Deputy Branch Manager

John Lewis Partnership; Witney; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading employee-owned business in the UK, John Lewis Partnership, is seeking a Deputy Branch Manager for Waitrose in Witney. This role involves exceptional leadership to enhance customer experiences and drive sales in a vibrant retail environment. If you're passionate about retail and have a track record of managing teams effectively, join a Partnership that values diversity and provides an inspiring workplace.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Employee ownership and benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced, customer-centric leadership role.
• Proven track record in driving sales and service targets.
• Demonstrable passion for understanding retail dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the management team to foster a positive culture.
• Deputise for the Branch Manager, ensuring operational excellence.
• Drive commercial success through customer engagement and service.

Skills

Passion for retail

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Job description

About the role

As a Deputy Branch Manager in Waitrose, you'll ensure that every customer who visits your shop has an exceptional shopping experience. Use your outstanding leadership skills to inspire and develop your team of Partners.

You'll contribute to the Partnership's overall performance by being a positive role model in delivering outstanding Partner-led customer service that is distinctively Waitrose, passionate Partners serving food lovers. Help maximize every sales opportunity and improve commercial results.

Key Responsibilities

On a day-to-day basis, you'll be responsible for:

1. Supporting the Branch Manager by leading and developing a team of managers to create an inspiring and supportive working culture for Partners, fostering a world-class shopping experience for customers.
2. Deputising for the Branch Manager in their absence, ensuring excellent commercial, operational, and people leadership for the shop and your specific areas of focus.
3. Demonstrating a passion for retail and using your knowledge to drive commercial success.
4. Being an ambassador for the Partnership and its values through exceptional communication and engagement with customers, local business groups, community leaders, and Partners.
5. Committing to the delivery of the Partnership's Diversity & Inclusion strategy by recruiting and developing a diverse team.
6. Approaching change and adversity with resilience and supporting your teams through these moments.

Essential skills/experience you'll need

1. Demonstrable passion for and understanding of retail.
2. Experience in a fast-paced, customer-centric leadership role, responsible for developing large teams and driving sales, profit, and service targets.
3. A proven track record of identifying and delivering commercial opportunities and outcomes.
4. Experience in continuous improvement, using data and insights to develop long-term strategies.
5. Stakeholder management, influencing, and persuasion skills to support trade in your shop.
6. Regulatory compliance management.

Desirable skills/experience you may have

1. Personal Licence Holder.
2. Food Hygiene Level 3.
3. Strong understanding and experience of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, learning and development, disciplinary, and grievance procedures.
4. Understanding of food retail and the competitive landscape.

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About The Partnership

We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees; we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to the future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

We’re focused on being brilliant at retail, continuously innovating, adapting, and diversifying. We remain committed to price, quality, and service excellence in John Lewis and passionately serving food lovers in Waitrose.

As Partners, we share ownership and its rewards. We contribute to our success, working together through good and challenging times, and uphold our values of kindness and respect.

We all own making the Partnership a place where everyone belongs. We embrace differences and create an environment where we can be ourselves and thrive, growing individually and collectively.

As Partners, we make a difference. And we all own it.

Important points to note:

Some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks. If applicable, you'll be informed during the recruitment process. DBS checks will be carried out by a registered third-party body, and financial probity checks may also be required.

We recommend applying promptly, as vacancies may close early if we receive many applications.

We support flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts. Please discuss this during your interview.