At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to deliver exceptional customer service and stunning product displays.
- Company: Join Cowdray, a family-run estate known for quality and local produce.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, staff discounts, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with training and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team in a beautiful rural setting, making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-quality retail and a passion for food and customer service.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 € per year.
Reports to: Farm Shop Manager
Location: Cowdray Farm Shop, Midhurst
Contract type: Full time, including weekend working
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience + benefits
About Cowdray
Cowdray is a progressive, family run rural estate at the heart of the South Downs National Park. Our Farm Shop is an award-winning destination, recognised for exceptional product quality, locally sourced food, specialist deli & cheese offerings, and outstanding standards of presentation and customer experience.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced retail leader who has worked in a similar high-quality food or farm shop environment and has a strong track record of leading teams to deliver exceptional display standards and customer service. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will play a key part in maintaining and elevating the shop’s visual appeal, atmosphere, and service culture, ensuring every customer experience reflects the quality and provenance of our offering.
As Assistant Manager, You Will:
- Act as a visible, hands‑on leader, setting the pace and standards on the shop floor
- Lead, inspire and develop the shop team to consistently deliver outstanding customer service
- Take ownership of visual merchandising, ensuring displays are creative, abundant, and aligned with seasonal themes and product storytelling
- Maintain exceptional standards of product presentation, shop floor layout, and overall environment
- Coach and support team members to improve performance, confidence, and product knowledge
- Support the delivery of seasonal events, promotions, and product launches
- Monitor performance, waste, and costs in line with business targets
- Ensure full compliance with health & safety and food hygiene standards
What We’re Looking For
You will bring:
- Proven experience in a similar environment (farm shop, deli, food hall, or premium retail) where high standards of display and service are essential
- Demonstrable success in leading and motivating a team to deliver excellent visual merchandising and customer experience
- A strong eye for detail and pride in maintaining beautiful, well‑stocked, and inspiring displays
- A genuine passion for food, local produce, and quality retail
- Good commercial awareness and the ability to drive performance through people and presentation
- Flexibility to work weekends and occasional evenings
- Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards
- A positive, proactive attitude and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment
What We Offer
- A dynamic and supportive working environment within a renowned rural estate
- Opportunities for training, development, and career progression
- Staff discounts, benefits, and a strong team culture
- The opportunity to work in a high‑quality retail environment where standards and presentation truly matter
To Apply
Please send your CV and a short covering letter (highlighting your experience in leading teams to deliver high standards of display and service) to martha.ffooks@cowdray.co.uk.
Farm Shop Assistant Manager in Midhurst employer: Cowdray
Cowdray is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive working environment at the heart of the South Downs National Park. As a family-run estate, we prioritise employee growth through training and development opportunities, while fostering a strong team culture that values high standards of service and presentation. Join us to be part of a renowned farm shop where your passion for quality food and local produce can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Shop Assistant Manager in Midhurst
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Cowdray and its values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their family-run estate.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in maintaining high standards of display and customer service – that's what they're looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your passion for food to the table! Talk about your love for local produce and quality retail during the interview. This will resonate well with Cowdray's ethos and show that you're a great fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Shop Assistant Manager in Midhurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food and local produce shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about quality retail and can bring that enthusiasm to our team.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:Make sure to showcase your experience in leading teams, especially in high-quality food environments. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Detail-Oriented:Since we pride ourselves on exceptional presentation standards, mention any relevant experience you have with visual merchandising. We want to know how you maintain beautiful displays and create an inviting atmosphere for customers.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and covering letter. Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the qualities we’re looking for in the Farm Shop Assistant Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cowdray
✨Know Your Stuff About the Shop
Before heading into the interview, make sure you know all about Cowdray Farm Shop. Familiarise yourself with their product offerings, values, and what makes them stand out in the market. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams in previous roles. Think about times when you inspired your team to achieve high standards or improved customer service. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers for clarity.
✨Demonstrate Your Eye for Detail
Since visual merchandising is key for this role, prepare to discuss how you maintain display standards. Bring along examples of past displays you've created or managed, and be ready to talk about your approach to seasonal themes and product storytelling.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Quality Food
Cowdray values a passion for local produce and quality retail. Be prepared to discuss your favourite local foods or producers and why you believe quality matters in retail. This will help convey your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
