At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new store, inspire your team, and create an exceptional customer experience.
- Company: Whittard of Chelsea has been crafting delightful tea, coffee, and hot chocolate since 1886.
- Benefits: Enjoy a monthly product allowance, discretionary bonuses, and wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Shape a brand-new store culture and make a lasting impact from day one.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of retail management experience with a focus on customer service and team building.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment that values your contributions and offers tailored development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Be the First to Brew Something Extraordinary. Step into a role where elegance meets excitement, where discovery isn’t just what we deliver to customers but what we inspire in our teams. At Whittard of Chelsea, we’ve been crafting moments of exceptional tea, coffee, and hot chocolate adventure since 1886. Now, we’re opening the doors to a brand-new store at Bluewater Shopping Centre and we’re looking for a Store Manager to lead the charge. This is more than just managing a store. It’s about shaping the Whittard experience from day one and building something exceptional from the ground up.
A Day in the Life of a Whittard Store Manager: Imagine unlocking the doors for the very first time - shelves perfectly merchandised, the scent of freshly brewed samples in the air, and your brand-new team buzzing with anticipation. From day one, you’ll set the tone for a culture of warmth, expertise, and discovery. Every moment is yours to shape.
- Customer-Obsessed: You’ll set the gold standard from the get-go, ensuring every customer feels welcome and inspired. You’ll bring our products to life with storytelling, tasting, and enthusiasm - making our new store a destination, not just a shop.
- Performance-Driven: You’ll hit the ground running with clear goals and strong commercial instincts. From reading your daily KPIs to adapting layouts or testing new sampling strategies, you’ll bring sharp focus and fast action.
- Team Focused: You’ll recruit, train, and lead a brand-new team - instilling Whittard’s values and setting them up for success. With live coaching, regular check-ins, and plenty of recognition, you’ll create a supportive culture that inspires excellence.
- Operationally Sharp: As we launch, you’ll be hands-on in setting up new processes, managing initial deliveries, and embedding gold-standard retail routines. You’ll create a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment from the outset - always staying on top of health and safety and store standards.
- Locally Connected: With a new store comes a new community - you’ll build relationships, forge partnerships, and find creative ways to draw people in. Whether it’s a launch event or a tie-in with a local café, you’ll make sure everyone knows Whittard has arrived.
No two days will be the same - but each one is a chance to create a store your team and customers will love.
About The Applicant: Qualifications What Makes You Exceptional? We’re looking for someone who’s as excited as we are about bringing Whittard to a brand-new location:
- Leadership Experience: 2+ years of retail management experience, with a track record of building strong, service-focused teams.
- A Customer-Focused Mindset: Passionate about delivering stand-out service and building long-term customer loyalty.
- A Commercial Edge: Confident interpreting KPIs and making decisions that drive both performance and team engagement.
Further Information: Why Whittard? At Whittard, we believe our future is built by curious, passionate people—just like you. As a Store Manager launching a new store, you'll have the rare opportunity to leave your mark from day one. We’ll support your journey with tailored development, wellbeing initiatives, and a culture that celebrates your contributions. You’ll also enjoy:
- Monthly product allowance – a little perk with every pay cheque.
- Discretionary bonus scheme – because great work should be recognised.
- Wellbeing resources & family-friendly policies – because we care about the whole you.
- Opportunities to connect across stores and head office – be part of something bigger.
Whittard of Chelsea - Full Time Store Manager employer: The Learning Shop
Contact Detail:
The Learning Shop Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Whittard of Chelsea - Full Time Store Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Whittard of Chelsea's brand values and product range. Understanding their unique offerings will help you connect with the team and demonstrate your passion for their products during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully built and managed teams in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to inspire and motivate your team.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the local community around Bluewater Shopping Centre. Think about creative ways to engage with potential customers and how you can make Whittard a local destination, which will impress during your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with KPIs and how you've used data to drive performance in past roles. Being able to articulate your commercial edge will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Whittard of Chelsea - Full Time Store Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand what Whittard of Chelsea is looking for in a Store Manager. Highlight key responsibilities and qualifications that resonate with your experience.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your retail management experience, focusing on leadership roles and customer service achievements. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build strong teams and drive performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the brand and your vision for the new store. Mention how your skills align with their values of customer obsession, performance-driven mindset, and team focus.
Showcase Your Local Knowledge: In your application, mention any connections you have to the local community or ideas you have for engaging with customers in the new location. This will show your commitment to making the store a local destination.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Learning Shop
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
Whittard of Chelsea is all about creating exceptional customer experiences. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your customer-focused mindset and passion for service.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
With a requirement for 2+ years of retail management experience, it's crucial to discuss your leadership style. Talk about how you've built strong teams, provided coaching, and fostered a supportive culture. Use concrete examples to illustrate your success in these areas.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
As a Store Manager, you'll need to interpret KPIs and make data-driven decisions. Prepare to discuss how you've used performance metrics in the past to drive sales or improve team engagement. This will show that you have the commercial edge they are looking for.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Community Engagement
Whittard values local connections, so think about how you can draw in the community. Prepare ideas for potential partnerships or events that could help establish the new store as a local destination. This will showcase your creativity and commitment to building relationships.