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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver outstanding customer service and drive operational performance.
- Company: Join Our Co-op, a values-led organisation focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in retail or customer-focused environments.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Overview
- Location: West Suffolk
- Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
- Working Pattern: 5 days over 7 (including evenings, weekends and some Bank Holidays)
- Salary: £35,000 - £45,000
- Department: Food Stores
- Reporting to: Cluster Lead
About The Role
We are looking for an experienced Branch Manager to lead the consistent delivery of high standards of service, compliance and operational performance within one of our Food Stores. You will be accountable for achieving key performance indicators, including sales, margin and cost targets, while creating a positive and engaging environment where colleagues can perform at their best. As a visible and inspirational leader, you will build strong teams, develop capability and ensure your branch delivers an excellent experience for customers and members alike. Working at Our Co-op means collaborating across food stores, forecourts and post offices to deliver seamless operations and strong community impact. You will be part of a values-led organisation with a shared ambition to be the best at what we do across the East of England.
About The Team
Our Food Stores team is the commercial heart of Our Co-op. As an independent retailer, our food business plays a critical role in delivering sustainable growth, supporting our communities and upholding our co-operative values. The team is passionate about:
- Delivering consistently high-quality service
- Creating welcoming, community-focused stores
- Supporting local sourcing and sustainability
- Continual improvement and innovation
You will join a supportive, high-accountability environment where your contribution is valued and your leadership will make a tangible difference.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the delivery of outstanding customer service, driving engagement, loyalty and positive shopping experiences
- Manage the operational and financial performance of the branch, including budgets, stock control, waste reduction and profitability
- Build, develop and lead a high-performing team through effective recruitment, performance management and colleague development
- Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory and internal standards, including health & safety and age-related sales
- Act as Designated Premises Supervisor for the branch (APLH training provided)
- Work flexibly across branches when required to support wider business needs
- Champion continuous improvement and actively engage with personal development opportunities
What You’ll Need
- Proven leadership experience within retail, hospitality or a customer-focused environment
- Strong commercial awareness, including budgeting and performance management
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to interpret data and use insight to drive decisions
- A collaborative, adaptable approach with strong problem-solving skills
- Confidence managing change and leading teams through challenge
- A strong customer-first mindset
Working Pattern & Requirements
- 5 days over 7, including a minimum of 8 Sundays, 30 evening shifts and some Bank Holidays per year
- Flexibility to cover other branches is a fundamental requirement
- Some roles may be subject to licence and background checks (you will be advised if applicable)
- Working patterns are non-contractual and may change in line with business needs
Why Join Us?
At Our Co-op, we are proud to be a values-led organisation that puts people and communities at the heart of everything we do. As a Branch Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a genuine impact; shaping colleague experience, strengthening community relationships and driving performance across your branch.
Branch Manager - East of England Co-op in Bury St Edmunds employer: Jobster
Contact Detail:
Jobster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Branch Manager - East of England Co-op in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and hospitality sectors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. At Our Co-op, they value community and collaboration, so be ready to share how you embody these principles in your leadership style.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, highlight specific examples of how you've driven sales, improved customer service, or led successful teams. Numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Our Co-op family.
We think you need these skills to ace Branch Manager - East of England Co-op in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Branch Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in retail or customer-focused environments, and don’t forget to mention any achievements related to sales and team performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about leading a team and delivering outstanding customer service. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and created positive experiences in previous roles.
Showcase Your Values: At Our Co-op, we value community and collaboration. Make sure to express how your personal values align with ours. Talk about your commitment to sustainability and supporting local sourcing, as these are key aspects of our mission.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobster
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Branch Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial awareness. Brush up on key performance indicators like sales, margins, and budgets. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these in the past and how you plan to drive performance in this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a visible and inspirational leader. Think about examples from your previous experience where you've built and developed high-performing teams. Share specific stories that highlight your ability to engage and motivate colleagues.
✨Emphasise Customer Experience
The Co-op values outstanding customer service. Prepare to talk about how you've created positive shopping experiences in your previous roles. Bring examples of how you've driven customer loyalty and engagement in a retail or hospitality setting.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Compliance is crucial in this role, so expect questions about health & safety and regulatory standards. Familiarise yourself with relevant laws and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your past positions.