Deputy Manager – Manchester Trafford

Whittard Trading Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in specialty tea and coffee is opening a new store in Manchester. They are seeking a Deputy Manager to help shape the store from the ground up, ensuring an excellent customer experience while managing a team effectively. This role requires strong leadership and organizational skills, making it a perfect opportunity for someone eager to take charge in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Monthly product allowance

Discretionary bonus scheme

Wellbeing resources & family-friendly policies

Opportunities to connect across stores

Qualifications

• Proven supervisory or assistant management experience in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to interpret performance data.
• Outstanding organisational skills and a calm approach during busy trading periods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team to ensure exceptional customer service from day one.
• Support recruitment and training of new team members.
• Ensure all operational details are ready for a smooth launch.

Skills

Leadership

Customer experience

Organisational skills

Commercial awareness

Job description

At Whittard of Chelsea, we’ve been curating moments of joy through our tea, coffee and hot chocolate since 1886. Now, we’re opening the doors to a brand-new store at Manchester Trafford Centre and we’re looking for a Deputy Manager to help lead the charge.

This isn’t just any Deputy Manager role. It’s your chance to be there from the very beginning - shaping the team, setting the standards, and helping bring the Whittard experience to life in a brand-new location.

A Day in the Life of a Whittard Deputy Manager

Opening a new store is a rare and exciting opportunity. As Deputy Manager, you’ll be right at the heart of it - supporting the Store Manager to build a team, create a standout customer experience, and ensure every detail is dialled in for success.

Responsibilities

You’ll be:

• Customer-Centric from Day One
  You’ll set the tone for exceptional service—bringing energy, product knowledge and storytelling to every interaction. You’ll lead by example and coach your team to do the same, making our store a true destination.
• People-Focused
  You’ll help recruit, train and support your new team—setting clear expectations and building confidence from the start. You’ll bring structure, motivation and plenty of on-the-spot coaching as the team finds their rhythm.
• Operationally Ready
  From first deliveries to the first transaction, you’ll be hands-on with every detail. You’ll ensure all stock, health & safety, cash and daily routines are running like clockwork—and help shape a smooth, scalable operation from day one.
• Performance-Driven
  You’ll track KPIs, spot early opportunities, and adapt quickly with your Store Manager to maximise success. You’ll know how to read commercial reports and implement ideas that drive results—and you’ll encourage the team to do the same.
• Locally Connected
  As we launch, you’ll help build relationships with local businesses and customers, ensuring the store becomes a loved part of the community. Whether it’s a local tasting event or a friendly introduction, you’ll help make our launch unforgettable.

Qualifications

What Makes You Exceptional?

We’re looking for a hands-on leader who’s excited to help launch something new and help a team succeed together.

You’ll bring:

• Proven supervisory or assistant management experience in a fast-paced retail environment.
• A natural confidence in leading by example and coaching others.
• A strong sense of ownership and responsibility—someone who steps in, solves problems and keeps things moving.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to interpret performance data to influence decisions.
• Outstanding organisation skills and a calm approach to busy trading periods.
• Genuine excitement about customer experience and the Whittard brand.

Why Whittard?

This is your chance to be there from day one. To help open the doors, shape the store, and grow with your team. We’ll support you with training, recognition, and plenty of opportunity to develop your leadership.

You’ll also enjoy:

• Monthly product allowance – a little treat with every pay cheque.
• Discretionary bonus scheme – because great work should be recognised.
• Wellbeing resources & family-friendly policies – because we care about the whole you.
• Opportunities to connect across stores and head office – be part of something bigger.

About Us

Our story began in 1886 when Walter Whittard began selling the finest tea, coffee and hot chocolate in London with the approach to buy the best. Almost 140 years later, our never-ending curiosity to find unique blends and distinctive tastes lives on at Whittard. We continue to flourish, and our ambition will always remain the same - to ensure every customer can enjoy their own Whittard moment and make each day more special.

Whittard of Chelsea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We thrive to be a diverse and an inclusive organisation. We want to be a place where differences are recognised and celebrated, with a workforce that builds teams from all individualities, backgrounds, and experiences.

Together as a Whittard family, we continue to create a culture that encourages, supports, and inspires all our employees to have a voice, to make a positive difference in helping to develop our ambitious brand.

Excited to help open something exceptional?

Click ‘Apply Now’ and be part of a brand-new chapter with Whittard.