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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver exceptional customer experiences and operational excellence.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a growing brand with a rich heritage in retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, employee discounts, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Retail leadership experience and a passion for team development are essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for growth in an inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Location - Marks and Spencer Ealing Broadway Station
Contracted hours - 39
Shift pattern - Fully flexible covering weekends too.
Store operating hours - 05:00 to 22:30 Monday to Friday and 06:00 to 21:30 Saturday and Sunday
As a Deputy Manager, you will hold a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, leading your team's performance and creating an exceptional customer experience. You are responsible for the day-to-day running of the store to support the Store Manager to deliver the business trading plan.
What being a Deputy Manager is all about:
- Guiding, engaging and supporting your team to deliver excellent standards and results in line with the Trading plan
- Creating a culture of learning, support and recognition - spotting opportunities for development of personal skills, product knowledge and self-awareness to support our colleagues in an environment where everyone feels valued and welcome
- Creating a sense of pride within the store to ensure both colleagues and customer facilities are of a good standard, and that we are operating safely and legally.
What our Store Leadership Team would love to see:
- Current/recent retail (or similar) leadership experience (preferably in a fast-paced environment) with working knowledge of KPI’s such as ATV.
- Experience of proactively leading from the front, getting stuck in, and helping your team on the shop floor
- Flexibility of approach that will allow you to support other stores in the area when needed
- Ability to build strong relationships and communicate clearly and engagingly at all levels of seniority
- Experience of supporting employee training and development, and motivating teams adopting an ‘engage’ rather than ‘tell’ approach
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 InMotion 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.
Deputy Manager employer: WHSmith
Contact Detail:
WHSmith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out WHSmith's social media and website. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you connect with the team and show you're a great fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team or improved performance. Be ready to share these during your interview to demonstrate your experience and how you can drive operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your flexibility! Since the role requires covering weekends and supporting other stores, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. This will highlight your commitment to the team and the business.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, ask about team dynamics or training opportunities. This shows your interest in developing others and creating a supportive environment, which is key for a Deputy Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've guided teams in the past and created a positive environment. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to motivate and engage others!
Be Flexible and Adaptable: Since the role requires flexibility, mention any experiences where you've had to adapt quickly to changing situations. We love candidates who can jump in and support different stores when needed, so share those stories!
Focus on Customer Experience: As a Deputy Manager, creating an exceptional customer experience is key. In your application, talk about how you've improved customer satisfaction in previous roles. We want to know how you’ve made a difference for customers and your team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at WHSmith!
How to prepare for a job interview at WHSmith
✨Know Your Store Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Marks and Spencer's values, products, and customer service standards. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of what it means to create an exceptional customer experience and how you can contribute to operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team, motivated colleagues, or improved performance. Highlight your ability to engage and support your team, as this is crucial for the Deputy Manager role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and flexibility. Prepare scenarios where you had to adapt quickly or resolve conflicts on the shop floor. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the fast-paced environment and lead from the front.
✨Emphasise Training and Development
Since supporting employee training and development is key, come prepared with ideas on how you would foster a culture of learning within the store. Share any past experiences where you’ve successfully trained or mentored team members, showcasing your commitment to their growth.