Food Manager

About the Role:

Ready to take the next big step in retail leadership? At Sainsbury’s, we’re looking for a Food Manager to join our Carlisle team — a passionate and ambitious leader who’s ready to develop people, drive high performance, and deliver an outstanding food shopping experience.

In this pivotal role, you’ll work alongside the Lead Food Manager to ensure every shelf is stocked, every customer is satisfied, and every team member feels supported and inspired.

Whether you’re already a team leader or looking to progress into management, this is your chance to grow your leadership skills in a fast-paced, people-first environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the food department operations (grocery, fresh, and produce) to ensure product availability and store excellence

• Motivate and develop a mid-sized team, managing rotas, assigning daily tasks, and supporting recruitment

• Be a visible leader on the shop floor, coaching and giving timely, constructive feedback

• Support performance reviews and take a proactive role in training and development

• Ensure a seamless customer journey from entry to checkout with a focus on service, standards, and safety

• Collaborate with other department managers for smooth handovers and continuous improvement

What We’re Looking For:

• Previous supervisory or team management experience, ideally in a fast-paced retail or food environment

• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to handle performance conversations and motivate teams

• A customer-first mindset with the ability to model service excellence

• Comfortable with technology and digital tools (e.g., rota scheduling, stock control systems)

• A proactive, hands-on problem solver who thrives under pressure

What Success Looks Like:

• Confidently managing team performance and customer service expectations

• Delivering consistent results with strong attention to daily operations

• Collaborating with fellow managers to maintain a high-performing, supportive culture

• Driving store standards and customer satisfaction through food leadership

Why Join Sainsbury’s?

We value your growth and offer a clear development path within the Sainsbury’s group (including Tu, Argos, Habitat, and Nectar 360). As a Food Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to advance into roles such as Lead Manager or Store Manager.

Benefits Include:

• 10% staff discount at Sainsbury’s, Argos, Tu & Habitat (15% on Fri/Sat)

• Free food and hot drinks in-store for colleagues

• Pension scheme with up to 7.5% matched contributions

• Share scheme, holiday allowance, and parental leave

• Wellbeing support: financial, emotional & legal

• Cycle to Work scheme, gym & retail discounts

Apply Now

Step into a leadership role that sets you up for long-term success. Click ‘Apply’ to begin your journey with Sainsbury’s Carlisle today.