At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, inspire teams, and create memorable customer experiences.
- Company: Premium retail food environment with a focus on exceptional hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, performance rewards, and team development support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in County Down.
- Why this job: Be the heartbeat of a flagship location and drive growth in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in hospitality or retail, strong commercial awareness, and exceptional customer service skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About you
This role requires a charismatic, commercially aware leader who combines exceptional hospitality instincts with strong operational discipline. You will create memorable customer experiences, inspire high-performing teams and ensure the site delivers both outstanding service and strong commercial results. As the leader of our flagship location, you will bring personality, passion and presence while maintaining the standards that define the brand. You will be highly visible within the business, leading from the front, engaging with customers, motivating teams and helping create an environment that customers actively choose to return to.
The role acts as the conductor of operations and service, bringing together front-of-house teams, bakery counter operations and kitchen production to deliver a seamless customer experience while maintaining exceptional product quality and operational standards. Working closely with the General Manager, HR & Training Coordinator and Product Development Chef, the Shop Manager supports team development, product innovation, commercial growth and operational excellence across the site.
We're looking for someone who will become the heartbeat of the site - a visible, energetic and inspiring leader who creates loyal customers, develops exceptional teams and helps drive the next stage of growth.
- Proven leadership experience in premium hospitality, luxury retail, boutique food service, hotels, restaurants, cafés or customer experience-led environments
- Strong commercial awareness with evidence of driving sales, profitability and customer loyalty
- Exceptional customer service instincts and a naturally engaging, confident presence
- Ability to lead from the front in a fast-paced environment-visible, approachable and hands-on
- Pride in standards, presentation and accountability
- People leadership experience, including coaching and supporting team performance
- Flexible and adaptable working approach to match trading demands
- Comfortable with operational procedures, compliance and daily routines
Salary / Benefits
- £35k+ DOE
- Hours: 40hrs per week - Flexibility required
- Performance-based rewards (where applicable)
- Training, coaching and team development support
- Staff perks / benefits (where applicable)
- Supportive working environment with a strong leadership team
About your next employer
This is a high-visibility, customer-facing management role within a premium retail food environment. You will lead the day-to-day flow across the front-of-house and production areas, ensuring exceptional hospitality standards, strong operational discipline and solid commercial performance.
Nice to have skills
- Experience recruiting and onboarding team members
- Exposure to stock management, wastage reduction and cost control
- Creative input into merchandising, promotions and customer "wow moments"
- Good working knowledge of food safety, hygiene and health & safety requirements
Preferred education and experience
- Relevant hospitality/retail management background is preferred
- Experience managing teams in a customer-facing environment (management or assistant manager level and above)
Other requirements
- Availability to work flexibly, including during peak trading periods and seasonal demand
- Ability to support the business with an enthusiastic, hands-on presence during busy periods
What you'll do
- Lead the day-to-day operation, ensuring excellent service across the café floor, bakery counter and kitchen
- Set the tone on the shop floor-visible leadership, high energy and genuine customer engagement
- Inspire, coach and develop your team, supporting strong performance and a positive culture
- Drive commercial results by monitoring daily performance, supporting promotions and maximising sales opportunities
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and compliance, with readiness for hygiene inspections
- Bring personality to the floor, commercial focus to the numbers and leadership to the team-apply now to make the difference in County Down.
For further information on this job, apply via the link or contact the VANRATH office for a confidential chat today. Follow VANRATH on LinkedIn for expert career advice, the latest jobs, industry news and much more.
Shop Manager - County Down TLNT1_NI in Newtownards employer: VANRATH
Join a dynamic and supportive team in County Down, where your leadership will shine in a premium retail food environment. We offer a vibrant work culture that prioritises exceptional customer experiences, employee development, and operational excellence, alongside competitive benefits and performance-based rewards. As a Shop Manager, you'll not only inspire your team but also play a pivotal role in driving commercial success and creating loyal customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop Manager - County Down TLNT1_NI in Newtownards
✨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 VANRATH. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to VANRATH
Don't be shy about reaching out to VANRATH 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 Shop Manager - County Down TLNT1_NI in Newtownards
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 VANRATH 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 VANRATH
✨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!
