Store Manager - Maternity Cover

Store Manager

Reporting To: Retail Area Manager

Location: Bath

Contract Type: Fixed Term - August 2026 - June 2027

Hours per week: 40

About the company

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. The company was founded by Krisi & Mike, who met while studying Politics at university, and has grown from packing tea in a bedroom and attending markets to operating a thriving international online store and multiple retail outlets across the UK.

Bird & Blend has evolved from 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. We aim to welcome as many people as possible into our Magical World of Tea, but fundamentally it's our care for others that makes us magical.

For more information about our mission visit .

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, build the store's customer base, coordinate daily activities of your team, build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and inspire a high performing team in a dynamic and friendly environment. This is a full time role (40 hr per week) that includes weekends and some evenings, operating an on site working pattern.

Responsibilities

• Ensure every visitor has an exceptional Bird & Blend Tea experience and foster a customer focused culture with memorable interactions.
• Become an expert on Bird & Blend products and values and handle escalated customer queries promptly.
• 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.
• Lead, motivate and support your team to achieve individual and collective goals.
• Provide feedback and coaching to enhance individual and store performance.
• Recruit, induct, train, and develop a high performing team that fosters a positive store environment.
• Oversee daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures.
• Organise and oversee team schedules to ensure there is enough cover on the shop floor at all times.
• Maintain high visual merchandising standards, ensuring the store always looks exciting, inviting and accessible.
• 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.
• Manage stock efficiently to optimise stock levels, minimise discrepancies, and ensure products are readily available.
• Arrange, plan and execute stock takes.
• Lead and host store and local events, including evening events, to make them enjoyable and memorable for our customers.
• Motivate and lead the team to get out there to spread the word about our delicious teas, whether greeting customers with a sample, outside the store, or at external events.
• Foster relationships within the local community to increase footfall and successful store events and activities.

About you

• At least 2 years of previous experience in a management role or similar within a customer service environment.
• Represent our brand and culture proudly, embodying our values and inspiring your team to do the same.
• Proven track record of effective selling skills and the ability to drive commercial outcomes.
• Exceptional at leading, motivating and supporting a team, fostering an inclusive and positive work environment.
• Excellent communication, problem solving and visual merchandising skills.
• A genuine passion for our product and the confidence to share your enthusiasm with customers and the team.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to build rapport and connect with customers confidently.
• Experience in managing employee relations cases effectively.
• Foster a professional, fair, and kind relationship with customers and your team.
• Demonstrated ability to use empathy to manage interpersonal relationships effectively.
• A curious and open minded approach, with the ability to understand others, listen without judgement, and embrace diverse perspectives.
• 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.
• Confident and comfortable to approach people with a sample inside and outside of the store.

Benefits and perks

• 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).
• Holiday accrual that grows with loyalty: 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) as a token of appreciation for your dedication and loyalty to the organisation, with entitlement increasing with service.
• Birthday off.
• Life Insurance & Income Protection providing financial security and peace of mind for you and your families.
• Health Cash Plan; after one year of 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.
• Life Happens Leave - paid leave specifically dedicated to unexpected life events to provide employees with the time and space needed.
• Complimentary drinks and snacks to keep you refreshed and energised throughout the day.
• Monthly tea allowance and generous staff discount to indulge in your favourite teas while benefiting from a discount on company products.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential and professional mental health support services.
• Bike to Work and Electric Vehicle Schemes to support sustainable transportation.
• Paid volunteer days to make a positive impact in the community.
• Dog friendly office - bring your furry friend to work and enjoy a pet friendly environment.
• Enhanced family friendly policies, flexible working and openness to discuss individual circumstances.

Equality and diversity

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, marriage and civil partnerships. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the application or interview process please let us know.