*New Opening* - Grindsmith Café - Team Leader

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

Job summary

A leading coffee brand in Manchester is seeking a Team Leader for their new unit opening at Manchester Airport in January 2026. You'll lead high-energy shifts, coach your team, and ensure excellent customer experiences. The role includes operational responsibilities, ensuring quality service, and adhering to airport security requirements. Candidates should have experience in retail or hospitality and a passion for craft coffee. The position offers a vibrant workplace with opportunities for growth and flexible working hours.

Benefits

Free meal and drink each shift

Staff discounts

Free car parking on site

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Previous Barista experience preferred but not essential.
• Must pass aviation security clearance including a valid passport and criminal record check.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and create a positive team environment.
• Coach team members and celebrate wins.
• Maintain stock, safety, service, and ensure smiles.
• Serve quality coffee, food, and hospitality.

Skills

Experience leading teams in retail or hospitality

Calm, confident communicator

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

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, 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.