Team Manager reference: R-185051

This review is designed to offer potential candidates a clear and insightful perspective on the Team Manager opportunity within Waitrose, guiding them in their career aspirations.

Opportunity Overview: Team Manager, Waitrose

This Team Manager role at Waitrose presents a dynamic and rewarding opportunity for experienced leaders to shape exceptional customer experiences and drive business success. As a pivotal member of the Waitrose team, you will be instrumental in fostering a culture of outstanding partner-led service, embodying the brand's commitment to passionate food lovers.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Brand Legacy and Purpose: Join a renowned UK employee-owned business, the John Lewis Partnership, with a clear purpose to build a happier world. This ownership model means you are not just an employee, but a Partner, sharing in the rewards and responsibilities of success.
• Impactful Leadership: Directly influence your team's performance and customer interactions. Your leadership will be the cornerstone of the customer's impression, fostering loyalty and repeat business.
• Commercial Acumen Development: This role offers the chance to hone your commercial skills by actively maximizing sales and profit, while diligently minimizing wastage and ensuring operational efficiency.
• People Development: Grow your people management expertise through leading, inspiring, and supporting your team. This includes managing crucial HR aspects like holiday planning and absence management, alongside fostering a supportive culture of care, belonging, pace, and productivity.
• Change Management Experience: Be at the forefront of driving and embedding change within your shop, developing your resilience and ability to lead partners through evolving retail landscapes.
• Competitive Remuneration and Benefits: With an annual salary ranging from £30,500.00 to £42,500.00, this permanent, full-time position offers a strong financial foundation. Additionally, the introduction of a Night Premium (£4.50 per hour for time worked between 22:00-06:00 from October 5th) can enhance earnings for those working overnight shifts.
• Career Growth: The role is positioned at Partnership Level 8, indicating a significant level of responsibility and potential for future advancement within the wider John Lewis Partnership.
• Flexible Working Considerations: While the role requires flexibility including early starts, late finishes, evenings, and weekends, the Partnership is committed to supporting good work-life balance and offers discussions around flexible working arrangements.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Be prepared for a high-energy, fast-paced retail setting where you may oversee the entire day-to-day operation of the shop.
• Full-Time Commitment: This is a full-time role requiring 37.5 hours per week, with the expectation of working a varied schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
• Essential Skillset: Candidates must possess demonstrable experience in leading teams in a customer-focused, fast-paced environment, strong people management skills, and a genuine passion for retail. Resilience and advanced communication skills are also crucial.
• Desirable Qualifications: While not mandatory, experience with disciplinary and grievance processes, regulatory compliance, holding a Personal Licence, and Food Hygiene Level 3 certification would be advantageous.
• Vetting Requirements: Be aware that some roles may be subject to pre-employment vetting, including potential DBS checks and financial probity checks. Prompt completion of these documents is encouraged to avoid delays.
• Application Timeline: It is advisable to apply promptly as vacancies can close early due to high applicant interest.

This Team Manager position offers a unique chance to lead within a respected retail brand, contribute to a strong organizational culture, and directly impact the success of a Waitrose shop. For individuals with a passion for leadership, excellent customer service, and a desire to be part of an employee-owned business, this role is a compelling career step.