Store Manager

Reporting To: National Regional Manager/ Retail Area Manager

Location: Worthing

Contract Type: Full time

Who are Bird & Blend Tea Co.? 

Bird & Blend Tea Co. is an eco-conscious, people-focused, award-winning & B Corp-certified Tea Mixology company on a mission to spread happiness & reimagine tea!

Bird & Blend was set up & is run by Krisi & Mike, who met whilst studying Politics (of all things!) at university. 

Building Bird & Blend from scratch while staying true to their ethos & values has been Krisi & Mike’s passion for over 10 years.

From the early days of packing tea in their bedroom & attending markets, to now, with an awesome team, multiple retail stores & a thriving international online store, Bird & Blend is leading the way in tea innovation in the UK.

Bird & Blend has grown out of a core belief in doing business in a better way. This is ultimately our why - it’s why we are in business & what we believe in. Of course, we want to welcome as many people as possible into our Magical World of Tea but fundamentally it’s what we care about other than great tea that makes us magical.

You can read heaps more information about us and our mission here: https://www.birdandblendtea.com/pages/our-story

About this Role:

As a Store Manager, you’re the key to engaging with customers, listening to their needs, and guiding them to the right products. With your passionate and focused leadership, you’ll inspire and develop your team to create memorable and inclusive customer experiences, driving the store’s overall success.

You'll handle budgeting, plan marketing strategies, and build the store's customer base. You'll also coordinate the daily activities of your team, build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and inspire a high-performing team in a dynamic and friendly environment. We're looking for a dedicated professional who brings passion and excellence to everything they do.

This is a full-time role (40h per week), which includes weekends and some evenings, operating an on-site working pattern.

What are the responsibilities?

• Customer Experience: Ensure every visitor has an exceptional Bird & Blend Tea experience and foster a customer-focused culture with memorable interactions.
• Customer Focus: Become an expert on Bird & Blend products and values and handle escalated customer queries promptly.
• Sales: Drive your team to meet sales targets and KPIs and implement sales strategies with the Assistant Manager to boost not only sales but the customer experience.
• Motivate and Inspire: Lead, motivate and support your team to achieve individual and collective goals.
• Coaching: Provide feedback and coaching to enhance individual and store performance.
• Recruiting and Training: Recruit, induct, train, and develop a high-performing team that fosters a positive store environment.
• Daily Operations: Oversee daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures.
• Staff Rotas: Organise and oversee team schedules to ensure there is enough cover on the shop floor at all times.
• Merchandising Standards: Maintain high visual merchandising standards, ensuring the store always looks exciting, inviting, and accessible.
• Sustainability: Use your passion for the environment to support B&B in reaching impact goals set out in the sustainability and impact strategy and lead your team to do the same. (We're a B-Corp!)
• Stock Management: Manage stock efficiently to optimise stock levels, minimise discrepancies, and ensure products are readily available.
• Stock Takes: Arrange, plan and execute stock takes.
• Events: Lead and host store and local events, including evening events, to make them enjoyable and memorable for our customers.
• Sampling: Motivating and leading the team to get out there to spread the word about our delicious teas, whether greeting customers with a sample, outside of the store, or at external events.
• Build Connections: Foster relationships within the local community to increase footfall and successful store events and activities

About you:

• People Management Experience: At least 2 years previous experience in a management role or similar within a customer service environment.
• Brand Ambassador: Proudly represent our brand and culture, embodying our values and inspiring your team to do the same.
• Sales Skills: Proven track record of effective selling skills and the ability to drive commercial outcomes.
• Team Leadership: Exceptional at leading, motivating and supporting a team, fostering an inclusive and positive work environment.
• Communication and Problem-Solving: Excellent communication, problem-solving, and visual merchandising skills.
• Product Enthusiasm: A genuine passion for our product and the confidence to share your enthusiasm with customers and the team.
• Customer Service Skills: Excellent customer service skills with the ability to build rapport and connect with customers confidently.
• Employment Relations: Experience in managing employee relations cases effectively. 
• Professionalism: Foster a professional, fair, and kind relationship with customers and your team.
• Empathy: Demonstrated ability to use empathy to manage interpersonal relationships effectively.
• Open Mindset: A curious and open-minded approach, with the ability to understand others, listen without judgement, and embrace diverse perspectives.
• Flexible Availability: Flexibility in availability is essential. Shifts may vary weekly, requiring adaptability to cover different days and times.
• A commitment to excellence: Going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction is second nature to you.
• Approaching people: Confident and comfortable to approach people with a sample inside and outside of the store. 

Are there any perks?

Of course there are, for all the hard work you will get:

• We are proud to be a Sunday Times Best Places To Work 2024 employer.
• Friendly and supportive team culture: Enjoy working alongside a team of like-minded individuals who value collaboration, camaraderie, and fun in the workplace.
• Membership of company pension scheme (if applicable): Secure your financial future with enrollment in a company-sponsored pension scheme, ensuring peace of mind and financial stability in retirement.
• Holiday accrual that grows with loyalty: Enjoy 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays ) as a token of appreciation for your dedication and loyalty to the organisation, providing you with ample opportunities for rest and relaxation. This entitlement increases with service.
• Life Insurance & Income Protection: providing financial security and peace of mind for you and your families.
• Health Cash Plan: after one year service we will enrol you into our Health Cash Plan which will allow you to claim back money for dental, optical, prescription charges etc. Specific information on this scheme will be shared with you all..
• Life Happens Leave: Sometimes life can throw unexpected challenges our way, we offer paid leave specifically dedicated to these situations to provide employees with the time and space needed.
• Complimentary drinks and snacks: Stay refreshed and energised throughout the day with a variety of free drinks and snacks provided in the office.
• Monthly tea allowance and generous staff discount: Indulge in your favourite teas while benefiting from a discount on company products, fostering a culture of enjoyment and appreciation.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access confidential and professional mental health support services to prioritise your well-being and address any personal or work-related challenges.
• Bike to Work and Electric Vehicle Schemes: Take advantage of a sustainable transportation option, contribute to environmental conservation, and benefit from tax-efficient savings.
• Paid volunteer days: Make a positive impact in our community by participating in volunteer activities during dedicated paid volunteer days, fostering a culture of corporate social responsibility and giving back.
• Dog-friendly office: Bring your furry friend to work and enjoy a pet-friendly environment that promotes work-life balance and companionship.
• We also have enhanced family friendly policies, offer flexible working and are always open to discussing your individual circumstances!

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all, applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the application or interview process please let us know.