Food Manager – Sainsbury's
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Leading 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 single day for our customers. Whether it’s product availability, safety standards, or delivering seamless daily operations, they’re hands‑on, sleeve‑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 while bringing passion and flair for great shop keeping and customer service.
* Ensuring every customer gets the food they want to help keep us the first choice for food.
* People management – managing performance and capability, conducting disciplinaries and ensuring scheduling and pay are accurate.
* Assuming overall responsibility for running the store when required, making sure all colleagues are given 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 similar employee relations issues.
* Leads operations and is comfortable doing so alone 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 – 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, solving business problems and keeping teams focused on delivering for customers.
* Proven success in delivering against a wide range of KPIs – from sales and stock availability to 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 dependent on experience and store size, complexity and location.
* Discount card – 10% off after four weeks, increasing to 15% on certain days.
* An annual bonus scheme based on performance.
* Free food and hot drinks for colleagues in all stores.
* Generous holiday entitlement, maternity and paternity leave.
* Pension – match 4‑7.5% of your contributions.
* Sainsbury’s share scheme – discounted investment opportunities.
* Wellbeing support – emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice.
* Colleague networks – link with like‑minded people to fulfil your potential.
* Cycle to Work scheme – hire a new bike and equipment while saving on tax and NI.
* 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 when they shop with us. We provide enhanced discretionary leave for families and support for carers, and a range of development opportunities including mentorship, training and career progression pathways.
Reasonable adjustments
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
* Retail
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