At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead your branch team to deliver the best customer experience on the high street.
- Company: Join Nationwide, the UK’s largest network of branches committed to the High Street.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, pension, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Access to training, wellness options, and up to 2 days of paid volunteering each year.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a busy environment 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.
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:
- 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 branches 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
Job Info:
Job Identification: 3381
Apply Before: 06/01/2026, 10:55 PM
Locations: 99 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AX, GB
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, competitive salary packages, and access to private medical insurance, alongside opportunities for career progression within the UK's largest branch network. With a commitment to maintaining high street presence and a focus on customer-first behaviours, Nationwide fosters an environment where your leadership can truly make a difference.
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 and customer-first behaviours. When you walk into that interview, you want to show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led a team or improved customer service. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference in previous roles, so be ready to share those success stories.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, especially in a customer-facing role like Branch Manager. Make sure you look professional and approachable. It sets the tone for how you’ll lead your team and serve your customers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Branch Manager - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you can bring that expertise to our branch in Reading.
Emphasise Customer Experience:Since this role is all about providing the best customer experience, share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles. We love hearing about those moments!
Be Organised and Clear:When writing your application, keep it organised and straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. This will show us that you can handle the busy environment of a branch effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Description This
✨Know Your Branch Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the branch's operations and customer service standards. Research the products and services offered, and think about how you can enhance the customer experience. This will show your potential employer that you’re genuinely interested in the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy retail environment. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to achieve results. Highlighting your leadership style and how it aligns with the company’s values will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss your understanding of the financial regulations and processes relevant to the role. Consider how you can spot opportunities for growth within the branch and improve customer satisfaction. Showing that you have a keen commercial mind will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Customer-Centric Behaviours
Prepare to talk about how you’ve put customers first in previous roles. Use the 'Feel, Say, Push' approach to explain how you empathise with customers, communicate openly, and strive for continuous improvement. This will demonstrate that you align with the company’s customer-first behaviours and are committed to delivering top-notch service.
