Retail Store Manager

Whittard of Chelsea; Braintree; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly product allowance

Discretionary bonus

Auto-enrolment pension scheme

Wellbeing resources

Flexible working

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Whittard of Chelsea is seeking a Store Manager for our Braintree store. You will lead a vibrant team to deliver exceptional customer experiences and drive store performance in a dynamic retail environment.

You will be responsible for coaching, KPI-driven sales, and ensuring high standards of service, visual merchandising, and stock control. This role offers opportunities to grow within a luxury tea and gifting brand.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of retail management leadership.
• Customer-focused mindset delivering extraordinary service.
• Commercially driven with ability to optimise store performance.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead a high-performing store team.
• Drive sales and KPI monitoring through layout and sampling tactics.
• Maintain store standards, stock integrity and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Customer focus

Commercial awareness

Job description

Step into a role where elegance meets excitement, where discovery isn’t just what we deliver to customers but what we inspire in our teams. At Whittard of Chelsea, we’ve been crafting moments of exceptional tea, coffee, and hot chocolate adventure since 1886. And now, we’re looking for a visionary Store Manager to continue that legacy, right from the heart of our Braintree store.

A Day in the Life

Picture stepping into a vibrant store filled with energy and the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Your day begins by inspiring your team with an uplifting briefing, setting a positive tone for what lies ahead. Together, you create a warm, inviting atmosphere where every customer feels welcome and leaves with something truly special.

You’ll be:

• Customer-Obsessed: At Whittard, we believe that every customer should leave our store feeling delighted and satisfied. You will need to be hands on in driving your store sales. Customer loyalty is also important to us – our Whittard Rewards programme is something you’ll love speaking to customers about.
• Performance-Driven: You’ll monitor sales and KPIs throughout the day, tweaking the layout, trying new sampling tactics, or setting team challenges to drive results. You’ll think commercially and act quickly.
• Team Focused: Whether you’re onboarding a new starter, giving live coaching, or planning the next month’s rota, you're always supporting your team to be their best and keeping morale high.
• Operationally Sharp: You’ll manage deliveries, keep displays pristine, and ensure your stock is accurate-never missing a beat when it comes to retail excellence. You’ll take pride in maintaining a clean, safe environment for both your team and your customers, making sure health and safety standards are always met and proactively addressing any issues before they arise.
• Locally Connected: You’ll look for ways to bring more people through the door-partnering with local businesses, joining community events or tailoring promotions to your local customer base.

No two days are the same-but every one is a chance to create something special, both for your team and your customers.

Check out our Life in Store on our Careers page to find out more!

What Makes You Exceptional? - We’re looking for someone with:

• Leadership Experience: 2+ years of retail management, leading high-performing teams in service orientated environments.
• A Customer-Focused Mindset: You’ll be passionate about extraordinary service, understanding that every customer touchpoint is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression.
• A Commercial Edge: Whether it’s tracking sales, organising operations, or navigating challenges, you’re driven, resourceful, and results-oriented.

Why Whittard?

At Whittard, we believe that our success is built on nurturing the talent and curiosity of those who join us. Joining Whittard as a Store Manager isn’t just stepping into another job; we offer our colleagues the chance to grow alongside us, empowering them to uncover both the exceptional in Whittard and the exceptional in themselves.

At Whittard, we offer development opportunities tailored to your goals, supported by wellness initiatives to keep you balanced and thriving. Think chances to collaborate across our store network and departments. Add to that a culture of recognition, with awards and values-driven incentives that celebrate your contributions. We’ll make sure it’s all clearly communicated, so every opportunity is within reach.

• Monthly product allowance (too tempting to resist).
• Discretionary bonus scheme.
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme and access to wellbeing resources.
• Flexible working and family-friendly policies.

At Whittard of Chelsea, we believe great teams are built by bringing together people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is able to thrive, and are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer.