Smyths Toys Superstores
Duty Manager - Harlow

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Duty Manager - Harlow
Smyths Toys
At Smyths Toys Superstores, our mission is to provide customers with an extensive range of high-quality products at the most competitive prices, all delivered through our unique brand of fun! As Europe’s fastest-growing toy retailer, our vision is to keep scaling up our magical retail experience while putting the customer at the center of everything we do.
Our core values focus on absolute ownership. We don't micromanage you; we expect you to put your own stamp on things. We believe a retail store shouldn't just be rows of shelves—it should be "theatre" that comes to life. If you are highly motivated, thrive on fast-paced commercial challenges, you belong here.
About The Role
As a Duty Manager at Smyths Toys, you are responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of your assigned department. You support the Store Manager in the end-to-end operation of a high-volume, fast-paced retail ecosystem. From managing the sales floor energy to processing delivery intakes, you ensure the store runs smoothly in line with company guidelines.
Your goal is clear: maximise sales, develop a rock-star team, and ensure that every customer walking through our doors experiences exceptional, seamless customer service.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Salary: £32,000+ depending on experience
Responsibilities
- Be a Key Leader in Your Store: Deliver and exceed sales targets in your store through effective space planning, impeccable floor presentation, and commercial stock placement.
- Support the Management of KPIs: Assist the Store Manager in achieving key performance indicators including Sales, Stock loss/Shrinkage and Health and Safety compliance.
- Build a High-Performing Team: Recruit, train, roster, and mentor a diverse team of retail professionals. You’ll inspire them to learn our product ranges inside and out and prepare them to tackle our massive peak seasonal trading periods seamlessly.
- Create Store Theatre: Ensure the sales floor delivers an unforgettable, high-energy customer experience, resolving any queries promptly and keeping standards of housekeeping flawless.
- Master the Logistics: Oversee cash handling, daily spot checks on tills, stock control, security protocols, and general back-office administrative compliance.
The Ideal Candidate
- A High-Volume Retail Veteran: You have a proven track record as an Assistant Manager, Duty Manager, Team Leader, or Shift Supervisor in a fast-paced retail environment. You are comfortable leading teams through big crowds and massive stock deliveries.
- Commercially Sharp: You have strong numerical, analytical, and organisational skills. You know how to look at a sales report or a wage spend sheet and make rapid, smart adjustments to protect profits.
- An Inspiring Leader: You lead from the front, coaching your team to take ownership of their own departments. You are highly motivated, ambitious, and bring a "can-do" attitude to work every day.
- Tech-Savvy: Proficient with Microsoft Office and comfortable navigating computerised retail management and stock-control systems.
- Flexible & Resilient: Retail never sleeps. You are fully prepared to work flexible hours, including weekends, late nights, and bank holidays—especially during our legendary peak seasons.


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Benefits
- Performance-based bonus package
- 31 days annual leave rising with length of service
- A defined contribution pension scheme up to 7.5% matched contribution
- Life assurance cover
- 24/7 counselling through our employee assistance programme
- Discount platform
- Financial guidance
- Bike to work scheme
- Generous in-store employee discount
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Smyths Toys is an Equal Opportunities Employer
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