At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to create exceptional customer experiences in a fast-paced café environment.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a growing brand with a rich heritage and a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, employee discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team that values diversity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping a people-first culture and driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in café management or similar roles, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham B15 2GW, UK
Job Description
- Posted Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 00:00
- Store Operations Manager – WHSmith/Costa
Assistant Store manager within a Barista environment preferred.
As Store Operations Manager, you will hold a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, leading your teams performance and creating an exceptional customer experience.
You are responsible for the day today running of the store to support the Multi-Site Store Manager to deliver the business trading plan.
What being a Store Operations Manager is all about
People
- Shaping and influencing the People Strategy to drive exceptional performance and embed a people-first culture across WHSmith Travel.
- Setting the cultural and behavioural standards for the Large Air Division, role-modelling company values.
- Inspiring and leading Store Managers through coaching, challenging and empowering them.
Creating an environment that encourages continuous development and show cases the best talent.
- Owning and delivering a robust talent strategy, collaborating with cross-functional teams to nurture future leaders and ensure succession plans are in place across all stores.
Working closely with the People Team to ensure the right tools are in place.
- Utilising one-to-one meetings and personal development plans to ensure every team member understands their role in the division.
- Engaging colleagues by creating a psychologically safe environment that fosters openness and idea-sharing.
Communication is a priority and your divisional engagement plan is designed to inspire and make a difference in colleagues’ lives.
- You embrace diversity and promote inclusivity, valuing the wellbeing of your team.
- Tackling people challenges with agility and resilience, coaching your team to collaborate with support functions and solve problems proactively.
- Mentoring peers with aspirations, dedicating time to nurturing others. You are recognised as a role model and an inspirational leader across the business.
Plan
- Driving a culture of commercial excellence, leveraging every opportunity to maximise sales, grow spend per passenger and adapt to seasonal and customer trends with energy and agility.
- You'll collaborate with commercial teams to shape future sales strategies.
- Harnessing the full potential of the In Motion format, driving a passion for selling, product knowledge and the customer experience.
You'll own and shape the customer selling strategy for future growth.
- Being accountable for safe and legal compliance, ensuring it’s understood and delivered by your team, coaching and empowering them to engage with support functions to achieve every day compliance.
- Monitoring operational targets and service level agreements with partners, positioning WHSmith as a trusted and valuable partner.
You will build connections with competitors to identify future risks and opportunities.
- Managing costs efficiently , ensuring expenditures stay within budget, and work with teams to shape annual budgets that maximise profit and productivity.
- Regularly updating leaders on operational performance, identifying risks with a solution-oriented mindset.
- Driving consistent performance across all stores, reducing variability and focusing on closing performance gaps through action and results-oriented leadership.
- Analysing data quickly and accurately to identify actions and communicate plans clearly.
You'll mentor other leaders to develop this skill and contribute to shaping future reporting practices.
- You'll have the agility to switch between formats and complexity easily and with confidence.
Customer
- You are credible and impactful when influencing others to drive a decision or change for the benefit of the customer and profitability.
- You'll empower your team to adopt this mindset promoting a culture of data-driven decision-making.
- You'll be obsessed with the customer experience, role modelling the importance of a world-class customer journey.
Everyone in your Division knows how to sell, manage queues and delight customers through friendly and helpful interactions.
- Supporting innovation by being a voice into the support centre, sharing ideas, feedback and collaborating on projects.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with landlords, demonstrating confidence and charisma that foster a sense of pride and trust.
Landlords see you as a go to tenant with excellent communication and rapport.
- Leading your large airport stores in hosting investor visits, show casing the best of WHSmith Travel and strengthening the company’s reputation as a partner of choice.
- Cultivating relationships with the communities where your stores operate, supporting local charities and schools to enhance brand awareness and reputation.
- Gaining a deep understanding of the market where your stores operate, and tailoring your approach to meet the unique needs of each customer.
Shaping the commercial team's strategy and actions to expand the product and service range to attract future customers and drive higher conversion rates.
How we reward our teams
We know you’ll work hard to make WH Smith a success and our customers happy, so as well as your salary, pension scheme, holidays (Management - 33 days including bank holidays) (Hourly paid 6.6 weeks including bank holidays) and employee discounts (up to 50%), we’ll reward you with a range of deals from retail partners that will help you save money and make memories, whether a delicious meal, an adventurous day out, or tickets to see the latest blockbuster.
Whatever the future brings, our Employee Assistance Programme will support you with help and guidance for your wellbeing whether physical, mental or financial.
About us
WHSmith has a remarkable heritage and we are growing particularly in our airports, hospitals, rail stations and motorway services.
Our aim is simple, to offer our products to everyone on any of life’s journeys.
Our In Motion brand, a leading digital accessories business, continues to grow and develop, offering an amazing customer experience with all the latest tech.
We have created great partnerships with the likes of M&S and Costa Coffee, ‘broaden our offering’ to our customers throughout the UK.
That’s why, as we continue our journey, our aim is simple: to make every one of life’s journeys better!
WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham B15 2GW, UK
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Cafe - Store Operations Manager employer: WHSmith Travel
WHSmith is an exceptional employer, particularly for the Multi-Site Store Manager role at Liverpool Airport, where you will lead a dynamic team across various store formats. We prioritise employee growth through tailored development plans and a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and open communication. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to wellbeing, WHSmith offers a rewarding environment where you can thrive while enhancing every journey for our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe - Store Operations Manager
✨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 WHSmith Travel. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to WHSmith Travel
Don't be shy about reaching out to WHSmith Travel 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 Cafe - Store Operations Manager
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 WHSmith Travel 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 WHSmith Travel
✨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!
