales reports and labour-cost information. A hands-on leadership style, ambition, and a proactive attitude are important.

Comfort using Microsoft Office and computer-based retail or stock systems is expected. The role also requires flexibility to work varied hours, including weekends, late nights, and bank holidays, particularly during peak trading periods.

Benefits

• Performance-related bonus
• 33 days of annual leave, increasing with service
• Defined contribution pension scheme with employer matching of up to 7.5%
• Life assurance
• 24/7 counselling support through the employee assistance programme
• Discount platform access
• Financial advice and guidance
• Bike-to-work scheme
• Staff discount in store
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Additional Information

The employer is an equal opportunities company.

Salary

The pay is stated as €37,000+ depending on experience.