Team Leader

Co-operation is central to making sure our stores thrive in their communities. At the very heart of great teamwork are great leaders: people like you who support, develop, and manage an exceptional team. With great leadership comes great responsibility. As a role model of the behaviours and standards you want to see in your teams, you’ll help communicate and lead our ways of working for new colleagues and provide them with growth opportunities to excel. Our customers, members, and communities are at the centre of everything we do. You’ll go above and beyond to provide every customer with the best experience, anytime they need it. You’ll help maintain the strong rapport our colleagues have with members in our communities.

In a varied role, you’ll work closely as part of the management team, supporting the day-to-day running of the store. Some key responsibilities include:

• Managing performance through reviews and addressing poor performance
• Ensuring colleagues adhere to Society policies and procedures
• Taking responsibility for the store’s financial performance and compliance
• Managing absence, including back-to-work interviews and improvement meetings
• Understanding scheduling and productivity
• Training colleagues and maintaining records
• Communicating key messages and priorities
• Prioritising tasks to maximise sales and meet customer expectations
• Leading change initiatives
• Ensuring health and safety guidelines are followed
• Maintaining colleague safety
• Overseeing the day-to-day store operations

As you step into your new role, you’ll undergo comprehensive training at one of our Difference Maker Academies. This program, lasting up to 4 weeks depending on your experience, pairs you with an experienced Academy Mentor who leads high-performing teams and helps colleagues grow. This immersive environment equips you with essential skills for your role and sets you up for long-term success with Central Co-op. Our Difference Maker Academies are located around our trading area, featuring excellent operating standards and management teams passionate about developing colleagues and reaching their potential. You’ll be able to claim expenses for additional travel incurred during your Academy store training.

With previous Supervisor, Team Leader, or Duty Manager experience in a customer service environment, you’ll have a passion for delivering excellent service. You should be enthusiastic, proactive, and able to work efficiently with pace and flexibility. We value individuals who take ownership of their development and can identify and nurture talent within their team through coaching. Being open-minded and curious, you’ll stay aware of current and upcoming promotions, identifying growth opportunities that benefit the store’s performance and commercial success. As a warm, friendly team member, your love for engaging with customers will naturally translate into delivering exceptional service daily. You’ll be a team player, building relationships through respect, support, and empathy. You’ll guide your team to support future growth within the store and celebrate team successes. You’ll make a positive impact in your community and inspire a motivated, engaged team.

Alongside a competitive salary, our colleagues benefit from:

• Up to 20% discount on our products
• Access to exclusive retail discounts, savings on days out, and holiday discounts
• Option to buy up to an extra week of annual leave
• Recognition programs celebrating achievements
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Profit-sharing through Colleague Dividend
• Paid volunteering days
• Charity support through Give as You Earn
• Healthcare Cashplan for medical expenses
• Company pension scheme
• Free life assurance after qualifying period
• Wide range of training and development programs
• Wellbeing resources and support through the new colleague wellbeing campaign
• Financial wellbeing tools via iTrent Wagestream
• Flexible working options, including 4-day weeks, 9-day fortnights, and hybrid work

Everyone is welcome. We’re committed to making reasonable adjustments for all candidates. Please specify any needs in the application form, and we’ll support you throughout the recruitment process.

We’re Central Co-op, a Member-owned and Member-led co-operative Society. With us, you’re not just a colleague—you’re a Member, owning a share of the business. You’ll have the chance to positively impact your community, contribute to a sustainable Society, and work alongside passionate colleagues who’ll support your growth.