At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead store operations and support the Store Manager while driving performance and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join Sainsbury’s, a leading retailer passionate about food and customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, discounts, generous holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Perfect for those looking to develop leadership skills in a supportive environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in team leadership or retail management is preferred; tech-savvy and customer-focused individuals are encouraged.
- Other info: Flexible hours required; potential for career advancement within Sainsbury’s family.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
It’s time to focus – what do you want next in your career? If you want to stretch your operational management skills in a role that’s been carefully designed to allow you to concentrate on store operations, this is a perfect step forward. Our store management structures let you prioritise what you do best. That means you’ll have clear accountability for running the store and delivering for our customers and colleagues, allowing you to build your own confidence and capabilities.
What you’ll be doing
Our purpose is driven by our passion for food, together we serve and help every customer. Being the Deputy Store Manager in one of our larger, more complex stores means just that – leading the store in the Store Manager’s absence. You’ll be a visible leader on the shop floor, building trust and ensuring an inclusive culture. Your focus will be on store operations, steering your Lead Manager to solve the day-to-day issues, driving and improving store performance across a shift whilst also looking forward across the next few months using data and insights to identify priorities for achieving our Retail and Digital outcomes.
Who you are
We’re flexible about your career trajectory. Maybe you’re already leading a team with one of our competitors. Or perhaps you’re running a smaller operation, like a convenience store. Either way, you’re almost certainly at the point where you’re looking for the right step forward towards a Store Manager role of your own. What matters most is you – we don’t expect you to have all the answers from day one, but want to see that you’re motivated to develop, dedicated to bringing out the best in others and, like all of us, passionate about customer service. After all, that’s what our stores are all about. Tech skills are high on our list – we see ourselves as ahead of the curve (and the competition) when it comes to using data and digital apps to improve our in-store experience. You’ll need to be flexible too – essentially your job is to support and cover for the Store Manager, so your hours will often need to fit around theirs.
How you can develop
This role is part of a structure where everyone has the support and the opportunity to deliver excellence. You’ll be coached by your manager to deliver great performance, whilst having plenty of scope to develop. As a Deputy Store Manager you’ll be in prime position for a Store Manager role with us. You’ll also be well placed for a leadership challenge in head office or across the Sainsbury’s family: Habitat, Tu, Argos, Sainsbury’s Bank and Nectar 360. Trust us – we know how to make the most of your potential.
What we’ll give you
Salary will be dependent upon your experience as well as the store size, complexity and location. Alongside this, we also offer a great range of benefits for our managers, including:
- Private Healthcare – Eligible for single cover and to upgrade annually to family cover.
- Interest free car loan of up to £10,000.
- 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.
- Free food and hot drinks provided for Colleagues in all our stores.
- 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 rates.
- Wellbeing support – access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice.
- Colleague networks – link with like-minded people to help fulfil your potential.
- Our Cycle to Work scheme gives you the opportunity to hire a new bike and cycling equipment, whilst saving on tax and NI.
- Special offers on gym memberships, restaurants, holidays, retail vouchers and more.
Click ‘apply’ to start your Sainsbury’s journey.
Deputy Store Manager employer: Sainsbury's
Contact Detail:
Sainsbury's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Store Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific operational challenges faced by larger stores. Understanding the complexities of managing a bigger team and store will help you demonstrate your readiness for the Deputy Store Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you've successfully led a team or improved store performance. Be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your ability to motivate others and drive results.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your tech skills, especially in using data and digital tools to enhance customer experience. Being able to discuss how you've used technology to solve problems or improve operations will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your passion for customer service by preparing to discuss how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles. This will show that you align with our values and are committed to delivering an excellent shopping experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Store Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operational management and customer service. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held, especially in retail or similar environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and customer service. Mention specific examples of how you've improved store performance or led a team, showcasing your motivation to develop further.
Showcase Tech Skills: Since tech skills are important for this role, mention any experience you have with data analysis or digital applications that enhance the in-store experience. This will demonstrate your alignment with the company's forward-thinking approach.
Prepare for Interview Questions: Anticipate questions about your leadership style, how you handle challenges on the shop floor, and your approach to building an inclusive culture. Prepare examples that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and commitment to customer service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Store Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past, focusing on your leadership style and how you motivate others.
✨Understand Store Operations
Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of store operations, including inventory management, customer service, and performance metrics. Be ready to discuss how you can improve these areas based on your previous experience.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Passion
Since the role is heavily focused on customer service, be prepared to share your thoughts on what excellent customer service looks like. Highlight any relevant experiences where you went above and beyond for customers.
✨Be Tech-Savvy
With a focus on using data and digital tools, make sure to mention any relevant tech skills you possess. Discuss how you've used technology to enhance store performance or improve customer experiences in your previous roles.