At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create an unforgettable shopping experience for customers.
- Company: Join Dunelm, a leader in the UK homewares market with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous discounts, and 25 days holiday plus your birthday off.
- Other info: Flexible working options and outstanding development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Be the creative force that transforms shopping into a joyful experience.
- Qualifications: Management experience in retail or hospitality and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 14.76 - 14.76 £ per hour.
You’ll be a visual merchandiser and leader - you’ll be the one who brings it all to life for our customers.
You’ll lead a passionate team, keep standards sky-high and help create the kind of shopping experience customers love and colleagues feel proud of.
It’s a fast‑paced, hands‑on role that takes real energy and focus.
But when everything comes together and you see our customers’ joy and those sales climbing - it’s seriously rewarding.
We’re looking for someone who’s got an eye for detail, a love of good design, and the drive to keep things moving.
If you know how to make a space feel welcoming, know what sells, how to connect with our customers and aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves - we’d love to hear from you.
- Be customer obsessed - consistently consider the impact of your actions on the customer experience, and strive to deliver joyful experiences in the most effective and thoughtful way
- Promote a culture of upselling, coaching the team on how to guide customers to what they might love, boosting impulse buys and basket sizes
- Consistently deliver exceptional customer service to support strong CSAT (Customer Satisfaction) scores, ensuring every customer receives a welcoming, helpful, and memorable experience
- Keep energy levels high by building team spirit, celebrating wins (big and small), and being the positive energy that everyone needs
- Have a clear plan for each day, so everyone knows what they're doing and why it matters
- Check in with your team in wellbeing 121’s, progress and career conversations and support our store succession plan
- Support the Leadership Team in bringing the Engagement Action Plan to life
- Take ownership - be clear on the "why" behind what we’re doing and bring your team with you every step of the way
- Get out on the shopfloor every day with your Store Coach - spot wins, fix snags, and make sure the day runs smoothly
- Grow your team by coaching and mentoring - always be on the lookout for tomorrow’s leaders
- You are customer obsessed - you inspire your team to put customers first and lead by example in every interaction
- You’ve got some solid management experience under your belt, ideally in a customer‑facing role like retail or hospitality, where rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in was all part of the job
- You know how to boost business performance and smash KPIs, all while keeping the store looking its best
- You’re passionate about creating brilliant shopping experiences that customers remember
- You’re a true team player, someone who knows how to communicate clearly, build strong connections, and lead a happy, high‑performing team
We’re not after a carbon copy of anyone else.
We want people who bring something new to the table - different perspectives, fresh ideas, and a shared love of making our stores feel like home.
D&I statement Dunelm is committed to becoming an inclusive business that is representative of our customers and locations.
We recognise the value in diversity and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, religion, disability, gender or sexual identity, socio‑economic background or education.
We are committed to making Dunelm a place where everyone can enjoy a successful career and have systems in place to support all our colleagues.
We are seeking applications from candidates who share our values and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Our commitment to you Accessibility allows everyone to have an equitable chance when applying and showing off their potential, which helps us create a more inclusive and diverse team that brings fresh ideas and perspectives.
Should you need it, we have an accessibility tool available in the top menu to support you when you’re completing your application.
If you require any other reasonable adjustments during the application and assessment process, reach out to your recruitment partner.
Work your way We have adapted our ways of working to make sure everyone can feel at home, wherever they work.
For most roles, we offer flexible working options.
In our stores, they include opportunities to work on a part‑time basis, seasonal contracts, or adjusted hours to accommodate the important things in your life outside work
Wellbeing is more than just a buzzword here From our Wellbeing Buddies and Mental Health First Aid training to our progressive parental leave, menopause policies and Colleague Support Fund, we’re committed to supporting our colleagues in every area - and at every stage - of their lives.
Through our partnership with the Retail Trust, everyone at Dunelm has free access to a 24/7 Virtual GP, as well as therapy and counselling, plus information, guidance and advice in all areas of financial, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Taking opportunities Meet Amanda, our Chief Stores and People Director, who shares how she feels empowered to take opportunities every day, why Dunelm is her happy place, and why it’s a really exciting time to join us.
Look in our toy box Of course, you should never judge a business by its tech stack.
But take a peek at the range of technologies our engineers and developers are currently playing with.
Dazzling design At Dunelm, we love every aspect of the design process.
We’re continually researching new developments in packaging, materials and production methods, tapping into new data insights and keeping track of changing lifestyle trends.
We’re hugely collaborative in the way we work.
Together, the teams here have a direct impact on our success, creating amazing products that drive sales and delight our customers, as well as providing direction for our wide and varied range of brands.
- Thrive, our learning and skills platform which gives you a blended, bite‑sized, social learning experience with learning relevant to your role
- Our Step Up programme which is designed to prepare you for a Team Leader role
- Personal Effectiveness workshops and self‑led learning, also delivered through Thrive
- Apprenticeships opportunities relevant to your role - from level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) through to Level 7 (equivalent to Masters)
- Colleague Development Fund to support colleagues in accessing external training relevant to your role
- Coaching and mentoring opportunities to support you in your current role and help you prepare for the next Functional academies that offer training to support you in the technical aspects of your role
- Self‑awareness tools to help you understand what really matters to you, and where your own talents and ambitions lie
- Our Enterprise Leadership Programme designed specifically for our strong growth potential
- Heads of Department to help them reach the next level in their career
- Our INSPIRE Programme designed for our strong growth potential senior managers across the business to enhance their leadership capability
Today, Dunelm is a leader in the £11bn UK homewares market.
With over 200 stores across the country and a successful online operation - dunelm. com - we offer over 60,000 products across a broad range of categories.
But where did it all begin?
- Salary Equivalent - £30,703.67 plus overtime. This is a minimum 40hrs per week position.
- We take real pride in our shop floor - it’s where our customers fall in love with our products.
You’ll be the creative force behind that joy.
You’ll turn every shelf, display, and corner into an experience that delights, inspires, and makes shopping feel effortless.
- Along with competitive rates of pay, we offer a range of other great benefits to help you make your money go further.
- 25 days annual holiday plus your birthday off to celebrate, and another day when you move home, so you can get settled in
- Generous discounts on all our own products, in-store and online to help you make your house a home
- Instant discounts with a range of other companies to help you stretch your budget
- Salary Advance so you can access up to 50% of the money you’ve earned during the month, rather than having to wait until pay day
- Outstanding development opportunities and all the support you need to grow your career the way you want
- Cycle to work scheme to help you keep your fitness up and your travel costs down
Team Leader - Stores in Southampton employer: Today, Dunelm
Dunelm is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its colleagues, offering a vibrant work culture where inclusivity and engagement are at the forefront. With a strong commitment to employee growth through tailored training programmes and flexible working options, you will thrive in a supportive environment that champions innovation and customer satisfaction. Located at the heart of the UK homewares market, Dunelm provides a dynamic setting for those passionate about logistics and delivering outstanding service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader - Stores in Southampton
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Today, Dunelm, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Today, Dunelm!
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader - Stores in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Today, Dunelm, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Today, Dunelm and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Today, Dunelm that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Today, Dunelm
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
