Store Manager in Milton Keynes

We are a premium chocolate manufacturer established in 1845 operating in over 86 countries around the World. Guided by our Global purpose to Enchant the World with Chocolate and UK vision of Creating Moments to Make Everyone Feel Special, we have around 400 team members in the UK across our Head Office, Retail, and Field Sales divisions. We are a Top 20 Great Place to Work and are proud of our incredible people, our unique values-led culture and our iconic market leading brands such as LINDOR & GOLD BUNNY.

We’re also proud of being one of the few bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the world, where we control every step of our chocolate production.

How you could help us to Enchant the World with Chocolate

In this role you will:

• Lead in every sense of the word, motivating, inspiring and developing a team of dedicated chocolate advisors, towards the accomplishment of the retail plan.
• Be accountable for the operational excellence and financial performance of a store in the Lindt UK retail division, using responsible business practices and adhering to all company policies.
• Embody the Lindt brand with passion and create a team of Lindt brand ambassadors who are experts at delivering the Lindt Service proposition and exceeding customer expectations every day.
• Actively support an environment of collaboration through sharing knowledge, information and encouraging teamwork to drive ideas to action.

Where you’ll be based

This role is based in our brand new store in Milton Keynes which is opening Summer 2026 and is 40 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Maximising Sales Turnover and Store Profitability to Grow and Drive the Business Forward.
• Use provided business tools, along with good personal judgement, to drive and exceed store sales and profit targets.
• Track store KPI’s, identifying opportunities and risks, supported by a clear course of action.
• Align with line manager on action plans from store performance reviews.
• Provide monthly feedback to line manager on opportunities for key trading periods.
• Be responsible for store expenditure and cost budgets through monitoring of P&L, whilst ensuring that staffing is optimised to meet business demands.
• Create a self-disciplined culture focused on flawless execution of processes, procedures, and initiatives including consistent delivery of presentation standards in store.
• Implement and manage audit and loss prevention controls, delivering full compliance in all areas including inventory, cash reconciliation, deliveries etc.
• Complete online Health and Safety tools and take associated actions to ensure compliancy and a safe working environment for all.
• Ensure operations, processes and systems in store are implemented and regularly reviewed to enable smooth running and resolution of issues in a timely manner.
• Escalate issues to appropriate team when necessary in a timely manner.
• Effectively manage your time to ensure all deadlines are met and full compliance is achieved.
• Create and empower a team of Lindt brand ambassadors who are experts at delivering the Lindt Service proposition by living the values and personally demonstrating how to foster a customer centric-culture.
• Embrace the Global Retail Mystery shop program using the results to recognise strengths and share best practice whilst identifying skill gaps and training requirements.
• Execute in-store marketing activities and monthly visual merchandising plan to company standard.
• Stay informed of current trends and contribute to weekly Competitor Watch of the local market place.
• Understand and actively anticipate consumer needs and goes the extra mile to delight customers.
• Inspire a shared vision by communicating clear goals, and fostering a positive and rewarding work environment, through set objectives.
• Develop skills and capability in the store team and create a culture where they never want to stop learning, empowering others to meet their goals.
• Develop active PDPs focusing on the what and the how.
• Conduct monthly 1-2-1s with feedback, leveraging coaching style where appropriate to guide your store teams’ performance.
• Hold active career conversations leading to clear succession planning in store and the wider retail division.
• Recruit passionate and driven individuals who will complement the team and are Lindt brand ambassadors.
• Develop line management skills of the team, leading by example.
• Resolve performance issues in a timely manner, partnering with Area Manager and HR where necessary.
• Communicate effectively between stakeholders and all depts of the business.

What experience you’ll bring

• Proven management experience within a retail organisation is preferable, as is a genuine love of all that a career in retail has to offer.
• Proven track record of creating and managing high performing teams to include full understanding of people leadership (experience in talent development, succession planning, recruitment and disciplinary processes etc.).
• Numerate with good analytical and IT skills.
• A highly motivated self-starter, with a drive for results.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build relationships and influence at all levels.
• An infectious can do attitude – ready to try new things and enthuse everyone you meet.

Being yourself every day

We want everyone at Lindt feel safe to be themselves, ensuring they are empowered, represented, celebrated and included in our workplace. You’ll notice this throughout the recruitment process; in our ‘dress for your day’ policy and through our proactive DE&I strategy.

Living our values everyday

At Lindt UK, our values guide us in everything we do. Being Passionately Lindt, Always Evolving, Building Real Relationships, Acting Responsibly and Making An Impact are an integral part of life here at Lindt.

What you can expect from us

In return for everything that you’ll bring, we can offer you an exciting role in a fast-growing organisation, where we’ll provide an environment where you will thrive, feel supported and fulfil your career aspirations. As well as supporting your physical and mental wellbeing, as part of our offering, you will receive a competitive compensation and benefits package including; competitive salary, bonus, pension, life cover, chocolate allowance, chocolate give-aways, chocolate discount, birthday day off and so much more!