Sales Lead- Westshore Plaza Tampa, Fl

As a Sales Lead at Ann Taylor in Westshore Plaza, your responsibilities include guiding your team to deliver exceptional customer experiences, assisting with onboarding and training new associates, and maintaining high visual and operational standards. You will be expected to provide feedback, coach your team, and step into managerial roles as necessary to support store operations.

To qualify for the Sales Lead position at Ann Taylor, candidates should ideally have at least six months of retail sales experience, with management experience being preferred. Additionally, proficiency in technology, particularly point-of-sale systems, and a flexible availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays will be beneficial.

At Ann Taylor, growth opportunities abound for a Sales Lead. Not only will you have access to individual development support, but you will also be positioned to take on more responsibilities within the company. This role is an important stepping stone for those looking to advance into management or other positions within our family of brands.

Sales Leads at Ann Taylor enjoy various benefits including a generous 50% merchandise discount on regular-priced items, participation in a 401(k) program, and substantial support for personal development and growth. Additionally, Ann Taylor fosters a culture of giving back to the community, allowing employees to contribute to philanthropic causes.

As a Sales Lead in Tampa, you can expect a collaborative and inclusive team environment at Ann Taylor. The company is dedicated to ensuring that every associate feels welcome and engaged, which in turn helps to create a positive shopping experience for our customers. You will also contribute to building productive relationships within your team by sharing ideas and supporting one another.

Exceptional customer service as a Sales Lead means going beyond merely fulfilling customer needs; it involves understanding their preferences and providing a personalized shopping experience. This includes engaging with customers, addressing their questions, and ensuring they leave feeling valued and satisfied.

When training a team member, I focus on hands-on experience and positive reinforcement. One instance was when I trained a new associate by shadowing them during their first few shifts, providing immediate feedback and encouragement, which ultimately led to their confidence and success in the role.

To promote inclusivity in the store, I would implement regular team meetings that encourage all voices to be heard, celebrate diverse backgrounds, and establish clear, open lines of communication. This helps everyone feel welcome and valued, and creates a supportive atmosphere.

In a busy retail environment, I prioritize tasks by assessing urgency and importance. I use a checklist to keep track of essential duties and delegate responsibilities among the team when necessary, ensuring that customer needs are met promptly while maintaining store standards.

I motivate my team by recognizing their strengths, providing constructive feedback, and celebrating achievements. I believe fostering a culture of encouragement and support drives engagement, which translates into better performance and customer service.

In dealing with a difficult customer, I always remain calm and empathetic. For instance, when confronted with a complaint, I actively listened to the customer's concerns, validated their feelings, and worked collaboratively to find a suitable resolution, which turned a negative experience into a positive one.

I use technology to streamline operations, like utilizing the POS system for quick transactions, and keeping updated on promotions and inventory. This allows me to provide customers with accurate information and faster service, significantly enhancing their shopping experience at Ann Taylor.

The role of a Sales Lead in driving sales involves not only leading by example in sales techniques but also training the team to effectively engage with customers. Encouraging team collaboration and maintaining a positive sales atmosphere can also significantly boost overall sales performance.

When addressing performance issues with an associate, I’d approach the situation with empathy and constructive feedback. I would sit down with them to discuss specific examples and provide support or additional training to help them improve, setting clear expectations and goals moving forward.

Ann Taylor’s brand values center around empowering women, fostering confidence, and celebrating diverse styles. I believe embodying these values in our daily interactions with customers and associates is crucial, as it aligns with the company's mission and enhances the overall customer experience.