At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead your store, inspire your team, and drive performance every day.
- Company: Join an independent Co-op dedicated to community and sustainability across southern England.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like private medical insurance, 20% in-store discount, and 34 days annual leave.
- 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: A full UK Driving Licence is a bonus but not mandatory.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ 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’re committed to sustainable business and a promise to provide a fair, fresh approach for all. This is achieved through investment in our communities, actions to protect the environment, and 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 the company's values and community initiatives. As a Store Manager, you'll be the face of the store in the community, so understanding how the company engages with local groups will help you connect better during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in fast-paced environments. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you inspired your team or improved performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial awareness by researching current trends in the food retail industry. Being able to discuss these trends and how they could impact the store will demonstrate your proactive approach and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your vision for the store and how you would implement a smart store plan. Think about how you can set clear goals and standards that align with the company's mission to create a thriving environment for both customers and staff.
We think you need these skills to ace Store Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements of the Store Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your management experience in food retail or similar environments. Provide specific examples of how you've driven performance, led teams, and improved customer service in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop a team. Include examples of how you've created succession plans or fostered growth within your team, as this is crucial for the role.
Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising it. Mention why you want to work for this particular Co-op and how you can contribute to their mission of benefiting the community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Co-op
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Store Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your leadership style and how you motivate others.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the company's values and business model. Be ready to discuss how your commercial awareness can contribute to the store's performance and community engagement.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to make tough choices or improve customer service, and be prepared to explain your thought process.
✨Demonstrate a Growth Mindset
The company values personal development, so highlight your willingness to learn and grow. Share examples of how you've embraced challenges and sought feedback to improve your skills and those of your team.