Store Manager – Manchester Trafford

Whittard Trading Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Whittard as a Store Manager at their new Manchester Trafford Centre location. You will lead a new team, create exceptional customer experiences, and manage store operations. A unique opportunity to shape a retail environment with a brand that values tradition and innovation.

Benefits

Monthly product allowance

Discretionary bonus scheme

Wellbeing resources & family-friendly policies

Opportunities to connect across stores and head office

Qualifications

• 2+ years retail management experience.
• Strong, service-focused team building skills.
• Ability to interpret KPIs and drive performance.

Responsibilities

• Set the gold standard for customer experience from day one.
• Recruit, train, and lead a new team.
• Manage store operations and health/safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Performance Management

Job description

Be the First to Brew Something Extraordinary

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. Now, we’re opening the doors to a brand-new store at Manchester Trafford Centre and we’re looking for a Store Manager to lead the charge.

This is more than just managing a store. It’s about shaping the Whittard experience from day one and building something exceptional from the ground up.

Responsibilities

A Day in the Life of a Whittard Store Manager

Imagine unlocking the doors for the very first time - shelves perfectly merchandised, the scent of freshly brewed samples in the air, and your brand-new team buzzing with anticipation. From day one, you’ll set the tone for a culture of warmth, expertise, and discovery. Every moment is yours to shape.

You’ll be:

• Customer-Obsessed: You’ll set the gold standard from the get-go, ensuring every customer feels welcome and inspired. You’ll bring our products to life with storytelling, tasting, and enthusiasm - making our new store a destination, not just a shop.
• Performance-Driven: You’ll hit the ground running with clear goals and strong commercial instincts. From reading your daily KPIs to adapting layouts or testing new sampling strategies, you’ll bring sharp focus and fast action.
• Team Focused: You’ll recruit, train, and lead a brand-new team - instilling Whittard’s values and setting them up for success. With live coaching, regular check-ins, and plenty of recognition, you’ll create a supportive culture that inspires excellence.
• Operationally Sharp: As we launch, you’ll be hands-on in setting up new processes, managing initial deliveries, and embedding gold-standard retail routines. You’ll create a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment from the outset - always staying on top of health and safety and store standards.
• Locally Connected: With a new store comes a new community - you’ll build relationships, forge partnerships, and find creative ways to draw people in. Whether it\'s a launch event or a tie-in with a local café, you’ll make sure everyone knows Whittard has arrived.

No two days will be the same - but each one is a chance to create a store your team and customers will love.

Qualifications

What Makes You Exceptional?

We’re looking for someone who’s as excited as we are about bringing Whittard to a brand-new location:

• Leadership Experience: 2+ years of retail management experience, with a track record of building strong, service-focused teams.
• A Customer-Focused Mindset: Passionate about delivering stand-out service and building long-term customer loyalty.
• A Commercial Edge: Confident interpreting KPIs and making decisions that drive both performance and team engagement.

Why Whittard?

At Whittard, we believe our future is built by curious, passionate people—just like you. As a Store Manager launching a new store, you\'ll have the rare opportunity to leave your mark from day one. We\'ll support your journey with tailored development, wellbeing initiatives, and a culture that celebrates your contributions.

You’ll also enjoy:

• Monthly product allowance – a little perk with every pay cheque.
• Discretionary bonus scheme – because great work should be recognised.
• Wellbeing resources & family-friendly policies – because we care about the whole you.
• Opportunities to connect across stores and head office – be part of something bigger.

About Us

Our story began in 1886 when Walter Whittard began selling the finest tea, coffee and hot chocolate in London with the approach to buy the best. Almost 140 years later, our never-ending curiosity to find unique blends and distinctive tastes lives on at Whittard. We continue to flourish, and our ambition will always remain the same - to ensure every customer can enjoy their own Whittard moment and make each day more special.

Whittard of Chelsea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We thrive to be a diverse and an inclusive organisation. We want to be a place where differences are recognised and celebrated, with a workforce that builds teams from all individualities, backgrounds, and experiences.

Together as a Whittard family, we continue to create a culture that encourages, supports, and inspires all our employees to have a voice, to make a positive difference in helping to develop our ambitious brand.

Click ‘Apply Now’ and be part of launching something exceptional with Whittard.