At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional service and drive continuous improvement in operations.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home of John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, night premium, hybrid working, and a focus on work-life balance.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing part of the business while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG supply chains and strong people management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 52900 - 79400 € per year.
As a leader within the Commercial Sales Operations Team, you will manage a team of Account Co-ordinators that is responsible for demand fulfillment to our export business partners, including the middle & far east and the Americas. Working closely with customers, our B2B sales team and internal supply chain contacts, you will strive to deliver excellent service level standards and an ongoing programme of continuous improvement and cost management. In a fast growing part of the Waitrose business, you will need to develop the capabilities of your team to further their own development and enhance the value added to our business relationships.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £5.25 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Expected salary - Salary up to £70,000 depending on experience.
Contract type - This position is a permanent contract.
Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has a hybrid working approach. You’ll be expected to collaborate in person two to three days a week, either in the office/distribution centres or with customers. This role works standard office hours.
Location - Bracknell
Interviews - These will be held in person at our Bracknell Head Office from 10th June onwards.
Key responsibilities- Leadership & People Management: Recruit, mentor, and lead the Export Operational Team, driving engagement and professional development to ensure high standards of performance.
- Operational Excellence: Provide our business partners with outstanding service levels in terms of both order fulfillment and relationship management.
- Financial Management: Manage all financial invoicing for B2B transactions, including the accurate processing of credit and finance settlements.
- Continuous Improvement: Constantly striving to identify and implement improvements to ways of working that will deliver performance benefits and efficiency gains.
- Collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure the B2B function is well understood and supported in the wider business.
- Experience/knowledge of FMCG supply chains.
- Experienced people manager.
- Analytical skills, data focused.
- Google Suite (or equivalent).
- Track record of measuring performance and delivering continuous improvement initiatives.
- Export experience.
- Language skills.
- Project management and negotiation skills.
- Previous experience in wholesale.
- Knowledge of Business Objects.
Closing Date: May 24, 2026
Pay: £52,900.00 - £79,400.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 35 hours. 9am to 5pm
Job Level: Partnership Level 7
Where You'll Be Working: Bracknell Campus, Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YA
We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note: It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Customer Operations Manager in Bracknell employer: John Lewis
At Waitrose, we pride ourselves on being the largest employee-owned business in the UK, fostering a culture of collaboration and respect where every Partner has a voice. Located in Bracknell, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring that you are part of a dynamic team dedicated to continuous improvement and operational excellence. With a strong focus on personal development and a commitment to work-life balance, we offer an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Operations Manager in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Waitrose or in similar roles. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Understand how they align with your own. This will help you showcase how you can contribute to their mission of building a happier world.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed teams or improved processes. Be ready to share these during your interview to demonstrate your fit for the Customer Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and being part of the Waitrose family.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Operations Manager in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in FMCG supply chains and people management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Customer Operations Manager, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to drive continuous improvement. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value kindness and respect, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what makes you a great fit for our team at Waitrose.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We recommend applying as soon as possible since vacancies can close early if we receive a high number of applicants. Head over to our website to get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the FMCG supply chain and how it relates to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of export processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of managing a team in this area.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you mentored team members or drove engagement, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the Export Operational Team effectively.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since analytical skills are essential for this role, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to measure performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives. This will show that you're not just a people manager but also someone who can drive operational excellence.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with different teams in the past and how you plan to ensure the B2B function is well understood and supported within the wider business.