Job Title: Retail Operations Manager

Reports to: Director

Location: Peterley Manor Farm, Great Missenden

Contract: Full Time, Tuesday–Saturday (45 hours per week). Competitive salary plus bonus (D.O.E.).

About the Role

We are seeking an outstanding Retail Operations Manager to lead our award-winning and fast-growing farm shop at an exciting stage of expansion.

Following a significant renovation, the shop now includes a stunning cheese room, expanded deli and butchery, and enhanced retail space – with substantial opportunity for continued growth across the wider business.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with full operational responsibility. You will oversee the day-to-day running of the farm shop and associated retail areas, ensuring exceptional customer experience, strong financial performance, compliance excellence and impeccable standards.

We are looking for a commercially astute, food-driven leader who thrives in a busy retail environment and takes pride in maintaining high standards across people, product and presentation.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the farm shop, deli, cheese room and butchery.
• Lead, brief and motivate the team daily, setting the standard for service and professionalism.
• Manage staffing rotas, holiday planning and labour scheduling.
• Ensure all daily operational tasks are completed, including cashing up and reporting.
• Maintain outstanding shop floor standards, merchandising and visual displays.
• Oversee general site presentation within the shop and retail areas.

Financial and Commercial Management

• Take responsibility for shop profitability and commercial performance.
• Manage staffing budgets and control labour costs in line with targets.
• Monitor sales, margins, wastage and stock holding.
• Work alongside and managing the Buying Team on seasonal ranging, pricing and stock control.
• Review and act on performance and sales reports with Finance Manager.
• Identify opportunities for growth, improved efficiency and new product categories.

Retail across wider business

Oversee and support retail operations beyond the Farm Shop

• Seasonal Pick Your Own (PYO) merchandising and staffing
• Plant nursery retail (working alongside Nursery Manager)
• Ensure consistent standards, pricing accuracy and merchandising across all areas.

Food, Specialist and Events

• Oversee the deli, cheese room and fresh produce departments as specialist categories.
• Maintain exceptional food quality, freshness and presentation standards.
• Liaise with chefs, butchers and suppliers to ensure smooth coordination.
• Lead staff product training in artisan food and drink.
• Plan and deliver tastings, supplier showcases and promotional events.
• Execute seasonal campaigns and in-store activations.

Team Management and Development

• Recruit, train and develop team members in collaboration with HR.
• Deliver structured training and on-the-job coaching.
• Conduct performance reviews and support staff progression.
• Build a knowledgeable, motivated and high-performing retail team.

Compliance, Health and Safety

• Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations and HACCP procedures.
• Maintain Food Hygiene standards across all departments.
• Oversee allergen management and Natasha’s Law compliance.
• Ensure compliance with licensing regulations (where applicable).
• Lead Health & Safety practices, including manual handling and fire safety.
• Ensure staff training records are maintained and current.
• Take responsibility for accident reporting and incident management.

Maintenance and Facilities Oversight

• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the shop, cheese room, deli and retail spaces.
• Ensure refrigeration, display equipment and EPOS systems are functioning correctly.
• Report and coordinate repairs with contractors or the wider estate team.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and equipment care.
• Proactively identify areas for improvement or refurbishment.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven retail management experience (ideally within food retail or farm shop environment).
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and targets.
• Experience managing staffing budgets and labour control.
• Excellent fresh food knowledge including seasonal produce.
• Experience managing fresh stock, production and waste control.
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP and retail compliance.
• Confident using EPOS back office systems, stock control and reporting tools.
• Excellent organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong leadership and team development experience.
• Calm, solutions-focused and hands-on.
• Flexible to work weekends and Bank Holidays.
• Genuine passion for high-quality artisan food and drink.

Desirable

• Strong knowledge of British cheese, deli produce and butchery.
• Hands-on experience behind a deli or cheese counter.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 minimum (Level 3 preferred).

Why Join Us?

Peterley Manor Farm is a thriving, independent, family-run business with ambitious growth plans. Our farm shop is at the heart of the estate and plays a key role in connecting customers with seasonal, local and artisan produce.

We offer:

• NEST pension scheme
• 15% staff discount (farm shop, nursery, Christmas trees — excluding alcohol)
• 50% discount at The Barn Kitchen (for you + up to 3 guests, excluding alcohol)
• Discounted seasonal events
• 50% off yoga classes
• Free bootcamps and fitness classes
• Opportunity to order alcohol by the case at cost price
• Summer and Christmas team parties

How to Apply

Please send your CV and covering letter to:

katy@peterleymanorfarm.co.uk