Retail Manager

Compass Group PLC; Andover; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career development opportunities

Digital GP for you and family

Healthcare and wellbeing support

Discounts on travel and entertainment

Retail discounts

Cinema discounts

Cashback rewards

Wellness and exercise classes

Friend/family discounts

Job summary

ESS in Swindon is seeking an experienced Retail Manager to lead our on-site operation, drive sales, manage stock, and deliver exceptional customer service. You will develop the team, schedule labour, and ensure compliance with company procedures while maintaining high standards and a positive workplace culture.

You will engage with colleagues, monitor performance, and contribute to improving the ESS customer journey.

Qualifications

• Previous experience managing a busy retail environment.
• Proven track record of delivering sales growth and achieving financial targets.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to engage, motivate, and develop teams.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Customer-focused approach and passion for delivering outstanding service.
• Good IT skills and confidence using retail systems and reporting tools.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret sales and performance data.
• Proactive and organised approach to managing multiple priorities.
• Flexibility to meet business needs, including occasional off-site meetings.

Responsibilities

• Champion a positive health, safety, and wellbeing culture across the retail operation.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing retail team to achieve business and customer service objectives.
• Deliver the ESS Way management promises and create an environment where colleagues can thrive.
• Ensure Compass Service Framework policies, procedures, and best practices are implemented and maintained.
• Manage stock control, merchandising, promotions, availability, and waste to maximise sales and profitability.
• Take ownership of retail labour scheduling, budgets, resources, and equipment.
• Complete all people management activities, including absence management, performance management, and employee development.
• Maintain planograms and merchandising standards in line with company requirements.
• Produce accurate rotas and manage timesheets through OurTime to optimise labour and sales performance.
• Conduct regular colleague reviews, including Mid-Year and End-of-Year performance conversations.
• Lead weekly team huddles and communications to keep colleagues informed and engaged.
• Carry out customer journey reviews and quality audits to ensure service excellence.
• Ensure banking procedures, cash handling, and safe reconciliations are completed accurately and securely.
• Protect company and client assets, including cash, stock, equipment, and property.
• Act as a role model for ESS values and behaviours.
• Ensure full compliance with all company, client, and legal requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Sales growth

Customer service

Communication

IT skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Organised

Flexibility

Team development

Tools

Retail systems

Job description

Retail Manager

Date Posted: 2026-10-01T01:30:42

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, GB, SP1 1

Application Deadline: 2026-10-29T16:52:01.457

Job Description

Retail Manager Swindon, £36,948 per annum | 5 days out of 7

Lead a Thriving Retail Operation

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Retail Manager to lead our retail operation at JSCSC Swindon. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven retail professional who enjoys delivering exceptional customer experiences, inspiring teams, and driving commercial performance. As Retail Manager, you'll oversee the day-to-day operation, ensuring high standards of service, strong financial performance, effective stock management, and full compliance with company procedures. You'll play a key role in creating a positive working environment where colleagues feel supported, engaged, and motivated to succeed.

What You'll Be Doing

• Champion a positive health, safety, and wellbeing culture across the retail operation.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing retail team to achieve business and customer service objectives.
• Deliver the ESS Way management promises and create an environment where colleagues can thrive.
• Ensure Compass Service Framework policies, procedures, and best practices are implemented and maintained.
• Manage stock control, merchandising, promotions, availability, and waste to maximise sales and profitability.
• Take ownership of retail labour scheduling, budgets, resources, and equipment.
• Complete all people management activities, including absence management, performance management, and employee development.
• Maintain planograms and merchandising standards in line with company requirements.
• Produce accurate rotas and manage timesheets through OurTime to optimise labour and sales performance.
• Conduct regular colleague reviews, including Mid-Year and End-of-Year performance conversations.
• Lead weekly team huddles and communications to keep colleagues informed and engaged.
• Carry out customer journey reviews and quality audits to ensure service excellence.
• Ensure banking procedures, cash handling, and safe reconciliations are completed accurately and securely.
• Protect company and client assets, including cash, stock, equipment, and property.
• Act as a role model for ESS values and behaviours.
• Ensure full compliance with all company, client, and legal requirements.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience managing a busy retail environment.
• A proven track record of delivering sales growth and achieving financial targets.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to engage, motivate, and develop teams.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A customer-focused approach and passion for delivering outstanding service.
• Good IT skills and confidence using retail systems and reporting tools.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret sales and performance data.
• A proactive and organised approach to managing multiple priorities.
• Flexibility to meet the needs of the business, including occasional off-site meetings.

Why Join ESS?

At ESS, we recognise that our people are at the heart of everything we do. That's why we offer a competitive reward and benefits package, including:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development opportunities through Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Access to a Digital GP for you and your immediate family
• Comprehensive healthcare and wellbeing support
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, and other leading brands
• Savings on everyday shopping with major supermarket discounts
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cashback rewards across a wide range of retailers
• Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Access to discounts and offers that can be shared with friends and family

About ESS

ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, delivers foodservice, hospitality, and support services across the Defence, Government, and Energy sectors. We support over 250 military establishments, government sites, high-profile secure environments, police facilities, and a range of onshore and offshore energy operations. Our success is built on our people. We are committed to providing exceptional service and creating great experiences for our customers every day.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At Compass Group UK & Ireland, we are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to reach their full potential. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and celebrate the diversity that makes our teams stronger.