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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate a dynamic team to deliver exceptional customer service.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a growing brand with a rich heritage in retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, competitive salary, staff discounts, and 33 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey, making every customer's experience memorable.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership roles and a passion for customer service.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
WHSmith are proud and excited to launch our new partnership with a popular food-to-go bakery, bringing even greater choice, convenience, and service to our customers. We’re now looking for a Deputy Manager to support the Shop Manager in leading and motivating the team to deliver fast, friendly, and consistently high-quality service. Our teams work hard to support both customers and colleagues, offering our fantastic products to everyone on life’s many journeys. No two days are ever the same, but a typical day may include a variety of the following.
What being a Deputy Manager is all about:
- Supporting the Shop Manager in leading the team to deliver amazing results and maintaining excellent standards of the shop.
- Coaching a high performing team to achieve great sales results.
- Supporting the Shop Manager with recruitment, training/development and colleague engagement.
- Keeping a close eye on payroll controls, waste controls and customer service standards.
- Rolling your sleeves up and getting involved in food preparation as well as serving customers.
- Maintaining a clean, well-stocked and welcoming shop, creating a sense of pride within the store, ensuring the customer experience and facilities are of a good standard.
- Playing a key role in making sure that your colleagues are supported, setting measurable targets which are reviewed regularly.
What our Shop Leadership Team would love to see:
- Proven experience in a leadership role as a Deputy Manager, Supervisor or Team Leader.
- Strong expertise in delivering excellent customer service.
- Solid background working in a food-to-go/retail environment.
- Confident in delivering all food-safety requirements, ensuring full compliance and robust due-diligence practices.
- Ability to energise, influence and motivate the team to deliver exceptional service and performance.
- Strong organisation skills with a proactive approach and the ability to prioritise well in a fast-paced food to go/retail environment.
- Ability to build strong relationships and communicate clearly and engagingly at all levels of seniority.
How we reward teams:
We know you’ll work hard to make the shop a success and keep our customers happy, with every shift we’ll provide a free meal and drink. As well as your salary, pension scheme, holidays (Management - 33 days including bank holidays) staff discounts, we’ll reward you with a range of deals from retail partners that will help you save money and make memories, whether a delicious meal, an adventurous day out, or tickets to see the latest blockbuster. Whatever the future brings, our Employee Assistance Programme will support you with help and guidance for your wellbeing whether physical, mental or financial.
About us:
WHSmith has a remarkable heritage, and we are growing particularly in our airports, hospitals, rail stations and motorway services. Our aim is simple, to offer our products to everyone on any of life’s journeys. Our InMotion brand, a leading digital accessories business, continues to grow and develop, offering an amazing customer experience with all the latest tech. We have created great partnerships with the likes of M&S, Costa Coffee and other food-to-go businesses, ‘broaden our offering’ to our customers throughout the UK. That’s why, as we continue our journey, our aim is simple: to make every one of life’s journeys better!
WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.
Deputy Manager in Oxford employer: Funky Pigeon
Contact Detail:
Funky Pigeon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out WHSmith's social media and website to understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team or improved customer service. Be ready to share these during your interview to demonstrate how you can energise and motivate the team at WHSmith.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your food safety knowledge! Since this role involves food preparation, brush up on food safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in a fast-paced environment. This will highlight your expertise and commitment to high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics or the shop’s goals. This shows you're engaged and eager to contribute to WHSmith's success. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight any previous experience in leadership roles. We want to see how you've motivated and coached teams in the past, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to energise and influence others.
Customer Service is Key: Since delivering excellent customer service is a big part of the Deputy Manager role, don’t forget to mention your experience in this area. We love candidates who can show they understand what it takes to keep customers happy, so include any relevant achievements or feedback you've received.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Tailor your application to reflect your background in food-to-go or retail environments. We’re looking for solid experience, so be specific about your roles and responsibilities, especially those related to food safety and compliance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about WHSmith and our exciting journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Pigeon
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research WHSmith and their new partnership with the food-to-go bakery. Understand their values, mission, and what they aim to achieve in the retail space. This knowledge will help you connect your experience to their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team, motivated colleagues, or improved customer service. Be ready to discuss how you can energise and influence the team at WHSmith to deliver exceptional results.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
WHSmith is all about delivering fast and friendly service. Think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles. Highlight your understanding of food safety requirements and how you ensure compliance while maintaining high standards of service.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. These might involve handling difficult situations with customers or managing team dynamics. Practice your responses to these types of questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain a positive work environment, even in a fast-paced setting.
