*New Opening* - Grindsmith Café - Team Leader

Whsmithcareers; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A unique coffee brand at Manchester Airport is seeking a passionate Team Leader to inspire and manage a high-performing team. In this role, you will lead shifts, ensure quality service, and cultivate an energetic team environment. Candidates should possess experience in leadership within retail or hospitality, along with a passion for craft coffee. The role includes benefits such as free meals, staff discounts, and opportunities for career development in a dynamic setting.

Benefits

Free meal and drink every shift

Staff discounts

Free car parking onsite

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in retail or hospitality.
• Calm and confident communicator.
• Love for quality and attention to detail.
• Ability to solve problems and plan ahead.
• Passion for craft coffee and great food.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and create a team-focused environment.
• Coach the team and celebrate successes.
• Ensure smooth operations, including stock and safety.
• Serve outstanding coffee and food.
• Live the Grindsmith values every shift.

Skills

Leadership

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Passion for craft coffee

Flexibility

Job description

Grindsmith - Team Leader - Manchester Airport

Brand new unit opening Jan 2026

As a Team Leader at Grindsmith, you lead by doing. You’ll run high-energy shifts, support a brilliant team, and make sure every customer leaves with an experience worth remembering. With a focus on service, quality, and culture, you help bring our brand to life, every day.

Opening hours 0200-2100 Monday - Sunday, fully flexible to include weekends

Why join Grindsmith?

• Be part of a bold, of a new Manchester-born coffee brand
• Work in a buzzing airport location where no two days are the same
• Grow with us—development opportunities and career progression
• Enjoy staff discounts, partner perks, and a free meal and drink every shift
• Be yourself in a vibrant, values-led workplace
• Free Car Park - On shift
• Un Sociable Hours Pay - Uplift

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading shifts and creating a positive, high-performing team environment
• Coaching your team on the floor and celebrating wins together
• Keeping things running smoothly—stock, safety, service, and smiles
• Serving up top-notch coffee, food, and hospitality
• Living and breathing the Grindsmith values, every single shift

What we’re looking for:

• Experience leading teams in retail or hospitality
• A calm, confident communicator who brings people together
• A sharp eye for detail and a love for quality
• Someone who thrives on solving problems and planning ahead
• A passion for craft coffee, great food, and warm, authentic service
• Super flexible team players who can roll with the airport rhythm and bring positive energy to every shift
• Previous Barista experience preferred but not essential for the right candidate

Airport Vetting Requirements

Due to the location of this role airside at Manchester Airport, all candidates must pass aviation security clearance. This includes:

• A valid passport
• A complete 5-year history (employment, education, travel, or volunteering)
• A criminal record check (DBS)

We will guide you through the vetting process and support you in submitting the necessary documentation.

Why Grindsmith @ WHSmith

• Grindsmith is a values-led, independent coffee brand rooted in Manchester. Paired with WHSmith’s rich heritage and innovative approach to travel retail, this collaboration brings together craft, community, and decades of experience to create something truly unique
• Shift patterns that suit airport hours, with a supportive team around you
• Free car parking onsite at Manchester Airport while at work
• A strong development culture and opportunities to grow within the business
• Staff discount, partner perks, plus free a meal and drink while working in a vibrant workplace where you can truly be yourself.