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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 flexible hours, staff discounts, free meals, 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 coffee and great service.
- Other info: Free car parking and supportive team culture await you!
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Grindsmith - Team Leader - Manchester Airport
Brand new unit opening Jan 2026
Part Time Hours 16 & 24hrs
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 0200-2100 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 - Part 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 - Part Time in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Grindsmith! Before your interview, dive into their values and culture. This way, you can show how you align with their mission and bring that positive energy they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Team Leader, you'll need to rally the troops and keep things running smoothly. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with leading conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve tackled challenges head-on. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in the fast-paced airport environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, especially with the vetting process for that airport clearance.
We think you need these skills to ace * New Opening* Grindsmith Cafe - Team Leader - Part 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 excited about being part of the Grindsmith family and how you can contribute to our vibrant culture.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in leading teams or working in fast-paced environments. We’re looking for calm, confident communicators, so share examples that showcase your skills in these areas.
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to be yourself in your application. Share your personality and what makes you unique—this helps us get a sense of who you are beyond just your qualifications.
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 start the process of welcoming you to our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Pigeon
✨Know Your Grindsmith Values
Before your 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. Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment to quality service and teamwork.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Leader, you’ll need to inspire and manage a team effectively. Prepare to talk about your previous leadership experiences in retail or hospitality. Think of situations where you successfully motivated your team or resolved conflicts, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Coffee and Service
Grindsmith is all about craft coffee and exceptional service. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for coffee culture and how it relates to customer experience. If you have any barista experience, highlight it! Even if you don’t, showing genuine interest and knowledge about coffee can set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Questions
Given the airport setting, flexibility is key. Prepare to discuss your availability and how you can adapt to the fast-paced environment. Think about examples where you’ve had to adjust your plans or work under pressure, and be ready to explain how you thrive in such situations.
