Job Review: Team Manager, Waitrose**

This Team Manager role within Waitrose presents an exciting opportunity for experienced leaders to significantly impact both customer experience and business performance. As a Partner-led organisation, the John Lewis Partnership offers a unique ownership model, meaning you're not just an employee, but a co-owner with a stake in the company's success. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about retail, driven by service excellence, and eager to foster a thriving team environment.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Ownership and Rewards: As a Partner, you share in the profits and successes of the UK's largest employee-owned business. This translates to a tangible benefit and a sense of investment in your work.
• Customer-Centric Culture: Waitrose is renowned for its "Partner-led, customer service." If you're passionate about food and dedicated to creating memorable experiences for customers, this role allows you to embody and champion these values.
• Leadership Development: This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll directly influence your team's performance. You'll gain valuable experience in motivating, developing, and managing people within a fast-paced retail setting.
• Comprehensive Operational Oversight: The role involves overseeing the day-to-day running of the shop, offering a holistic view of retail operations. This includes commercial acumen for sales and profit maximisation, alongside essential areas like stock management, merchandising, and legal compliance.
• Nights Premium: For those who join from 5th October and are enrolled in Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements, there's an attractive Night Premium of £4.50 per hour for time worked between 22:00 and 06:00. This can significantly boost earnings for those comfortable with night shifts.
• Focus on Culture: A key responsibility is to "Create a supportive culture of care, belonging, pace and productivity." This highlights the Partnership's commitment to employee well-being and a positive working environment.
• Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: The Partnership actively supports flexible working arrangements, including potential for flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts. Discussions about this can take place during the interview process.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Be prepared for a dynamic and demanding retail setting. The role requires resilience and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Shift Work: The role is full-time (37.5 hours) and requires flexibility, including early starts, late finishes, evenings, and weekends. This is essential for covering all operational hours.
• People Management Depth: Beyond day-to-day task management, you'll be involved in people-related tasks such as holiday organising and absence management. Experience in supporting disciplinary and grievance processes is desirable and can be a significant advantage.
• Regulatory and Compliance Awareness: While not always essential, experience with regulatory compliance and holding qualifications like a Personal Licence or Food Hygiene Level 3 would be highly beneficial, demonstrating a proactive approach to store operations.
• Geographic Mobility: Successful candidates must be willing and able to work in any of the 5 listed locations.
• Vetting Requirements: Be aware that some roles are subject to pre-employment vetting, which may include DBS checks. Prompt completion of any required documentation is encouraged to avoid delays.

This Team Manager position at Waitrose offers a rewarding career path for individuals who are passionate about retail, customer service, and leadership within an employee-owned business. By embracing the challenges and opportunities, you can contribute to the ongoing success of a cherished brand and truly "THRIVE" as a Partner.