At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant Costa Cafe, driving performance and creating an exceptional customer experience.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a dynamic company committed to making every journey better.
- Benefits: Earn up to £38,500, enjoy 33 days holiday, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a growing brand while fostering a culture of inclusion and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for customer service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Single Site Store Manager – Costa Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
An Exciting opportunity to run our newly opening Costa Cafe.
At WHSmith/Costa, our mission is clear: to make every journey better, with our people, customers, and partners at the heart of everything we do.
As a Single Site Store Manager, you will lead your store’s performance, driving growth and success through effective leadership, operational excellence, and a customer-first mindset.
What being a Single Site Store Manager is all about: People: Collaborating with other stores within your group to achieve business objectives, sharing insights, successes, and strategies.
Coaching and developing your store team, identifying and nurturing talent for key roles.
Advocating for the colleague voice, ensuring open communication and sharing ideas with your team and manager.
Supporting and embedding the Group Engagement Plan, keeping your team engaged and aligned with business goals.
Ensuring compliance with HR processes and policies with guidance from Employee Advisors and your manager.
Overseeing mandatory training completion and providing new starters with an effective and welcoming induction experience.
Fostering a culture of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, ensuring everyone feels valued and able to be themselves at work.
Plan: Identifying sales-driving opportunities using data insights and collaborating with your manager to implement proactive solutions.
Ensuring store activities are executed on time and in line with brand guidelines and supplier compliance through effective planning and communication.
Maintaining a safe and legally compliant work environment by adhering to all Health & Safety and legal requirements.
Managing cash and shrink processes, ensuring adequate food supply and minimising waste while addressing areas of loss.
Overseeing day-to-day store operations, ensuring operational excellence through consistent best practices.
Supporting your manager in delivering key performance indicators (KPIs), resolving any performance issues with SMART actions.
Customer: Role modelling exceptional customer service and creating a customer-first culture, ensuring a welcoming and efficient environment.
Managing queues, upselling products, and making your store the go-to choice for food and beverages.
Maintaining consistently high standards across your store, using the operational booklet (or equivalent) effectively.
Taking full accountability for colleague productivity, stock availability, and overall store performance to enhance the customer experience.
Coaching and training your team to grow sales by focusing on key metrics like spend per passenger, average transaction value (ATV), and transaction volumes.
How we reward our teams: Competitive salary of up to £38,500, pension scheme, and 33 days holiday (including bank holidays).
Employee discounts (up to 50%) and deals from retail partners for savings on dining, entertainment, and more.
Employee Assistance Programme to support physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
About WHSmith: With a rich heritage, WHSmith continues to grow, particularly in airports, hospitals, rail stations, and motorway services.
Our In Motion brand is leading the way in digital accessories, offering an exceptional customer experience.
We have established strong partnerships with brands like M&S and Costa Coffee to broaden our customer offerings across the UK.
As we grow, our mission remains simple: to make every journey better.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer, where our colleagues are welcome and free to be themselves.
Cafe - Store Manager in Birmingham employer: WHSmith
WHSmith is an excellent employer, particularly for those seeking a rewarding role in the vibrant environment of an airport. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer competitive benefits including a pension scheme, paid annual leave, and exclusive discounts, all while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that encourages personal growth and teamwork. Join us to be part of a company that values your contributions and is dedicated to making every journey better for our customers and colleagues alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe - Store Manager in Birmingham
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to WHSmith
Don't be shy about reaching out to WHSmith 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 Manager in Birmingham
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 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
✨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!