At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team, deliver exceptional customer service, and ensure smooth store operations.
- Company: Whittard of Chelsea, a beloved brand with a rich heritage in tea and coffee.
- Benefits: Monthly product allowance, bonus scheme, wellbeing resources, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and connection across stores and head office.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team, develop your leadership skills, and create memorable customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail management, strong leadership skills, and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
At Whittard of Chelsea, we’ve been inspiring moments of tea, coffee, and hot chocolate delight since 1886. Behind every store experience is a leadership team that brings our story to life through passion, performance, and pride. We’re now looking for a Retail Deputy Manager to support the Store Manager in delivering exceptional service, empowering a brilliant team, and helping the store run like clockwork.
A Day in the Life
- Customer Connection: You’ll lead from the front, welcoming customers, showcasing our range, and making the everyday feel extraordinary. You’ll coach your team to bring our products to life through storytelling, tastings, and memorable service moments.
- Team Leadership: From giving live feedback to managing rotas and motivating through the busy spells, you’ll set the tone for a positive and high-performing team culture. You’ll help induct, train, and develop colleagues, celebrating wins and building confidence every step of the way.
- Commercial Focus: You’ll track KPIs like conversion and ATV, and work with your Store Manager to spot trends, adapt your approach, and implement ideas that drive performance.
- Operational Efficiency: Stock counts, deliveries, H&S compliance—you’ll make sure the operational engine of the store is running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. You’ll also ensure the store looks brilliant and meets Whittard’s visual standards every day.
- Local Involvement: Whether it’s connecting with local businesses or supporting marketing activity, you’ll play a key role in building the store’s reputation and reach within the local community.
What Makes You Exceptional?
We’re looking for someone who’s ready to take their next step in leadership and do it with energy, confidence, and a love for retail. You’ll bring:
- Experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within a retail environment.
- A natural ability to coach, motivate, and lead by example.
- Strong commercial instincts, with confidence in reading reports and using data to influence daily decisions.
- A proactive mindset—someone who spots what needs doing and takes action.
- Great organisation and time management, juggling tasks while staying customer-focused.
- A genuine passion for creating brilliant customer experiences—and sharing your product knowledge with pride.
Why Whittard?
We’re proud of our heritage, but our focus is on the future—nurturing talent, building connection, and creating career paths for people who love what we do. As a Deputy Manager, you’ll get the support to grow your skills, lead your team, and take the next step when you’re ready. You’ll also enjoy:
- Monthly product allowance – a little treat 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.
Deputy Manager - Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth employer: Whittard Trading Limited
Contact Detail:
Whittard Trading Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager - Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out Whittard's social media and website to see how they engage with customers and their community. This will help you connect your experiences to their values during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Think of a few examples where you've led a team or created a memorable customer experience. We want to hear how you can bring Whittard's products to life through your own stories.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss KPIs and how you've used data in past roles. Show us that you can track performance and adapt strategies on the fly—this is key for a Deputy Manager role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Inquire about team dynamics, local involvement, or how they celebrate successes. This shows your genuine interest in being part of the Whittard family.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager - Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for retail shine through! We want to see how excited you are about creating brilliant customer experiences and leading a team. Share specific examples that highlight your enthusiasm for the role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Manager position. Highlight your supervisory experience and any relevant achievements in retail. We’re looking for someone who can lead by example, so showcase those leadership skills!
Be Data Savvy: Since we value a strong commercial focus, don’t forget to mention your experience with KPIs and data analysis. Show us how you've used data to drive performance in your previous roles—this will really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of the Whittard family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whittard Trading Limited
✨Know Your Whittard Story
Before the interview, dive into Whittard's history and values. Understanding their passion for tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will help you connect with the brand during your conversation. Be ready to share how you can embody that story in your role as Deputy Manager.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about times when you motivated your colleagues or solved challenges on the shop floor. Highlighting your coaching abilities will demonstrate that you're ready to support the Store Manager effectively.
✨Get Familiar with KPIs
Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to retail, like conversion rates and average transaction value. Be prepared to discuss how you would use data to drive performance and adapt strategies in real-time. This shows you're commercially savvy and ready to make an impact.
✨Emphasise Customer Experience
Think of specific instances where you've created memorable customer experiences. Whether it's through storytelling or product knowledge, be ready to share how you can elevate the customer journey at Whittard. Your passion for creating brilliant experiences will resonate well with the interviewers.