Assistant Manager - Luxury Retail Bridal Boutique

The White Flower Bridal Boutique
San Diego, CA

The White Flower is a luxury bridal boutique known for exceptional service, thoughtful details, and a truly memorable experience for every bride. We are looking for an exceptional Assistant Manager who is ready to take a proactive and strategic approach to the day-to-day workings of a boutique where the details matter and the standards are high.


Unlike a corporate role, there is no bureaucracy to navigate! You'll work directly with the owners, have a real voice in shaping how the boutique operates, and be trusted to make decisions that matter. If you've ever felt constrained by corporate structure and wanted the autonomy to actually lead, this is your opportunity!


We're looking for someone who genuinely loves being in leadership. The ideal candidate inspires real change in their team, holds people accountable with kindness, finds deep satisfaction in watching others grow, and is energized by check-ins, motivated by data, and genuinely excited to elevate their team and the client experience.


The White Flower is one of San Diego's top-rated luxury bridal boutiques, known for the experience we create for every client. But what makes this place truly special is the team behind it. Several of our team members have been here for three or more years and a few for over eight.

We work hard to build an environment that people genuinely want to be part of. If you're looking for somewhere to grow, contribute meaningfully, and look forward to coming to work, we think you'll feel right at home here. If you are someone who takes ownership naturally, leads people well, and finds deep satisfaction in keeping all the moving pieces running seamlessly, we'd love to meet you.


Hours, Benefits, and Compensation

  • Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:30am–6:30pm, 100% on site. Occasional Saturdays may be required (no more than one per month), with a weekday trade offered in exchange so the total remains a 5 day work week.
  • Salary: $65,000-$78,000 per year. Exact rate DOE.
  • PTO: 15 days divided as Holiday (5) and PTO (10)
  • 401k: With employer match
  • Sick Leave: Accrual based as per California law
  • Employee discounts on alterations


Responsibilities

  • Take ownership of the people side of this boutique. Your primary focus is inspiring, developing, and holding the team accountable so that ownership spends less time correcting and more time growing the business.
  • Ensure all employees are performing to The White Flower standards through consistent feedback, coaching, and support. Celebrate wins loudly and address gaps directly and with care.
  • Create and maintain a work environment where communication is clear, expectations are consistent, and every team member feels supported and accountable.
  • Address performance and interpersonal issues calmly, directly, and professionally. You are the first line of resolution before anything reaches ownership.
  • Conduct monthly individual check-ins with all employees across Sales, Alterations, and Operations. Know your team well.
  • Maintain the boutique environment to the highest visual and experiential standards at all times.
  • Oversee scheduling, payroll, and staffing to ensure seamless coverage and accurate operations.
  • Handle client concerns with warmth and confidence, finding solutions that protect both the client’s experience and the business. A challenging client interaction does not derail your day.
  • Keep ownership informed through regular updates. Bring solutions, not just problems.
  • Collaborate with the Operations coordinator to connect with property management and vendors to keep the boutique's space running beautifully.
  • Lead hiring processes and manage employee transitions with care, clarity, and professionalism.
  • Track boutique goals and performance metrics, analyze the data, and rally the team around continuous improvement.
  • Ensure all procedures and systems are followed consistently and updated when needed.
  • Collaborate with the Operations Coordinator on inventory management, the Alterations Manager on alterations forecasting, and the Lead Stylist on dress upkeep.
  • Receive goals and direction from ownership and execute independently, without the need for step-by-step instruction or ongoing check-ins to stay on track. Deliver promptly by each deadline.
  • Oversee and support our Social Media Coordinator, providing strategic direction and ensuring content aligns with brand standards and goals.
  • Take initiative in your own professional development. We value someone who is always growing and looking to learn.


Requirements

  • Minimum 3 years in a management role.
  • Exceptional organization and time management with strong executive function and the ability to stay focused, thorough, and calm under pressure.
  • A natural and proactive problem solver who anticipates needs and acts before being asked.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. You read people exceptionally well and respond with both sensitivity and clarity.
  • Comfortable giving direct, honest feedback while maintaining warmth and respect.
  • Genuinely energized by one-on-one check-ins, team development, and the kind of detailed people management that moves the needle over time.
  • Emotionally resilient and even-keeled. You do not carry the weight of one difficult interaction into the rest of your day.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a genuine commitment to high visual and operational standards.
  • Proven ability to manage and motivate a diverse team, building a culture of accountability, warmth, and excellence.
  • Comfortable with data and spreadsheets. You enjoy tracking performance, identifying patterns, and making informed decisions based on what the numbers tell you.
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace. Familiarity with scheduling, payroll, and project management tools (Gusto experience is a plus).
  • Some exposure to marketing strategy is helpful. Experience managing or collaborating with a social media coordinator is a plus.
  • Mailchimp experience is a strong bonus.
  • Experience with Meta or Google Ads is a strong bonus.
  • Minimum level of education: Bachelor's degree.
  • A background check is required. Upon offer acceptance, candidates will complete a background check as a condition of final employment.


Interview Process

Because this role works directly alongside ownership, finding the right fit is everything to us. We take hiring seriously and move thoughtfully. Assistant Manager is a brand new role for The White Flower and ideally is a stepping stone to General Manager.


Our process begins with a phone conversation, followed by an in-person interview for candidates we feel strongly about. From there, select candidates will be invited for a fully paid shadow day where you will experience the boutique firsthand. We will take you to lunch because we genuinely want to get to know you, not just your resume.


The right person will be working closely with the owners and that relationship matters as much as the skillset. We are looking for someone who is genuinely excited to work in a luxury bridal environment and understands the vision and atmosphere of The White Flower. Longevity matters to us. We are looking for someone ready to put down roots and grow with our team. We take work history and time spent in previous roles into account when reviewing applications.


// // //