At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic convenience store, ensuring top-notch customer experiences and operational excellence.
- Company: Join a leading retailer committed to inclusivity and employee growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, generous holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management with a focus on customer service and team development.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £45,200
Location: Chatham Watling Street Local Store, Chatham, ME5 7HQ
Contract type: Permanent
Business area: Retail
Closing date: 13 May 2026
Leading in our stores:
Our management teams don’t just run stores - they’re the driving force behind our business. With bold leadership, a passion for service and an eye for opportunity, they empower teams to raise the bar every single day for our customers. Whether it's product availability, safety standards, or delivering seamless daily operations, they’re hands‑on, sleeves‑rolled‑up changemakers. And the impact? Work becomes more rewarding for our colleagues, and shopping becomes a next‑level experience for every customer who walks through our doors.
This vacancy will be based within the North Kent area, centred around Maidstone, offering the opportunity to lead and develop a high‑profile convenience store in a key location. We’re looking for a strong, people‑focused Store Manager who can drive operational standards, build a high‑performing team, and deliver great commercial results while keeping the customer at the heart of everything they do. This role would suit an experienced manager ready to take on a busy store with clear opportunities to make a real impact.
What you’ll be doing:
Our Convenience Store Managers have full control over their shop. They’re accountable leaders who ensure we deliver on our purpose to make good food, joyful, accessible and affordable for everyone, every day. Their team of Customer and Trading Managers run the shifts, and they plan and prepare for upcoming trading activity being commercially minded and anticipating issues from today to 6 months from now, making sure everything is safe and legal. Retail’s ever evolving with new business initiatives and change programmes and there are always difficult decisions to be made. It’s a job with a lot of responsibility but also one that is highly rewarding.
What makes a brilliant Store Manager:
- Our best Store Managers do everything, everyday for our customers. Ensuring they deliver brilliant customer experiences and are constantly striving to improve the customer journey.
- Has experience leading an operation with accountabilities for delivering customer, financial and organisational outcomes.
- A leader who role models excellent service and business values through teams of managers and colleagues.
- Uses data and insight to inform planning, improve performance or customer experience and/or KPI’s.
- Experience managing ER cases including dismissals, confident in understanding and interpreting HR policies.
- Can lead change, delivering engagement on purpose whilst managing team wellbeing.
Working for us has great rewards:
- An annual bonus scheme based on our, and your, performance.
- Discount card – 10% discount off on your shopping at Sainsbury’s, Argos, Tu and Habitat after four weeks. This increases to 15% discount off at Sainsbury’s every Friday and Saturday and 15% off at Argos every pay day.
- Generous holiday entitlement, maternity and paternity leave.
- Pension – we’ll match 4-7.5% of your pension contributions.
- Sainsbury’s share scheme – build up an investment at discounted prices.
- Wellbeing support – access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice.
- Colleague networks – link with like‑minded people to help fulfil your potential.
- Cycle to Work scheme – hire a new bike and cycling equipment, whilst saving on tax and NI.
- Special offers on gym memberships, restaurants, holidays, retail vouchers and more.
An inclusive place to work and shop:
We are dedicated to being a truly inclusive retailer, where every colleague can achieve their full potential and every customer feels welcome when they shop with us. To support this commitment, our colleagues may be entitled to a range of enhanced discretionary leave for families, as well as support for carers. We provide our colleagues resources to help them understand and support their role and their team effectively. Our internal colleague networks seek to ensure true representation for everyone, helping us identify and remove barriers that our colleagues may face. We are proud to offer a range of development opportunities, including mentorship, training, and career progression pathways, to help our colleagues grow and succeed. We also celebrate diversity through various initiatives and events, fostering a culture of inclusion and respect.
If you would like to learn more about our commitment to inclusivity, please take a look here.
Should you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview stages, please let us know, and we will endeavour to support you.
Store Manager - Convenience - North Kent in London employer: Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Manager - Convenience - North Kent in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, mission, and recent news. This way, when you walk into that interview, you can show them you're not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on those key skills they’re looking for, like leadership and customer service. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! First impressions matter, so make sure you look the part. A smart outfit shows you mean business and are ready to take on the role of Store Manager with style.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! 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’d be a perfect fit for their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Store Manager - Convenience - North Kent in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've empowered teams and driven results in previous roles. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to lead and inspire others.
Focus on Customer Experience: Remember, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. In your application, share how you've improved customer journeys in past positions. We love hearing about innovative ideas you've implemented to enhance service and satisfaction.
Be Data-Driven: We appreciate candidates who use data to inform their decisions. In your written application, mention how you've used insights to improve performance or customer experience. This shows us you're not just a gut-feeling manager but someone who makes informed choices.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd
✨Know Your Store Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the specific store you’ll be managing. Research its location, customer demographics, and any recent news or changes. This shows your genuine interest and helps you discuss how you can improve operations and customer experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've empowered teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to motivate staff and drive performance while keeping customer satisfaction at the forefront.
✨Use Data to Your Advantage
Demonstrate your analytical skills by discussing how you’ve used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Whether it’s improving sales figures or enhancing customer service, being able to back up your strategies with data will impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare for HR Scenarios
Since the role involves navigating employee relations, brush up on HR policies and be ready to discuss how you’ve handled difficult situations, like dismissals or team conflicts. Showing that you can manage these challenges with care and consistency is crucial.