Lead Nightshift Manager

Sainsbury’s Group; St Albans; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading supermarket chain in St Albans is seeking a passionate leader to manage their overnight operations. The role involves leading a small team, ensuring all replenishment activities are ready for customers in the morning, and maintaining high operational standards. Ideal candidates will have experience in retail management and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and inclusivity.

Benefits

Night-shift premium

Annual bonus scheme

10% discount card

Free food and drinks

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension contribution

Discounted investment options

Well-being support

Cycle-to-Work scheme

Special offers on gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience managing a team in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.
• Proven success in improving sales and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to handle disciplinary and performance issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a small team of managers overnight.
• Plan key trading activities in collaboration with store leadership.
• Ensure health and safety of all colleagues on shifts.

Skills

Leadership

Data interpretation

Performance management

Customer service

Inclusivity

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a small team of managers overnight, delivering all replenishment activities ready for customers the following morning.
• Plan key trading activities and events in close collaboration with the rest of the store leadership team.
• Manage people activities: pay, scheduling, training, communication, employee relations (performance, absence, discipline).
• Maintain full accountability for store overnight operations, model high standards and coach for efficiency.
• Ensure health and safety of all colleagues on shifts; promote a safe, healthy environment.
• Work comfortable night‑shift patterns (22:00‑08:00) and adapt to physical and mental demands.

Qualifications & Experience

• Response, passionate leader who sets ambitious expectations for customers and colleagues daily.
• Experience managing managers in a fast‑paced, customer‑facing environment.
• Capability to manage alone in the absence of senior leadership.
• Drive high performance with focus on efficiency and engagement.
• Confident in data interpretation, using KPI and performance indicators to improve results.
• Commitment to inclusivity, building an inclusive team and working environment.
• Experience managing disciplinary and performance issues, potentially leading to dismissal.
• Track record of delivering exceptional customer experiences across complex operations.
• Proven success in improving sales, stock availability, customer satisfaction and colleague engagement.
• Manage sensitive people matters with fairness and sound judgement.
• Leadership experience in retail, hospitality or food service, owning departmental performance.
• Evidence of leading change: new systems, ways of working, mindset shifts.
• Desirable: Demonstrated night‑shift experience in a high‑volume operational environment; adapt to demands and create a safe supportive atmosphere during out‑of‑hours trading.

Benefits

• £4,500 night‑shift premium plus base salary (dependent on experience, store size, complexity and location).
• Annual bonus scheme based on store and personal performance.
• Discount card – 10% off shopping at Sainsbury's, Argos, Tu, Habitat (increases to 15% on certain days).
• Free food and hot drinks for colleagues in all stores.
• Generous holiday entitlement, maternity and paternity leave.
• Pension – company matches 4‑7.5% of contributions.
• Sainsbury's share scheme – discounted investment options.
• Well‑being support – emotional, counselling, legal and financial advice.
• Colleague networks and mentorship to drive career progression.
• Cycle‑to‑Work scheme for new bike and equipment at tax‑and‑NI savings.
• Special offers on gym memberships, restaurants, holidays, retail vouchers, and more.

An inclusive place to work and shop: we are dedicated to being a truly inclusive retailer, where every colleague can achieve their full potential and every customer feels welcome when they shop with us. Ownership of our commitment is supported by discretionary leave for families and care, counselling, legal and financial advice. Internal colleague networks ensure true representation for all, and we provide a range of development opportunities, mentorship, training and career progression pathways to help colleagues grow. Learn more about our commitment to inclusivity here.