At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate a dynamic team in our award-winning SPAR store.
- Company: Join A.F. Blakemore, a family-run business with a rich heritage and exciting future.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and fantastic staff discounts.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Previous management experience in retail or fast-paced environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 28600 - 28600 € per year.
Minimum 24 hours p/w - including evenings and weekends. Various shifts between 6am and 10pm.
Are you a dynamic and experienced Leader/Supervisor ready to help at our award-winning Hillsborough SPAR store? We are currently seeking a talented Duty Manager to help drive success and growth in this pivotal role.
About us: At A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, we’re proud of our heritage, but even more excited about our future. What started in Wolverhampton in 1917 as a small, family‑run grocery store has grown into one of the UK’s largest privately owned businesses, employing over 5,000 people and generating a turnover of £1.2 billion. We combine the strength of a global brand, while maintaining the values of a family business. We’re constantly evolving, always looking for new and better ways to serve our customers and support our colleagues, making this an exciting place to build your career.
Today, we operate at the heart of communities across the UK, with 243 SPAR convenience stores and a thriving business spanning retail, food service, and wholesale distribution. Food and drink remain at the core of everything we do, driving our passion for quality, innovation, and exceptional customer experiences.
Reporting & Responsibilities:
- Reporting to the Store Manager, the Duty Manager will be helping to drive growth within the company‑owned Hillsborough SPAR store.
- As a member of the Duty Manager team effective through all operational hours of the store, you will be responsible for supporting the Store Manager in leading and motivating a team of colleagues.
- You will be a member of the Store Manager’s leadership team ensuring excellent customer service, contributing to achieving store sales and profitability through ‘Brilliant Basics, Moments of Wow, Food For Later, Food For Now’.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting the Store Manager to ensure a safe, legal and high performing store, whilst taking overall responsibility for the entire store during Duty Manager shifts.
- Assisting the Store Manager to deliver all store operations, objectives and KPI’s.
- Managing, coaching and supporting colleagues, assisting in developing a motivated and empowered team through a positive, engaging management style.
- Carrying out performance management/absence management as appropriate.
- Responsible for occasional opening/closing of the store, colleague safety and stock/cash security/accountability as appropriate during shifts.
- Carrying out cash reconciliations, voids and refunds and other ‘management’ tasks for till colleagues.
- Being a role model and leading the team to work together to provide an exceptional customer experience, setting us apart from our competitors.
- Working with colleagues to promote the store by identifying and actioning opportunities to engage with and support the local community.
- Adhering to all company policies and procedures and processes.
Duty Manager Skills Required:
- Previous management or supervisor experience within a food retail or similar fast‑paced operation.
- Committed to achieving and sustaining exceptional customer service standards.
- Able to plan, organise and prioritise effectively.
- Ability to communicate and influence at all levels.
- Able to take appropriate action and make decisions.
- Committed to promoting collaborative working.
- Enthusiastic and flexible with a positive attitude.
- Committed to developing own skills and apply learning to improve own performance.
What’s in it for you?
- Holiday, Maternity and Paternity leave and pay in excess of statutory entitlements.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Develop your skills and capability in a highly supportive and multi‑diverse culture.
- Gain hands‑on experience in a high volume, fast‑paced environment.
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity pay packages.
- Flexible working hours opportunity.
- Excellent additional benefits package including:
- Early access to your pay through ‘EarlyPay’.
- 24/7 access to your payslips via HR/Payroll portal.
- 12.5 % Staff discount on fresh items & 10 % Staff Discount on ambient products in our SPAR stores (ex. Alcohol & Cigarettes).
- Wellbeing support – access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice.
- Company Pension Scheme.
- Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme.
- NEST pension scheme.
- Extra Holiday – Purchase Scheme.
- Long Service Awards.
Inclusive environment: As a Disability Confident committed employer we are dedicated to creating a fair, inclusive workplace for all. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Job Details:
- Department: Retail – SPAR Store Management (inc Foodservice).
- Contract type: Permanent.
- Hours: Minimum 24 hours p/w.
- Salary: £13.75 p/h plus opportunity to earn a bonus and excellent benefits.
- Additional benefits: Bonus Scheme, Company Sick Pay, Additional Holidays, Company Pension Scheme, Life Cover, Staff Discount, Long Service Awards, Cycle to Work Scheme, Employee Volunteering opportunities.
- Closing date: 6th July, 2026.
Duty Manager HILLSBOROUGH Retail - SPAR Store Management (inc Foodservice) employer: A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd
At A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and supportive employer, offering our Duty Managers at the Hillsborough SPAR store a unique opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working hours, and an extensive benefits package including enhanced maternity and paternity pay, staff discounts, and wellbeing support, we foster a culture that values collaboration and community engagement. Join us to be part of a family-run business that combines tradition with innovation, ensuring a rewarding career path in the heart of your community.
Contact Detail:
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Manager HILLSBOROUGH Retail - SPAR Store Management (inc Foodservice)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd and their SPAR stores. Understanding their values and what they stand for will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work at the Hillsborough SPAR store. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about your past experiences in management or supervision and how they relate to the role. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled challenges or motivated a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd. Let’s get you that Duty Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Duty Manager HILLSBOROUGH Retail - SPAR Store Management (inc Foodservice)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your previous management or supervisory experience. We want to see how you've led teams and driven success in fast-paced environments like food retail.
Be Customer-Focused:Emphasise your commitment to exceptional customer service. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to create great experiences for customers, as this is key to our success at SPAR.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the Duty Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace our digital approach!
How to prepare for a job interview at A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd
✨Know Your Store
Before the interview, take some time to research the Hillsborough SPAR store and its community. Familiarise yourself with their products, services, and any recent news or initiatives. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Duty Manager, you'll need to lead and motivate a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or resolved conflicts. Highlight your coaching style and how you empower others to achieve their best.
✨Emphasise Customer Service
Exceptional customer service is at the heart of this role. Be ready to discuss how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous positions. Share specific instances where your actions led to positive customer experiences, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the store's operations, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.