Retail Support Lead in Nottingham

Retail Support Lead in Nottingham

Nottingham Temporary 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ESS

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the launch of brand new Sainsbury's Cafs across the UK.
  • Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in retail and food partnerships.
  • Benefits: Company car, competitive pay, and opportunities for growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with potential to progress into management.
  • Why this job: Be part of exciting new openings and shape the future of retail.
  • Qualifications: Experience in mobilisations or multi-site operations preferred.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Be at the forefront of launching brand new Sainsbury's Cafés across the UK. InStore, part of Compass Group, is behind some of the UK's most recognisable retail and food partnerships. We're now rolling out exciting, brand new Sainsbury's Cafés sites nationwide - and we're looking for a Mobilisation Support Lead to help bring them to life.

You'll be travelling across the UK, supporting multiple new café openings, working shoulder to shoulder with operational teams and project managers to ensure every site launches smoothly, safely, and successfully. The role forms part of a wider mobilisation and growth programme, with the expectation that - following the mobilisation phase - successful candidates will be well placed to move into an InStore Retail Management position within a Sainsbury's Café, subject to business requirements and location.

If you thrive in mobilisations, enjoy building something from the ground up, and want to transition into an operational retail management role - this is the role for you.

  • Support the end to end mobilisation of new Sainsbury's Cafés openings, ensuring sites open on time, on budget, and to One Retail standards.
  • Work as a core member of the mobilisation project team across multiple sites.
  • Own mobilisation plans, coordinating actions and timelines with local operational teams.
  • Act as the key link between Operations, Project Managers, and support functions throughout mobilisation.
  • Support the successful handover of cafés into InStore Retail Management following opening.
  • Liaise with external partners such as suppliers, facilities teams, contractors, and design teams.
  • Ensure food safety, health & safety, and brand standards are embedded from day one.
  • Identify risks early and work with stakeholders to implement practical solutions.
  • Share insights with operational teams to support ongoing performance.
  • Look for opportunities to enhance efficiency, quality, and commercial results.

Brings strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Is mobile, flexible, and happy to travel across the UK (including overnight stays). Full UK driving licence. Willingness to travel nationwide as part of a UK mobilisation role. Experience in mobilisations, openings, or multi-site operations (Hospitality, retail, or food experience preferred).

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!

Retail Support Lead in Nottingham employer: ESS

As a Mobilisation Support Lead with Compass Group, you'll be part of an innovative team launching brand new Sainsbury's Cafés across the UK, offering you the chance to shape exciting new dining experiences. Our commitment to employee growth means that successful candidates can transition into InStore Retail Management roles, while our inclusive work culture fosters respect and celebrates diversity, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered. With competitive pay, a company car, and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment.

ESS

Contact Details:

ESS Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Retail Support Lead in Nottingham

Get Your Foot in the Door Early

In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!

Utilise Local Connections

Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!

Show Off Your Availability

Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!

Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews

When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!

We think you need these skills to ace Retail Support Lead in Nottingham

Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Operational Coordination
Risk Management
Quality Assurance
Health & Safety Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.

Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!

Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.

Tailor Your Application to ESS:Don’t forget to personalise your application for ESS! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.

How to prepare for a job interview at ESS

Show Off Your Customer Service Skills

In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.

Brush Up on Product Knowledge

Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that ESS offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.

Flexibility is Key

Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.

Demonstrate Team Spirit

Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at ESS and contribute positively during your temporary stint.