Role: Retail Manager
Location: Longtown, Cumbria
Salary: £34,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week, including regular weekends and occasional evenings
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Realise HR is working exclusively with Netherby Hall Limited to recruit a Retail Manager to lead the launch and day-to-day operation of the new Farm Shop at Haithwaite Farm.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in establishing a destination retail offering that showcases the very best local produce, artisan products and goods from across the region. The Retail Manager will be responsible for delivering exceptional customer experiences, driving sales, managing stock and suppliers, developing a high-performing team and ensuring the highest operational standards are maintained throughout the business.
Role overview
The successful candidate will be passionate about food, retail and local producers, with the drive and enthusiasm to build a successful Farm Shop that becomes a valued part of the local community and visitor experience.
The role will take responsibility for the commercial and operational performance of the Farm Shop, from stock purchasing, supplier relationships and merchandising through to sales performance, team development, customer experience and compliance.
Working closely with the Café Manager and Kitchen Manager, the Retail Manager will also help maximise cross-selling opportunities and customer engagement across the wider Haithwaite Farm offering.
You will be responsible for:
Retail Operations & Customer Experience
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the Farm Shop, ensuring exceptional customer service and operational excellence.
- Maintain excellent presentation, cleanliness and organisation throughout the shop.
- Ensure attractive merchandising, product displays and seasonal promotions are delivered to a high standard.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, trading standards, health and safety and company procedures.
Commercial Performance & Sales
- Monitor sales performance and implement initiatives to drive revenue growth and profitability.
- Analyse sales trends and customer feedback to maximise commercial opportunities.
- Manage cash handling, banking procedures and retail reporting.
- Contribute to the growth and strategic development of the Farm Shop offering.
Stock, Purchasing & Suppliers
- Manage stock purchasing, inventory control and supplier relationships.
- Develop and maintain strong partnerships with local producers and artisan suppliers.
People Leadership
- Recruit, train, motivate and develop a high-performing retail team.
- Create staff rotas and manage labour costs effectively.
- Build a customer-focused team committed to maintaining exceptional standards.
Wider Business & Promotion
- Work closely with the Café Manager and Kitchen Manager to maximise cross-selling opportunities and customer engagement.
- Support marketing campaigns, events and seasonal activities that promote the Farm Shop and wider Haithwaite Farm business.
About you
You will be passionate about local food, farming and independent retail, with a genuine enthusiasm for supporting local suppliers and producers.
You will be a natural leader who inspires and develops others, bringing a professional, approachable and customer-focused style. You will be organised, proactive and attentive to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively within a fast-paced environment.
Commercially minded and focused on results, you will combine strong retail standards with the drive to grow sales, improve performance and create an exceptional experience for customers.
What you’ll bring:
Experience & Skills
- Previous management experience within a retail, farm shop, food retail, delicatessen or hospitality environment.
- Strong leadership and team development skills.
- Experience managing stock, purchasing and supplier relationships.
- A proven ability to drive sales and profitability.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Good commercial awareness and business acumen.
- Experience with retail systems, cash management and reporting.
- A strong understanding of merchandising and retail presentation.
- Knowledge of food retail operations and food safety requirements.
- The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about local food, farming and independent retail.
- A natural leader who inspires and develops others.
- Professional, approachable and customer-focused.
- Organised, proactive and attentive to detail.
- Commercially minded with a strong focus on results.
- Enthusiastic about supporting local suppliers and producers.
- Adaptable and capable of managing multiple priorities.
- Committed to maintaining exceptional standards at all times.
Benefits
- Competitive salary of £34,000 per annum.
- Full-time permanent position, 40 hours per week.
- Company pension scheme.
- Staff discounts across Netherby Hall Ltd businesses.
- Training and career development opportunities.
- Opportunity to shape and develop a brand-new Farm Shop from launch.
- Supportive management team and positive working environment.
- Staff accommodation available.
- Free parking.
- Discounts across the business.
Realise HR
Don’t meet every single requirement? At Realise, we are dedicated to helping our clients build diverse, inclusive and authentic workplaces, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we would encourage you to apply anyway! You might be just the candidate we're looking for!
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