Branch Manager

East of England Co-op; Colchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

East of England Co-op in Colchester is seeking an experienced Branch Manager to lead a Food Store with a strong focus on service, compliance and performance. You will be accountable for KPIs such as sales, margin and cost targets, while creating a positive environment for colleagues to excel.

You will build and lead a capable team, manage budgets and drive customer and member experience across the store network. The role requires flexibility, leadership, and a commitment to community values.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within retail, hospitality or a customer-focused environment.
• Strong commercial awareness, including budgeting and performance management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interpret data and use insight to drive decisions.
• A collaborative, adaptable approach with strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of outstanding customer service, driving engagement and loyalty.
• Manage branch operational and financial performance, including budgets and profitability.
• Build and lead a high-performing team through recruitment and development.
• Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory and internal standards (health & safety, age-related sales).
• Act as Designated Premises Supervisor for the branch (APLH training provided).
• Work flexibly across branches to support wider business needs.
• Champion continuous improvement and personal development opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Retail experience

Budgeting

Data interpretation

Communication

Team development

Change management

Customer service

Job description

Working Pattern: 5 days over 7 (including evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays)

Reporting to: Cluster Lead

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Branch Manager to lead the consistent delivery of high standards of service, compliance and operational performance within one of our Food Stores.

You will be accountable for achieving key performance indicators, including sales, margin and cost targets, while creating a positive and engaging environment where colleagues can perform at their best. As a visible and inspirational leader, you will build strong teams, develop capability and ensure your branch delivers an excellent experience for customers and members alike.

Working at Our Co-op means collaborating across food stores, forecourts and post offices to deliver seamless operations and strong community impact. You will be part of a values-led organisation with a shared ambition to be the best at what we do across the East of England.

About the Team

Our Food Stores team is the commercial heart of Our Co-op. As an independent retailer, our food business plays a critical role in delivering sustainable growth, supporting our communities and upholding our co-operative values.

The team is passionate about:

• Delivering consistently high-quality service
• Creating welcoming, community-focused stores
• Supporting local sourcing and sustainability
• Continual improvement and innovation

You will join a supportive, high-accountability environment where your contribution is valued, and your leadership will make a tangible difference.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the delivery of outstanding customer service, driving engagement, loyalty and positive shopping experiences
• Manage the operational and financial performance of the branch, including budgets, stock control, waste reduction and profitability
• Build, develop and lead a high-performing team through effective recruitment, performance management and colleague development
• Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory and internal standards, including health & safety and age-related sales
• Act as Designated Premises Supervisor for the branch (APLH training provided)
• Work flexibly across branches when required to support wider business needs
• Champion continuous improvement and actively engage with personal development opportunities

What You’ll Need

• Proven leadership experience within retail, hospitality or a customer-focused environment
• Strong commercial awareness, including budgeting and performance management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interpret data and use insight to drive decisions
• A collaborative, adaptable approach with strong problem-solving skills
• Confidence managing change and leading teams through challenge

Working Pattern & Requirements

• 5 days over 7, including a minimum of 8 Sundays, 30 evening shifts and some Bank Holidays per year
• Flexibility to cover other branches is a fundamental requirement
• Some roles may be subject to licence and background checks (you will be advised if applicable)
• Working patterns are non-contractual and may change in line with business needs

Why Join Us?

At Our Co-op, we are proud to be a values-led organisation that puts people and communities at the heart of everything we do. As a Branch Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a genuine impact; shaping colleague experience, strengthening community relationships and driving performance across your branch.