Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire your team to deliver exceptional customer service and achieve business goals.
- Company: WHSmith is a renowned retailer expanding in airports, hospitals, and more, offering products for every journey.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, paid leave, employee discounts, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Join a supportive culture that values personal development and teamwork while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Retail leadership experience preferred, with strong communication skills and a passion for team motivation.
- Other info: Must provide 5 years of references and pass a criminal records check.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
As a Team Leader, you’ll lead and inspire your team to provide exceptional customer service, meet business objectives, and create a working environment that supports colleagues' development and achievement. We want you, our customers, and our colleagues to be proud to share their journey with us.
Airport Requirements:
- 5 years continuous references – to gain an airport pass, you will need to provide 5 years’ worth of either employment or education references without any gaps.
- Criminal Records Bureau Check – to be completed by WHSmith if your application is successful.
- Photographic ID, e.g., passport or UK Driving Licence.
What being a Team Leader is all about:
- Guiding and engaging your team to deliver excellent standards and results in line with the trading plan.
- Creating a culture of learning, support, and recognition—spotting opportunities for personal skills development, product knowledge, and self-awareness.
- Supporting colleagues in an environment where everyone feels valued and welcome.
- Fostering pride within the store to ensure safe and legal operations.
What our Store Leadership Team would love to see:
- Current or recent retail (or similar) leadership experience, preferably in a fast-paced environment, with knowledge of KPIs such as ATV.
- Experience of proactively leading from the front, getting involved, and assisting your team on the shop floor.
- Flexibility to support other stores in the area when needed.
- Ability to build strong relationships and communicate clearly and effectively.
- Experience supporting employee training and development, and motivating teams to perform their best.
How we reward our teams:
We recognize your hard work in making WHSmith a success and keeping our customers happy. Besides your salary, pension scheme, paid annual leave, and employee discounts, we offer a range of deals from retail partners to help you save money and create memories—whether enjoying a meal, an adventurous day out, or tickets to the latest blockbuster. Our Employee Assistance Programme also provides support and guidance for your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
About us:
WHSmith has a remarkable heritage and is expanding, especially in airports, hospitals, rail stations, and motorway services. Our goal 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, providing an exceptional customer experience with the latest tech. We’ve partnered with brands like M&S and Costa Coffee to broaden our offerings across the UK. As we progress, our aim remains to make every one of life’s journeys better. WHSmith is proud to be an inclusive employer. We want our colleagues to feel welcome and free to be themselves with us.
Team Leader employer: Funky Pigeon
Contact Detail:
Funky Pigeon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with WHSmith's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to customer service and employee development will help you align your leadership style with their expectations, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in fast-paced retail environments during your conversations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and met KPIs, as this will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a similar setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to team motivation and development. Think of strategies you've implemented in the past that have fostered a supportive environment, as this aligns perfectly with the role's focus on colleague achievement.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees if possible. Gaining insights into their experiences can provide you with valuable information about the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in retail or similar environments. Emphasise your ability to meet KPIs and provide examples of how you've motivated teams in the past.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for customer service and team development. Mention specific instances where you've successfully led a team and created a positive working environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Clearly outline your continuous references for the past five years, whether from employment or education. This is crucial for gaining an airport pass, so ensure there are no gaps in your history.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively. Use examples from your previous roles where you’ve successfully engaged with both customers and colleagues.
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Pigeon
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles in retail or similar environments. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led a team, met KPIs, and improved customer service.
✨Demonstrate Team Engagement Skills
Share instances where you actively engaged with your team on the shop floor. Discuss how you motivated them and created a supportive environment that encouraged personal development.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key for a Team Leader. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing how you build relationships with colleagues and customers.
✨Prepare for Questions on Flexibility
Since the role may require supporting other stores, be ready to discuss your flexibility and willingness to adapt. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed changing priorities in the past.
