Deputy Store Manager - Reading

Whittard of Chelsea; Reading; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly product allowance

Discretionary bonus scheme

Wellbeing resources

Store network collaboration

Job summary

Whittard of Chelsea in Reading is seeking a Retail Deputy Manager to support the Store Manager, lead a brilliant team, and keep the store running smoothly with passion and precision. You will be a trusted co-pilot on daily operations, ensuring memorable service and product storytelling.

You’ll coach colleagues, manage rotas, drive performance through KPIs, ensure stock integrity and safety, and deliver exceptional customer experiences every day.

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within retail.
• Ability to coach, motivate, and lead by example.
• Strong commercial instincts with data-informed decision making.
• Proactive, organized with excellent time management.
• Passion for delivering brilliant customer experiences with product knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team on the shop floor and deliver excellent service.
• Assist Store Manager with rota planning and performance reviews.
• Monitor KPI metrics like conversion and ATV to drive sales.
• Ensure stock accuracy, safety compliance, and store standards.

Skills

Supervisory role

Retail leadership

Coaching

Team motivation

Job description

At Whittard of Chelsea, we’ve been inspiring moments of tea, coffee, and hot chocolate delight since 1886. Behind every store experience is a leadership team that brings our story to life-through passion, performance, and pride.

We’re now looking for a Retail Deputy Manager to join our Reading store. You will support the Store Manager in delivering exceptional service, empowering a brilliant team, and helping the store run like clockwork. Whether you’re on the shop floor with a sample tray or reviewing daily performance with the team, you’ll be a key part of what makes our stores special.

A Day in the Life

You’ll Be a Trusted Co-pilot To The Store Manager-leading The Team, Solving Challenges In Real Time, And Ensuring Everything Runs Smoothly Behind The Scenes. Your Day Will Include

• Customer Connection You’ll lead from the front-welcoming customers, showcasing our range, and making the everyday feel extraordinary. You’ll coach your team to bring our products to life through storytelling, tastings, and memorable service moments.
• Team Leadership From giving live feedback to managing rotas and motivating through the busy spells, you’ll set the tone for a positive and high-performing team culture. You’ll help induct, train, and develop colleagues-celebrating wins and building confidence every step of the way.
• Commercial Focus You’ll track KPIs like conversion and ATV, and work with your Store Manager to spot trends, adapt your approach, and implement ideas that drive performance.
• Operational Efficiency Stock counts, deliveries, H&S compliance-you’ll make sure the operational engine of the store is running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. You’ll also ensure the store looks brilliant and meets Whittard’s visual standards every day.
• Local Involvement Whether it’s connecting with local businesses or supporting marketing activity, you’ll play a key role in building the store’s reputation and reach within the local community.

What Makes You Exceptional?

We’re looking for someone who’s ready to take their next step in leadership-and do it with energy, confidence, and a love for retail.

You’ll Bring

• Experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within a retail environment.
• A natural ability to coach, motivate, and lead by example.
• Strong commercial instincts, with confidence in reading reports and using data to influence daily decisions.
• A proactive mindset-someone who spots what needs doing and takes action.
• Great organisation and time management, juggling tasks while staying customer-focused.
• A genuine passion for creating brilliant customer experiences-and sharing your product knowledge with pride.

Why Whittard?

We’re proud of our heritage, but our focus is on the future-nurturing talent, building connection, and creating career paths for people who love what we do. As a Deputy Manager, you’ll get the support to grow your skills, lead your team, and take the next step when you’re ready.

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.

At Whittard of Chelsea, we are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and believe great teams are built by bringing together people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

As friendly fanatics who genuinely love what we do, we're passionate about creating a welcoming experience from the very first conversation. If you need any reasonable adjustments during your application or interview process, please get in touch with us at [e-mail].