General Merchandise Manager

Bedford · On-site£33k+

About this role

What you’ll be doing:

  • Taking responsibility for the management of all our non – food products ensuring they are presented fantastically to delight our customers.
  • Ensure your area runs smoothly every day from the shop floor to the warehouse.
  • People management is a big part of the role, managing performance and capability, conducting disciplinaries and ensuring scheduling and pay are accurate.
  • At times you may assume overall responsibility for running the store, making sure that all colleagues are given direction and support to deliver for the customer.

What makes a great general merchandise manager:

  • Previous line management responsibilities in a fast-paced, operational environment.
  • Someone who is truly obsessed with customers and 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 comfortable doing this 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 — you’ve inspired others, driven high performance, and created a culture where colleagues thrive.
  • Leadership experience in a high-volume, fast-paced operational setting — whether in retail, food service, or hospitality — where you’ve overseen daily operations, solved business problems, and kept teams focused on what matters most: delivering for customers.
  • Proven success in delivering against a wide range of KPIs — from sales and stock availability to customer satisfaction and colleague engagement, you’ve made a measurable difference.
  • Experience managing complex people matters, including performance, absence, and formal employee relations cases, with confidence and fairness.

Company at a glance

Over 150 years old and still going strong, we’re the UK’s second-biggest retailer. Every day, the nation shops with us because they know they’ll get affordable, good food and excellent service.

We focus on great value and convenient shopping across our family of brands, from Argos, Nectar and Habitat to Sainsbury’s Bank, Smart Charge and Tu.

What’s next for Sainsbury’s?

We've put food back at the heart of our business and we’re taking Sainsbury’s to the next level. We’re investing in technology and people and we’re thinking bigger about how we attract and connect with our customers, while doing everything we can to create a more resilient UK food system.

Founded1869
Team Size10,001+ employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryRetail
Location
Bedford, England, United Kingdom

Top Benefits

  • Discount card
  • Annual bonus scheme
  • Free food and hot drinks
  • Generous holiday entitlement
  • Maternity and paternity leave
  • Pension scheme
  • Share scheme
  • Wellbeing support
  • Colleague networks
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Gym membership discounts
  • Retail vouchers

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