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- Tasks: Lead high-energy shifts, support your team, and create memorable customer experiences.
- Company: Join Grindsmith, a vibrant Manchester-born coffee brand at Manchester Airport.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, free meals, flexible hours, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a buzzing airport environment with no two days the same.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or hospitality leadership; passion for craft coffee and great service.
- Other info: Free car parking and supportive team culture await you!
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
Grindsmith - Team Leader - Manchester Airport
Brand new unit opening Jan 2026
As a Team Leader at Grindsmith, you lead by doing. You’ll run high‑energy shifts, support a brilliant team, and make sure every customer leaves with an experience worth remembering. With a focus on service, quality, and culture, you help bring our brand to life, every day.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday, fully flexible to include weekends
Why join Grindsmith?
- Be part of a bold, new Manchester‑born coffee brand
- Work in a buzzing airport location where no two days are the same
- Grow with us—development opportunities and career progression
- Enjoy staff discounts, partner perks, and a free meal and drink every shift
- Be yourself in a vibrant, values‑led workplace
- Free Car Park - On shift
- Un Sociable Hours Pay - Uplift
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading shifts and creating a positive, high‑performing team environment
- Coaching your team on the floor and celebrating wins together
- Keeping things running smoothly—stock, safety, service, and smiles
- Serving up top‑notch coffee, food, and hospitality
- Living and breathing the Grindsmith values, every single shift
What we’re looking for:
- Experience leading teams in retail or hospitality
- A calm, confident communicator who brings people together
- A sharp eye for detail and a love for quality
- Someone who thrives on solving problems and planning ahead
- A passion for craft coffee, great food, and warm, authentic service
- Super flexible team players who can roll with the airport rhythm and bring positive energy to every shift
- Previous Barista experience preferred but not essential for the right candidate
Airport Vetting Requirements:
Due to the location of this role airside at Manchester Airport, all candidates must pass aviation security clearance. This includes:
- A valid passport
- A complete 5-year history (employment, education, travel, or volunteering)
- A criminal record check (DBS)
We will guide you through the vetting process and support you in submitting the necessary documentation.
Why Grindsmith @ WHSmith:
Grindsmith is a values‑led, independent coffee brand rooted in Manchester. Paired with WHSmith’s rich heritage and innovative approach to travel retail, this collaboration brings together craft, community, and decades of experience to create something truly unique.
Shift patterns that suit airport hours, with a supportive team around you. Free car parking onsite at Manchester Airport while at work. A strong development culture and opportunities to grow within the business. Staff discount, partner perks, plus free a meal and drink while working in a vibrant workplace where you can truly be yourself.
* New Opening * Grindsmith Cafe - Team Leader - Full Time in Manchester employer: Funky Pigeon
Contact Detail:
Funky Pigeon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land * New Opening * Grindsmith Cafe - Team Leader - Full Time in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Grindsmith! Before you even step into an interview, dive into their values and culture. This way, you can show how your vibe matches theirs and why you're the perfect fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on your leadership experience and how you’ve created positive team environments in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your passion for coffee and hospitality! Share stories about your favourite coffee experiences or how you've gone above and beyond for customers. It’ll show you’re not just about the job, but about the craft.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace * New Opening * Grindsmith Cafe - Team Leader - Full Time in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for coffee and hospitality shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about creating memorable experiences for our customers.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match what we’re looking for. Highlight any previous leadership roles in retail or hospitality, and don’t forget to mention your problem-solving skills and attention to detail!
Be Yourself: We value authenticity at Grindsmith, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share your unique story and how it aligns with our values—this is your chance to stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Pigeon
✨Know Your Grindsmith Values
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Grindsmith's values and culture. They’re looking for someone who embodies these principles, so be ready to discuss how your own values align with theirs. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team, resolved conflicts, or celebrated wins together. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can create a positive environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations, especially in a busy airport setting. Think of specific scenarios where you’ve had to think on your feet and how you managed to keep things running smoothly while maintaining quality service.
✨Passion for Coffee and Service
Grindsmith is all about craft coffee and exceptional service. Be prepared to share your passion for coffee and any relevant experience you have, even if it’s not barista-related. Showing enthusiasm for the product and the customer experience will resonate well with the interviewers.
