Store Manager

Card Factory; Caulcott; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company seeks an experienced Store Manager to lead operations at their Bedford store. The ideal candidate will inspire a high-performing team and have strong leadership experience. Responsibilities include team coaching, managing store operations, and driving a customer-first culture. The company offers extensive benefits, including a pension plan and employee discounts, alongside opportunities for career growth within the organization. Interested candidates should apply early.

Benefits

Pension

15% colleague discount

Financial Wellbeing Support

Discounted gym membership

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in managing teams effectively.
• Inspiring presence that builds a high-performing culture.
• Calm and adaptable under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations and build an effective team.
• Coach and motivate team members to improve performance.
• Work closely with District and Regional Managers for growth.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong communication skills

Tech-savvy

Adaptability

Job description

Job Introduction

Store Location: Bedford Interchange Retail Park, MK42 7AZ

Store Hours: 42.5

Lead the way at cardfactory, where special moments come to life.
As a Store Manager, you’ll be at the heart of it all — guiding a team, shaping a positive culture, and creating a space where people feel supported, valued, and inspired.

You’ll coach, motivate, and celebrate wins — big and small. With a customer-first mindset, you’ll bring energy and confidence to every decision, using data to keep things on track and moving forward.

Role Responsibility

You’ll take the lead day to day — building a brilliant team, setting clear direction, and creating a workplace where people thrive. From hiring and coaching to merchandising and payroll, you’ll take ownership and make things happen.

You’ll also work closely with your District and Regional Managers, always looking for ways to grow, improve, and celebrate success.

The Ideal Candidate

What We’re Looking For:

• Leadership experience – You’ve led teams and know how to bring out their best.
• Inspiring presence – You lead by example and build a high-performing culture.
• People-first mindset – You coach, support, and help others grow.
• Strong communicator – You listen, speak clearly, and bring people together.
• Tech-savvy – Comfortable using systems to support daily tasks.
• Calm and adaptable – You stay focused and flexible under pressure.

About the Company

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greetings cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland. In 2020 we launched our exciting 5‑year business strategy including our vision of becoming a true Omni‑channel retailer. This strategy sees significant investment into our colleagues across the business creating multiple opportunities to join a fast‑paced environment and be part of our exciting journey.

In return, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.

Benefits

• Pension
• 15% Card Factory colleague discount in-store and online
• Save As You Earn scheme
• Financial Wellbeing Support
  • Financial Education Tools
  • Salary Advance
• Seasonal incentive schemes
• Retail Management Apprenticeship Programmes with local providers with access to a virtual internal network for learning together
• Discounted gym membership, mobile phone contracts, and car leasing
• Discounts across 100’s of UK retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to tools to support mental, physical, and financial wellbeing
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption leave

This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now.

For any questions email: [e-mail] (we do not accept CVs/Applications via email)

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly.

No agencies, please.

Sportswift Ltd T/A Card Factory