At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire your team while ensuring top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, John Lewis Partnership.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail leadership and strong people management skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for training in Bedfordshire/Cambridgeshire before permanent placement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42500 £ per year.
As a Team Manager in one of our Waitrose shops, you'll influence and motivate your team and be a positive role model for delivering outstanding Partner-led, customer service that is distinctively Waitrose, passionate Partners serving food lovers. Your strong leadership and team working skills will make all the difference to your team and, ultimately, the impression our customers have about the Waitrose brand. Keeping them returning again and again by earning their trust and loyalty for a lifetime, whilst helping to maximise sales and profit.
Contract type - Permanent, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to start their journey with us training in the Bedfordshire/Cambridgeshire area before taking up permanent appointment. These branches include; St Ives, St Neots, Oakgrove, Peterborough, Stamford and Bedford.
Key Responsibilities
- It's fast paced and at times you'll oversee the entire day-to-day operation of the shop.
- Using your commercial skills to maximise sales and profit while minimising wastage.
- Ensuring consistently high levels of availability and merchandising as well as delivering an efficient, legal, and secure store operation.
- Improving and maintaining customer satisfaction.
- Using your people skills to manage your team, from leading and inspiring to people related tasks like organising holidays and managing absences.
- Create a supportive culture of care, belonging, pace and productivity.
- Engage and lead partners in delivering and embedding change consistently and effectively within your shop.
Essential skills/experience you'll need
- Experience of leading a team in a fast-paced, customer focused environment.
- People Management skills.
- Able to demonstrate an innate passion for and understanding of retail.
- Resilience to support and plan your team’s response to change.
- Ability to influence stakeholders.
- Advanced communication skills.
Desirable skills/experience you may have
- Experience of supporting with the Disciplinary and Grievance process.
- Regulatory Compliance Management.
- Personal Licence Holder.
- Food Hygiene Level 3.
Closing Date: June 12, 2025
Pay: £30,500.00 - £42,500.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: Full Time, 37.5 Hours, to include early starts, late finishes, evenings and alternate weekends.
Job Level: Partnership Level 8
Where You'll Be Working: St Ives (Waitrose & Partners), Station Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5BW
We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Team Manager Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
accessibility@talentify.io
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Waitrose brand and its values. Understanding what makes Waitrose unique will help you align your leadership style with their customer service ethos, which is crucial for a Team Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Waitrose employees to gain insights into the company culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that can set you apart during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in fast-paced environments. Highlighting your experience in managing people and driving sales will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to adapt to change by discussing past experiences where you effectively managed transitions within your team. This is particularly important as the role involves leading partners through change.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in leading teams within fast-paced, customer-focused environments. Emphasise your people management skills and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to maximise sales and improve customer satisfaction.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for retail and your understanding of the Waitrose brand. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you can influence and motivate a team, as well as how you plan to create a supportive culture within the shop.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Ensure you mention essential skills such as advanced communication, resilience, and the ability to influence stakeholders. If you have experience with regulatory compliance or food hygiene, be sure to include that as well, as it may set you apart from other candidates.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Manager, demonstrating your leadership abilities is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a fast-paced environment, focusing on motivating and inspiring your colleagues to achieve their best.
✨Understand the Waitrose Brand
Familiarise yourself with the Waitrose brand values and customer service ethos. Be ready to discuss how you can embody these values and enhance customer satisfaction, as this will show your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for People Management Questions
Expect questions related to people management, such as handling absences or organising holidays. Think of specific scenarios where you've effectively managed team dynamics and resolved conflicts to illustrate your experience.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Since maximising sales and minimising wastage are key responsibilities, be prepared to discuss your commercial skills. Share examples of how you've previously contributed to sales growth or improved operational efficiency in a retail setting.