Leading in our stores
Our management teams don’t just run stores — they’re the driving force behind our business. With bold leadership, a passion for service and an eye for opportunity, they empower teams to raise the bar every day for our customers. Whether it's product availability, safety standards, or delivering seamless daily operations, they’re hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up changemakers. This is how we bring our purpose to life, one powerful action at a time.
What you’ll be doing
* Role modelling and coaching for high standards and efficiency across the whole food hall.
* Managing compliance to processes whilst bringing the passion and flare for great shop keeping and customer service.
* Ensure every customer gets the food they want when they shop with us to help ensure we are the first choice for food.
* People management is a big part of the role, managing performance and capability, conducting disciplinaries and ensuring scheduling and pay are accurate.
* On occasions you will assume overall responsibility for running the store, ensuring colleagues have direction and support to deliver for the customer.
What makes a great food manager
* Previous line management responsibilities in a fast-paced, operational environment.
* Provides brilliant customer service and coaches a team to do the same.
* Delivers KPI’s or other performance indicators.
* Can manage disciplinaries, performance issues or other employee relations matters.
* Leads operations and is comfortable operating independently in the absence of more senior management.
Essential Criteria
* A track record of delivering exceptional customer experiences, with evidence of coaching others to consistently raise the bar.
* Experience leading teams in a dynamic, customer-facing environment — you’ve inspired others, driven high performance, and created a culture where colleagues thrive.
* Leadership experience in a high-volume, fast-paced operational setting — retail, food service, or hospitality — overseeing daily operations and solving business problems to deliver for customers.
* Proven success delivering against KPIs across sales, stock availability, customer satisfaction, and colleague engagement.
* Experience managing complex people matters, including performance, absence, and formal employee relations cases, with confidence and fairness.
Working for us has great rewards
Salary will be dependent upon your experience as well as the store size, complexity and location. We offer a comprehensive benefits package for our managers, including:
* Discount card — 10% discount off shopping at Sainsbury’s, Argos, Tu and Habitat after four weeks. This increases to 15% discount at Sainsbury’s on Fridays and Saturdays and 15% off at Argos every payday.
* An annual bonus scheme based on performance.
* Free food and hot drinks provided for colleagues in all stores.
* Generous holiday entitlement, maternity and paternity leave.
* Pension — employer contributions matched between 4% and 7.5%.
* Sainsbury’s share scheme — investment opportunities at discounted rates.
* Wellbeing support — access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice.
* Colleague networks — networking opportunities to help fulfil potential.
* Cycle to Work scheme — hire a bike and cycling equipment with tax and NI advantages.
* Special offers on gym memberships, restaurants, holidays, retail vouchers and more.
An inclusive place to work and shop
We are dedicated to being a truly inclusive retailer, where every colleague can achieve their full potential and every customer feels welcome. We support enhanced discretionary leave for families and provide resources to help colleagues understand and support their role and team. Our internal networks promote true representation and remove barriers. We offer development opportunities, mentorship, training, and career progression pathways, and celebrate diversity through initiatives and events. If you would like to learn more about our commitment to inclusivity, please review our information here.
Should you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview stages, please let us know, and we will endeavour to support you.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
* Industries: Retail
London, England, United Kingdom
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