Retail Manager: Lead High-Performing Team & Service

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

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.