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- Tasks: Lead your store, inspire your team, and drive performance every day.
- Company: Southern Co-op is a community-focused independent co-operative in the south of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and a 20% in-store discount.
- Why this job: Accelerate your career with fast-track management training and make a positive community impact.
- Qualifications: Management experience in retail, strong communication skills, and a growth mindset are essential.
- Other info: Join a purpose-driven team committed to sustainability and community investment.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 34000 £ per year.
As our Store Manager, you’ll take full ownership of your store, driving performance, leading an incredible team, and creating a space where people thrive. We truly believe our people are the heart of our business, and we’re passionate about helping them grow. With opportunities like our fast-track management training programme, you won’t just build a career, you’ll accelerate it!
What you’ll get from us…
- Annual health check & 24/7 GP access with Aviva Digicare
- Private medical insurance & critical illness cover
- Group life assurance for added peace of mind
- Pension scheme to plan for your future
- Share incentive plan - own a piece of what you help build
- 20% in-store discount to make your shop go further
- Cycle to work scheme to keep you moving
- Paid time off to support the causes you care about
- 34 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), rising to 39 days after 5 years
What to expect…
- Lead with purpose – Set clear goals and standards by shaping a smart store plan that keeps the business safe, legal, and high-performing.
- Inspire outstanding service – Be the role model your team looks up to, turning great customer service into everyday action.
- Spot the wins – Identify opportunities to grow and improve, and turn insights into results.
- Be the face of the community – Champion the store locally by connecting with community groups and making a positive impact beyond the shop floor.
- Grow future leaders – Own your team’s development by creating a strong succession plan that fuels long-term success.
What you'll need…
- Management experience in food retail or a similar fast-paced environment
- Strong commercial awareness and a sharp eye for business planning
- Confident communicator who can influence and inspire at every level
- Personal Licence Holder—or willing to get one within 16 weeks
- A growth mindset with a drive to develop and improve
- A full UK Driving Licence is a bonus, but not a dealbreaker
About Us
We’re an independent Co-op, operating across the south of England running convenience food stores, funeral homes, crematoria, natural/woodland burial grounds and a Starbucks coffee franchise. We’re owned by our members, have over 4,000 colleagues and a purpose of working together for the benefit of our communities. We have a commitment to sustainable business and a promise to provide a fair, fresh approach, for all. This is achieved through investment in our communities, action we take to protect the environment and our support for local food producers.
Store Manager employer: Southern Co-op
Contact Detail:
Southern Co-op Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Southern Co-op's values and community initiatives. When you understand what drives the company, you can tailor your conversations to show how your management style aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in fast-paced environments. Highlight specific instances where your leadership directly contributed to improved performance or customer satisfaction.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Southern Co-op. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to personal development by discussing any relevant training or certifications you've pursued. This shows that you're proactive and eager to grow within the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Store Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant management experience in food retail or similar environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your commercial awareness and leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for community engagement and your ability to inspire a team. Mention how you can contribute to the store's success and align with Southern Co-op's values.
Highlight Your Achievements: In your application, include quantifiable achievements from previous roles, such as sales growth or team development. This will help illustrate your capability to drive performance and improve results.
Showcase Your Growth Mindset: Emphasise your willingness to learn and develop, particularly regarding obtaining a Personal Licence. Discuss any relevant training or professional development you've undertaken to show your commitment to growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Co-op
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Store Manager, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and motivated your team in previous roles, and discuss your approach to setting clear goals and standards.
✨Understand the Community Impact
Southern Co-op values community engagement, so be prepared to discuss how you can champion the store locally. Think about ways you've connected with community groups in the past and how you plan to make a positive impact beyond the shop floor.
✨Highlight Your Commercial Awareness
The role requires strong commercial awareness, so come ready to discuss your experience with business planning and identifying growth opportunities. Be specific about how you've turned insights into results in your previous positions.
✨Emphasise Your Growth Mindset
Southern Co-op is looking for someone with a drive to develop and improve. Share examples of how you've embraced challenges and sought out professional development opportunities, and express your enthusiasm for the fast-track management training programme they offer.
