At a Glance
- Tasks: Support retail sales, manage the shop floor, and inspire your team.
- Company: Join The Whisky Exchange, a leading online retailer for whisky and fine spirits.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, product education, and 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, diverse culture, and great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team in the exciting drinks industry.
- Qualifications: Previous supervisory experience and a passion for spirits are preferred.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
About Us
The Whisky Exchange is a world-leading specialist online retailer for whisky and fine and rare spirits. We have three shops in central London, a range of flagship shows and events, and an award-winning curated selection of Old & Rare, own-label and exclusive whiskies and spirits. We have an on-trade team supplying the best bars, restaurants, hotels and luxury retailers in the UK (The Whisky Exchange Trade), and a specialist auction platform (Whisky.Auction). Together as One Team we serve a global community of whisky drinkers, fuelled by an enthusiasm for discovering and collecting.
About the Role
As a Duty Manager your primary role is to support the retail sales team objectives and day-to-day shop activities, encompassing floor management, team supervision and merchandising. You'll ensure the smooth running of retail operations, motivate others, and inspire a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a first-class communicator with a passion for drinks and an eagerness to learn. The role involves moving, stretching, lifting, bending and carrying of boxes and materials.
Key Responsibilities
- Operations/Floor Management: Opening and closing the premises. End of day procedures and ensuring accurate cash management. Assisting with in-store tastings and events and anticipating potential requirements. Customer service, sales and shop floor activities as required to maintain exceptional standards. Processing refunds, exchanges and handling customer queries. Ensuring all health and safety requirements are met and making corrections where necessary. Weekly banking management and sales performance reports.
- Stock and Merchandising: Assist with back-office operations including stock management, pricing and offers on Defacto. Ensure that retail and stock room spaces are maintained to professional standard. Monitoring, replacing and updating visual merchandising displays.
- Product Knowledge and Personal Development: Continual development of product awareness and understanding for new and existing ranges. Liaising with brand representatives as required. Supporting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Team Supervision: Prepare and distribute weekly/monthly tasks and DLC to Spirits Advisors. Monitor and motivate Spirits Advisors to work towards store targets. Maximise shopper engagement. Maintain exceptional customer service standards. Assist with product knowledge development of other team members.
Job Requirements
- Must have flexibility to work shift patterns during weekdays and weekends.
- Fluent written and spoken English.
- Professional manner and tidy appearance.
- Previous experience in the drinks industry is desirable but not essential.
About You
Our ideal candidate is someone who has:
- Previous supervisory experience.
- Passion for spirits, and the drinks industry in general.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- A strong sales track record and able to transfer skills to the drinks sector.
- Excellent team working skills.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication skills and ability to enthuse and motivate others.
- The ability to effectively prioritise and delegate tasks.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
The Way We Perform
Our values: Grounded in the real, Passion for challenge, Fiercely authentic, Connected beyond borders.
Our behaviours: We collaborate, We deliver results efficiently, We grow diverse teams, We are consumer and customer centric, We foster growth mindset, We drive engagement.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The responsibilities associated with this job will change from time to time in accordance with the business needs of Speciality Drinks. More specifically, the incumbent may be required to perform additional and/or different responsibilities from those set forth above.
Benefits of joining The Whisky Exchange
- Fun Stuff: Staff Discount at The Whisky Exchange | Tastings | Product Education | Access to Events | Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Serious Stuff: EAP | Great Parental Leave Policies | Life Cover | Private Medical Insurance.
- Feel Good Stuff: S&R Initiatives | Career Development | Responsib'All Day | Employee Networks | Flexi Work | 33 Days Holiday (including Bank Holidays).
We're committed to diversity and inclusion. We promote diversity and inclusion throughout our business. In our teams, we proactively foster a diverse work force and an inclusive culture - an environment where we can truly be ourselves. We will assess your application for this role based on your skills, experiences and achievements, not your gender, age, ethnic or educational background or any other such factors. Please feel free to leave these off your CV and application form if you so wish.
Duty Manager in London employer: The Whisky Exchange
The Whisky Exchange is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Park Royal where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team while shaping a diverse spirits portfolio, all within a culture that values sustainability and compliance. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to excellence in the spirits industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Manager in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Whisky Exchange. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Whisky Exchange
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Whisky Exchange directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Duty Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Whisky Exchange and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Whisky Exchange
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!