Posted 8 days ago

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Customer Experience Manager

Sainsbury’s
Pay Estimated pay: £28.9k-39.2k per year

Location Manchester, M41 0NA, United Kingdom
Contract time Full time

The Breakroom Take

6.3

Rated 6.3 out of 10, based on 5,923 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

See all job reviews

  • Pays all ages fairly
  • Recommended by students
  • Proper breaks

About Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s is the third largest supermarket chain in the UK.

Job description from Sainsbury’s

Job Description

You're ambitious for more leadership responsibility. Maybe one day, you'd like to run your own store or take on a bigger role in the future. First, you want to focus on your people development skills - crafting a team that delivers what you need, when you need it.

This is a well - balanced management role with clear accountability - you'll understand exactly what's expected of you and who to turn to for support. Whether you already have some supervisory experience or you're looking to make the step up, it's the perfect chance to get close to your team and grow your skills.

What you'll be doing

Our purpose is that driven by our passion for food, together we serve and help every customer.

As a Customer Experience leader your job is to delight and inspire customers all the way from the car park to the checkout. Whether they're collecting online orders, stocking up on essentials or filling up with petrol, you'll make sure they enjoy the very best experience. Reporting into our Lead Customer Experience Manager, your job is focused on operational in-store management, ensuring that your area is running smoothly, day in, day out.

There's an emphasis on managing a medium to large instore team - assigning tasks and planning breaks, creating rotas, addressing performance issues both sensitively and effectively, and helping with recruitment. You'll be a visible leader on the shop floor, a role model who drives training and creates a team where everyone feels welcome, and colleagues feel safe to challenge the way things are done.

What success looks like

There's lots to achieve. Here's how you'll know you're developing:
  • You're supporting the Lead Customer Experience Manager to deliver improved customer and retail outcomes in your area
  • You'll work closely with another Customer Experience Manager, sharing ideas and identifying ways to improve things, and provide a brilliant handover from each shift to the next
  • You're confident being direct with your team - you're giving honest feedback, early and often
  • You've learned how to help your team to put themselves in the customers' shoes, taking genuine pride in how we deliver a better service
  • You're increasingly making decisions at pace and comfortable not knowing all the answers

About you

We're open minded about your career trajectory. You're probably already managing or supervising people in a similarly fast-paced setting and confident to deal with the many different challenges each day throws up - your team are depending on you!

You'll need to share Sainsbury's love of technology. We're ahead of the curve here - we do as much as we can digitally - from stock management to rotas.

What matters most is you - you're motivated to develop, dedicated to bringing out the best in others and, like all of us, passionate about customer service. After all, that's what our stores are all about.

Where next?

The Sainsbury's instore management structure is designed precisely to help people like you to progress, and where everyone has the support and the opportunity to deliver excellence. When joining us you will receive a clear induction and orientation alongside a training plan specific to your needs that you'll build alongside your manager. They will support and coach you to deliver great performance, whilst having plenty of time to develop.

As a Customer Experience Manager you could move into a Lead Manager role in Food, In-store Customer Experience, Clothing or General Merchandise. Looking further ahead, it's great preparation for a Store Management role or a leadership challenge across the Sainsbury's family: Habitat, Tu, Argos, Sainsbury's Bank and Nectar 360. Trust us - we know how to make the most of your potential.

Added benefits

Salary will be dependent upon your experience as well as the store size, complexity and location. Alongside this, we also offer a great range of benefits for our managers, including:

  • Discount card - 10% discount off on your shopping at Sainsbury's, Argos, Tu and Habitat after four weeks. This increases to 15% discount off at Sainsbury's every Friday and Saturday and 15% off at Argos every pay day.
  • Free food and hot drinks provided for Colleagues in all our stores.
  • Generous holiday entitlement, maternity and paternity leave.
  • Pension - we'll match 4-7.5% of your pension contributions.
  • Sainsbury's share scheme - build up an investment at discounted rates
  • Wellbeing support - access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice
  • Colleague networks - link with like-minded people to help fulfil your potential.
  • Our Cycle to Work scheme gives you the opportunity to hire a new bike and cycling equipment, whilst saving on tax and NI.
  • Special offers on gym memberships, restaurants, holidays, retail vouchers and more.

