At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire your team to deliver exceptional customer service and maximise sales.
- Company: Join the renowned Waitrose brand known for its quality and customer focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Temporary contract until 30/01/2027 with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced retail setting while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in team leadership within a customer-focused environment.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
About the role: As a Team Manager in one of our Waitrose shops, you'll influence and motivate your team and be a positive role model for delivering outstanding Partner‑led, customer service that is distinctively Waitrose, passionate Partners serving food lovers. Your strong leadership and team working skills will make all the difference to your team and, ultimately, the impression our customers have about the Waitrose brand. Keeping them returning again and again by earning their trust and loyalty for a lifetime, whilst helping to maximise sales and profit.
This is an exciting temporary contract opportunity until 30/01/2027 for you to join us as a Team Manager in one of our South West London locations:
- Clapham Common
- Old Brompton Road
- Vauxhall
Key Responsibilities:
- It's fast paced and at times you'll oversee the entire day-to-day operation of the shop.
- Using your commercial skills to maximise sales and profit while minimising wastage.
- Ensuring consistently high levels of availability and merchandising as well as delivering an efficient, legal, and secure store operation.
- Improving and maintaining customer satisfaction.
- Using your people skills to manage your team, from leading and inspiring to people related tasks like organising holidays and managing absences.
- Create a supportive culture of care, belonging, pace and productivity.
- Engage and lead partners in delivering and embedding change consistently and effectively within your shop.
Essential skills/experience you'll need:
- Experience of leading a team with a proven track record in a fast‑paced, customer‑focused environment.
- Ability to build high‑performing teams, recognise talent, and hold regular, honest performance conversations.
- A passion for retail, understanding competitors and the economic factors impacting the Partnership.
- Ability to assess workload realistically and adapt plans to ensure deadlines are hit and stakeholder relationships are maintained.
- Ability to communicate with clarity and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Desirable skills/experience you may have:
- Experience with Disciplinary & Grievance processes.
- Hiring Manager/ Recruitment experience.
- Food Hygiene Level 3.
- Personal licence holder.
- Experience in regulatory compliance management.
Retail Team Leader — Inspire, Lead & Grow Sales (Temp) in London employer: John Lewis Partnership
At Waitrose, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters teamwork and personal growth. As a Team Manager in South West London, you'll not only lead a passionate team dedicated to outstanding customer service but also benefit from our commitment to employee development and a supportive environment that values your contributions. Join us to inspire and grow alongside a brand that prioritises trust, loyalty, and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Team Leader — Inspire, Lead & Grow Sales (Temp) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, spend some time researching Waitrose and its values. This will help you connect with the team during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team or improved customer satisfaction. We want to hear how you inspired others and made a difference—this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your commercial skills! Since maximising sales and minimising wastage are key parts of the role, come prepared with ideas on how you’ve tackled these challenges in the past. Show us your strategic thinking!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team or the store's goals. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you too!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Team Leader — Inspire, Lead & Grow Sales (Temp) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience in leading teams. We want to see how you've motivated others and created a positive environment. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to inspire and drive results.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates take the time to tailor their CV and cover letter to the role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around customer service and team management.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for retail shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what makes Waitrose unique. Familiarise yourself with their values, customer service approach, and what sets them apart from competitors. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the brand and how you can contribute to its success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a fast-paced environment. Think about specific situations where you motivated your team, resolved conflicts, or improved performance. Be ready to discuss how you can create a supportive culture that aligns with Waitrose's values.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Brush up on your knowledge of retail trends and economic factors affecting the industry. Be prepared to discuss how you would maximise sales and minimise wastage in the store. Showing that you understand the business side of retail will impress your interviewers.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since the role involves influencing stakeholders at all levels, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider conducting mock interviews with a friend or family member to refine your communication skills and ensure you can convey your ideas effectively during the actual interview.
