At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the team and ensure top-notch customer service while managing shop operations.
- Company: Join the vibrant Blackbird Bakery team with a focus on quality and community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, team development opportunities, and a fun work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and creativity in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Step up your leadership game and make a real impact in a bustling bakery.
- Qualifications: Strong people skills, commercial awareness, and a passion for food and service.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
Are you a hands-on leader ready to take the next step? At Blackbird, our Assistant Managers are the Shop Manager’s right hand—leading from the floor one minute and driving the business the next. We’re looking for someone who combines brilliant people skills with real commercial awareness and a “Service First” mindset.
If you love developing a team, thrive on responsibility, and are ready to run the show when the manager steps away, we want to hear from you!
The Blackbird Way: Driving the Standard
- Plain Talking: You keep communication flowing in every direction—briefing the team clearly, cascading updates from the manager, and giving honest, respectful feedback that helps people grow.
- Real Me: You lead with ownership and pride. You treat the shop like your own, hold yourself to the highest standards, and aren’t afraid to suggest better ways of doing things.
- Working Together: You’re the bridge between the team and the manager. You plan, organise, and support so everyone knows their role, feels valued, and pulls in the same direction—even in the busiest rush.
- Service First: You set the pace on customer experience. You coach the team to exceed expectations, act on feedback, and make every visit memorable for our local community.
The Mission & Purpose
To support the Shop Manager in the efficient day-to‑day running of the shop—and to run it confidently in their absence. You will deliver the highest standards of service and product quality through a well‑trained, motivated team, while playing an active part in maintaining and improving turnover and profitability.
Key Objectives
- Deputy Leadership: Take full ownership of the shop in the manager’s absence, keeping operations, standards, and the team on track.
- Team Development: Coach, support, and develop Supervisors and Team Members to build a high-performing team.
- Commercial Support: Assist the manager in maximising revenue and controlling costs through daily KPIs and smart decision-making.
- Brand Excellence: Ensure product quality, presentation, and service consistently follow the “Blackbird Bible.”
Your Responsibilities:
Running the Shop Operations & Commercial Support
- KPI Support: Assist with rotas, forecasting, and daily KPIs; take remedial action alongside the manager when needed.
- Sales & Initiatives: Help deliver local marketing plans, promotional activity, sampling, and new product launches.
- Stock Control: Order and control stock according to procedure; record and report wastage; process supplier invoices.
- Security: Oversee digital payment processing, banking reconciliation, store security, and key-holder responsibilities.
Team Leadership & Development
- Shift Leadership: Lead team briefings and manage opening and closing procedures to the highest standard.
- Training & Induction: Manage the induction of new starters, keep training records up to date, and ensure the team attends relevant training.
- Performance Coaching: Support the manager with job chats, performance conversations, and addressing issues such as lateness or incidents.
- Recruitment: Participate in the recruitment process and assessment days alongside the manager.
Stock, Safety & Controls
- Quality Control: Ensure deliveries are checked for quality and quantity and stored to food safety standards—never allowing sub-standard products to reach customers.
- Audits & Hygiene: Maintain high hygiene standards, participate in audits, and lead daily stock checks and rotations.
- Health & Safety: Identify hazards, take corrective action, and respond to any food hygiene issues to protect the team, our customers, and the brand.
Retail Excellence
- Service Speed: Monitor service so customers are never kept waiting, especially during peak trade.
- Displays & Standards: Lead the team to maintain full, perfect, and correctly labelled product displays.
- Customer Care: Resolve complaints effectively, investigate their causes, and use feedback and loyalty data to help the shop grow.
The Attributes We Value
- Passion for leading food & drink quality and an excellent customer experience.
- Excellent Communication skills and a professional approach.
- Fantastic Standards and a “can-do” attitude.
- Outgoing & Lively personality.
- Flexible, Committed, and Highly Motivated.
Please note: These are the key tasks for the role, but the list may change in line with business needs.
Assistant Manager employer: Blackbird Bakery Ltd
At Blackbird Bakery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values hands-on leadership and team development. Our vibrant work culture fosters open communication and a 'Service First' mindset, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission of delivering outstanding customer experiences. With opportunities for personal growth and a commitment to maintaining high standards, working at our bakery not only offers a rewarding career but also a chance to be part of a community-focused environment in a bustling location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Blackbird Bakery Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Blackbird Bakery Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Blackbird Bakery Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Blackbird Bakery Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackbird Bakery Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!