Marks & Spencer and WHSmith are excited to work together on a Franchise basis, combining our retail wisdom has successfully resulted in the roll-out of various formats across our Travel retail estate. We currently have 24 franchise stores which include several formats - Simply Food, Café and Food to Go.

We have an exciting year ahead as there is a pipeline of multiple brand new stores opening in 2020. These stores are all about delivering a fast and exceptional quality service and you could be part of this exciting growth plan!

We are currently looking for Deputy Manager Designates to join us in the London area. As a designate you will be training in some of our top performing stores, one of which will be our M&S Food To Go store in the Royal Free Hospital. You will be working alongside our successful managers where you will gain a true insight into what it will be like to work in one of our M&S franchise stores.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how the business operates before taking up the Deputy Manager role and a great starting point in your career with us if you want to progress! So if you want to join an innovative business that puts its customers and people at the heart of everything we do, then apply today!

What you'll do
The best managers take real pride in delivering exceptional customer service whilst running their store like clockwork. Determined to turn every customer's visit into a great experience, you'll lead your team in upholding the highest standards, as you drive sales and manage costs in line with strict KPIs. Deputising in the absence of the Store Manager, you will support with all elements of performance management from team development & appraisals. You will be able to lead by example and play an active role on the shop floor, building strong working relationships with landlords and be a true ambassador for the WHSmith and M&S brand.

What's in it for you
A role as a Deputy Manager means responsibility. We'll trust you to get things done and to use your initiative. Bring us new, innovative thinking and you could really see your career take off. We'll trust you to get things done using your initiative and bringing in new ideas. Want more? Our excellent benefits package includes 25 days holiday, generous staff discount, an annual performance related bonus, pension and much more!

Who we're looking for
Customers, people and results are key; therefore you must be experienced and passionate about delivering exceptional customer service as well as developing and leading people who deliver results. You lead by example, rolling your sleeves up and helping out on the shop floor. With this approach, you'll win the respect of staff at every level, getting the best from each individual and encouraging them to develop. Ideally, you'll have previous experience working in a HACCP regulated environment or previous experience with food and coffee safety regulations. If you're drive is as high as the standards you'll set, you'll go far at WHSmith!

About us
You may know we operate on the high street, in rail and bus stations, airports, hospitals, universities and workplaces. But did you know we've been around since 1792 and have over 14,000 employees across the globe and have consistently outperformed other major retailers over the past ten years? We continue to grow by putting our customers first and have a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurialism. At WHSmith we love developing our people, so there are No Limits to where your career can go!