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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team while driving sales growth across retail stores.
- Company: Join a family-owned premium food business that values quality and people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a premium brand with real autonomy and influence.
- Qualifications: Proven senior retail leadership experience and strong commercial instincts.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for hands-on leaders who thrive in dynamic environments.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: North West (regular travel across retail sites)
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 depending on experience, plus car/car allowance & bonus
Type: Full-time, permanent
Ready to lead a premium retail estate where people, performance, and presence on the shop floor really matter?
About the Role
We’re supporting a family‑owned, premium food‑to‑go and food manufacturing business to appoint a Retail Sales Development Manager into a senior, highly visible role reporting directly to the Sales Director. You will take responsibility for approximately 60% of the business, overseeing a network of company‑owned retail shops, alongside supporting the launch and development of a new franchise model. This is a people‑led role at heart. While you’ll work closely with an experienced, analytically strong senior individual (moving into a part‑time support role), your focus will be on store visits, leadership, coaching, and driving commercial performance through people.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a team of senior retail leaders.
- Drive sales growth, standards, and consistency across retail stores employing c.500 people.
- Spend significant time on site, building relationships, coaching managers, and improving performance.
- Own retail sales strategy and execution, ensuring stores meet revenue, margin, and KPI targets.
- Identify underperforming locations and deliver structured improvement plans.
- Oversee stock, ordering, returns, and waste reduction in partnership with supply chain and production.
- Support the rollout and governance of the franchise model, ensuring brand and operational consistency.
- Act as a senior ambassador for the brand, culture, and values across the retail estate.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven senior multi‑site retail leadership experience (food retail, bakery, QSR, or premium convenience ideal).
- Strong commercial instinct with a track record of driving revenue through people and presence.
- Comfortable managing scale, complexity, and performance across large retail estates.
- A natural, credible leader who connects easily with store teams and managers.
- Hands‑on, energetic approach – this is not a desk‑based role.
- Experience working with manufacturing or central production sites is advantageous.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior, influential retail leadership role within a growing, family‑owned business that values quality, craft, and people over corporate bureaucracy. You’ll have real autonomy, a visible seat at the table, and the chance to shape the future of a premium retail brand at an exciting point in its journey.
Interested? If you’re a senior retail leader who thrives on store visits, people leadership, and driving performance on the ground, apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Retail Development Manager in Manchester employer: Henderson Brown Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Henderson Brown Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Development Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the retail industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to former colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! When you land an interview, make sure to prepare by researching the company and its culture. Bring your A-game and be ready to discuss how your leadership style can drive performance and connect with store teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for your skills. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Development Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Retail Development Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any achievements in driving sales growth, as this is what we’re really looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about retail and how your hands-on approach has made a difference in your previous roles. We want to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role is all about leading and developing teams, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully coached and motivated others. We love seeing how you connect with people and drive performance!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown Recruitment
✨Know Your Retail Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s retail strategy and understand their market position. Familiarise yourself with their stores, products, and any recent news or developments. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Retail Development Manager, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on coaching and performance improvement. Be ready to discuss specific situations where your hands-on approach made a difference in driving sales and team morale.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Highlight your experience in driving revenue and managing KPIs. Bring data or case studies that illustrate your success in improving sales and operational efficiency. This will help you convey your strong commercial instinct and ability to manage complex retail environments effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company’s challenges. Inquire about their plans for the franchise model or how they measure success across their retail sites. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their future success.
