Deputy Manager - Chelmsford

Iceland Foods; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount

33 days holiday

Christmas vouchers

Refer a Friend

Saving schemes

Long service awards

Healthcare plan

Grocery Aid

Career progression

Inclusive environment

Job summary

Iceland Foods is seeking a committed Deputy Manager to work with the Store Manager, driving profit and ensuring smooth store operations every day. You will lead and develop the team, maintain exceptional customer service, manage stock and costs, and uphold health, safety and policy standards across the store.

In this role you will coach colleagues, monitor KPIs, and implement the company’s One Best Way processes to deliver consistent results, while fostering an inclusive, supportive work

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a retail management role.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage priorities.
• Customer-focused with a passion for delivering outstanding service.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Flexibility to work across different stores.

Responsibilities

• Maximise store profit by reviewing sales, operations and performance weekly and driving actions.
• Lead and develop the team, communicate effectively, and foster a culture of respect and inclusion.
• Ensure daily store walks, adherence to cash handling and security policies, and delivery of the One Best Way processes.
• Take accountability for store operation in the Store Manager's absence and coach performance.

Skills

Retail management

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Job description

We understand that success is achieved through our people, and we are searching for a committed and passionate Deputy Manager to join our growing business. As Deputy Manager you will work in collaboration with the Store Manager to maximise profit, lead the team, deliver a seamless operation and ensure the success of our store. Key responsibilities include: Maximise profit:

Maximise profit

• Play an active role in all areas of store performance, reviewing sales, operations, and digital performance weekly to identify priorities and drive actions to improve results.
• Focus on delivering great availability and cost controls through excellent processes.
• Create a culture of "sell a £, save a £" to maximise store sales and profit.
• Deliver on all agreed KPIs.

Engage, develop & retain great people

• Support the Store Manager with Talking Shop and work well with the Talking Shop representative.
• Drive team engagement by communicating effectively and showing appreciation and respect for every team member.
• Foster an inclusive culture where everyone can be their best at work.
• Take a proactive approach to upskilling the team using all available resources, development options, and on-the-job coaching to grow talent and improve capability.
• Manage the team effectively using performance processes and continuous conversations.

Doing the right processes and doing them right

• Ensure a store walk is completed daily to focus on what the customer sees and take relevant action.
• Role model a proactive approach to service, both in-store and at the doorstep, always aiming to be the best place to shop.
• Ensure all cash handling and security policies and processes are fully implemented in the store.
• Deliver the best digital service by implementing all "One Best Way" processes in the store through the team.
• Ensure legal compliance across all areas to minimise any risk to the business.
• Implement all health and safety policies and processes fully in the store, keeping teams and customers safe.

Leadership

• Lead by example to get the best from the team and provide the best service to customers.
• Be approachable and respectful to customers and colleagues.
• Work together with enthusiasm and take action to reduce waste.
• Show consideration for the business and its people.
• Take full responsibility for the store operation, colleagues, and customers in the Store Manager's absence.
• Communicate effectively, having regular conversations and listening to understand.
• Plan in advance, prioritising key tasks and activities.
• Set the pace of the team by being hands-on to deliver a great store.
• Solve problems by making the right decisions for the store.
• Coach the team by asking the right questions to drive performance and help them be their best.
• Delegate tasks at the right time to the right colleagues.
• Motivate the team to deliver consistent operational standards.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a retail management role.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage priorities.
• Customer-focused with a passion for delivering outstanding service.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Flexibility to work across different stores.

Benefits

• 15% discount in all Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores.
• 33 days holiday (including Bank Holidays).
• Christmas vouchers - increasing with length of service.
• Refer a Friend scheme.
• Christmas saving schemes.
• Long service awards.
• Option to join a healthcare plan.
• Grocery Aid for free and confidential financial, emotional and practical support.
• Clear career pathways with opportunities for development and progression.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment.