At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead your branch team to deliver exceptional customer experiences and achieve business goals.
- Company: Join Nationwide, the UK's largest network of branches committed to the high street.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, pension, bonuses, and wellness options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with training support and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and a background in retail is essential.
The predicted salary is between 32800 - 41000 € per year.
You’ll be responsible for making sure the customer experience in your branch is the best on the high street. Your leadership skills and keen commercial mind will get the best results from your team. This role is a 10-month secondment opportunity, working full time, 35 hours per week, Monday to Saturday. You’ll need to be within a 45-minute commute of the branch you’re applying to work in. Nationwide’s commitment to the High Street means we now have the UK’s largest network, with over 600 branches.
Your training will be based virtually in branch. Our training pathway is designed to ensure you are successful in your role, and the first 3 weeks are really important to your career journey with us. With this in mind, within those first few weeks, we ask that no holiday is taken. Nationwide is committed to the redeployment of our employees impacted by change, as such applications for redeployment candidates will be prioritised in this recruitment process.
More rewarding:
- From 1 July 2026, the minimum salary for this role will be £32,800.
- Access to private medical insurance.
- A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement.
- Access to an annual performance related bonus.
- Training and development to help you progress your career.
- A great selection of additional benefits through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- Life assurance to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones in the event of your death.
- Wellhub – access to a range of free and paid options for health and wellness.
- Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year.
What you’ll be doing:
Working on the branch floor alongside your team, you’ll make sure they are fully trained and performing at their best. You’ll have the confidence to manage a high level of customer expectations and have an in-depth knowledge of all our products and services. You’ll also be responsible for creating and implementing your branch's business plan. Our branches are always busy, so you’ll have to be organised and able to work quickly while still giving the best service. You’ll have the support of your management team to help with training and guidance. You’ll also need to be able to use our computer systems and processes. But don’t worry, we’ll train you to do that.
About you:
As a minimum requirement you’ll be able to take control of your branch and lead your people, whilst meeting FCA standards and delivering top notch customer service and creating positive outcomes. You will have experience of managing people and working in a busy retail environment. Leading by example; with a commercial understanding and knowledge of financial regulations and processes. You will be able to monitor and explore branch activity to spot opportunities and make your customers better off. By being resilient, versatile and flexible you will be able to prioritise effectively and deal with ever-changing requests. It would be nice if you also had previous experience as a branch manager in a retail environment.
Our customer first behaviours:
- Feel what customers feel - We step into our customers’ shoes, using their feedback and insights to empathise with them and to understand their needs, so that every decision we make starts and finishes with our customers in mind.
- Say it straight - We are brave in speaking out and saying what we think – we’re honest and direct with good intent, openly sharing diverse perspectives to reach the best conclusions and using language everyone can understand.
- Push for better - We don’t settle for mediocrity, we challenge the status quo, taking responsibility for continuous improvement and personal development.
Branch Manager - Reading employer: Description This
Nationwide is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As a Branch Manager in Reading, you'll benefit from comprehensive training, a competitive salary, and a range of perks including private medical insurance and a strong pension plan. With a commitment to keeping branches open and a focus on customer satisfaction, you'll have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while making a meaningful impact in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Branch Manager - Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Nationwide's values, mission, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed a team or improved customer service. These anecdotes will come in handy when you're asked about your experience in the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you for the role, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Nationwide family.
We think you need these skills to ace Branch Manager - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Branch Manager role. Highlight your leadership skills and experience in retail, as these are key to making a great impression on us.
Showcase Your Customer Focus:We want to see how you put customers first! Share examples of how you've improved customer experiences in previous roles. This will show us that you understand our commitment to top-notch service.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate honesty and directness, so make sure your personality shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Description This
✨Know Your Customer Experience
Make sure you understand what excellent customer service looks like in a branch setting. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance the customer experience and share examples from your past roles where you've successfully done this.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in busy environments. Think of specific instances where you led by example, managed conflicts, or improved team performance, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Business Plan
Familiarise yourself with how a branch operates and the importance of a business plan. Be prepared to discuss how you would create and implement a business plan for the Reading branch, focusing on both customer satisfaction and commercial success.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios, such as handling difficult customers or managing staff under pressure. Practise your responses to these types of questions, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt.
