_{18th September, 2026}

Retail Department Manager Co. Cork
 
Blue Forge Recruitment partners with some of Ireland's most progressive and respected Retail and FMCG organisations. Our client is a widely known Non-Food Retail organisation. Upholding a household name and running high profile shops nationwide. Our client is seeking an experienced Department manager with a management background in DIY, Homeware and Clothing Apparel background. This store is located on a good commuter belt from Cork City Centre, Togher, Grange, Glanmire and surrounding areas, easily accessible for candidates using public transport. An ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of sales, margins, leading store operations smoothly and ensuring customers receive an exceptional experience. This job also requires motivating the staff to work effectively, merchandising and handling both staff and customer queries professionally. If you're a confident, commercially focused and believes in delivering results, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.
 

• Support the Store Manager and senior leadership team in delivering sales, profit, customer service, and operational targets across the store.
• Take full ownership of designated departments, driving commercial performance, sales growth, stock availability, and high presentation standards.
• Lead, motivate, coach, and develop colleagues to deliver an exceptional customer experience and consistently high levels of performance.
• Analyse department performance, sales trends, stock levels, and key commercial information to identify opportunities and implement appropriate actions.
• Maintain excellent stock control and availability, including replenishment, ordering, stock accuracy, stock investigations, and reduction of stock loss.
• Take ownership of customer queries and complaints, resolving issues professionally while protecting the customer experience and company standards.
• Support the Store Manager with staff planning, scheduling, performance management, recruitment, onboarding, and colleague development.
• Act as a senior point of contact for colleagues, providing guidance on operational issues, performance, customer queries, and company procedures.
• Support the delivery of seasonal events, promotions, new product launches, merchandising initiatives, and company-wide campaigns.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, customer service, sales performance, and operational efficiency.

• 3+ years' experience in retail management, ideally within a fast-paced, high-volume customer-focused environment.
• Previous experience managing a large department, multiple departments, or a sizeable retail team.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to understand sales performance, identify trends, and turn data and insights into practical actions.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, motivate, and develop teams, including managing performance and addressing difficult situations professionally.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a busy retail environment.
• Confident decision-maker who can take ownership and remain calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels.
• Strong understanding of health and safety, company policies, and retail operational procedures.
• Flexibility to work management shifts, including early starts, late finishes, weekends, and store opening and closing duties.

Contact Blue Forge Recruitment for more info at 01 4853725 or check out our website: Blue Forge Recruitment | Recruitment Agency. Blue Forge Recruitment is a specialist Recruitment Company, assisting Retail and FMCG companies source Retail, HR, Accountancy and Sales professionals. Contact us on how we can assist you.

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