Click 'apply' to start your Sainsbury's journey

Job insights from Breakroom

Retail store and shop managers

Retail managers look after stores, staff and sales ensuring that targets are met

What you’ll do as a retail store and shop manager

  • Serve and advise customers
  • Look after staff and rotas
  • Manage deliveries and stock
  • Handle customer payments, complaints, returns and refunds
  • Keep the store clean and tidy
  • Be responsible for sales targets and goals

Is it right for you?

This job may involve:

  • Dealing with customers
  • Standing
  • Using a computer
  • Wearing a uniform
  • Physical activities
  • Managing people
  • Anti-social hours

Map

Manchester, M41 0NA, United Kingdom

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Good
  • Most people are paid a living wage

    Do Sainsbury’s pay managers enough to live on?

    Most people are paid a living wage.

    How we know this

    95% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they live.

    Based on data from 63 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should be paid enough to live on.

    The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.

    The current rates are £12.60 per hour, and £13.85 per hour in London.

    Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.

  • Good
  • Most people are paid market rates

    Do Sainsbury’s pay managers market rates?

    Most people are paid above average for their job.

    How we know this

    80% of people are paid above average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 66 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get paid breaks

    Do managers at Sainsbury’s get paid breaks?

    Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    35% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 65 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job should have paid breaks.

    You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.

  • Good
  • Most people get sick pay

    Do Sainsbury’s pay managers sick pay?

    Yes. Most people get proper sick pay.

    How we know this

    94% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 63 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.

    At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.

    This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.

  • Okay
  • Some people do unpaid extra work

    Do managers at Sainsbury’s do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    56% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.

    Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.

Hours and flexibility

    Needs improving
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts

    How much notice do managers get of their shift pattern at Sainsbury’s?

    Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.

    How we know this

    • 14% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
    • 21% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
    • 47% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
    • 19% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.

    Based on data from 58 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.

    This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get a choice of shifts

    Do managers at Sainsbury’s get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    45% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to change shifts

    How easy is it for managers at Sainsbury’s to change shifts?

    Some people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    43% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 51 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.

  • Good
  • Easy to book holiday

    How easy is it for managers to book a holiday at Sainsbury’s?

    Most people find it easy to book holiday.

    How we know this

    80% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.

    Based on data from 66 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.

  • Okay
  • Shifts can get changed at short notice

    Do Sainsbury’s managers change managers shifts at short notice?

    Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.

    How we know this

    41% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.

    Based on data from 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.

  • Okay
  • Some people find it hard to take sick leave

    How easy is it for managers to take sick leave at Sainsbury’s?

    Some people find it hard to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    38% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 63 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.

    A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.

  • Okay
  • Only some parents say it’s good

    Is working as managers at Sainsbury’s good if you have caring responsibilities?

    Only some parents and carer say this is a good place to work.

    How we know this

    44% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.

    Based on data from 63 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2023 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.

Workplace

    Good
  • Most people feel treated with respect

    Do managers at Sainsbury’s feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    84% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get proper breaks

    Do managers at Sainsbury’s get proper breaks?

    Some people don’t get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    63% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 65 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people are stressed

    Is it stressful for managers to work at Sainsbury’s?

    Most people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    77% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 61 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.

    Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Good
  • Most people enjoy their job

    Do managers at Sainsbury’s enjoy their jobs?

    Most people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    71% of people report they enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do managers at Sainsbury’s recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    46% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 65 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job means enjoying the place where you work.

    The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.

    If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get enough training

    Do managers get enough training when they start at Sainsbury’s?

    Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    36% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 58 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.

    This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.

    It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.

  • Good
  • Most people get support to progress

    Are managers given support to progress at Sainsbury’s?

    Most people are given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 69% of people report being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.

    Based on data from 64 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.

    This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening

    Do managers think Sainsbury’s head office understands what's happening where they work?

    Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    83% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.

    To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.

  • Good
  • Most people feel well informed by head office

    Do managers feel well informed about how Sainsbury’s is doing?

    Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    94% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 65 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.

    You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.

Find out more about working at Sainsbury’s

What Sainsbury’s employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    It on most days is a straightfoward shift

    Worst thing

    the workload can be overwhelming some days

    7.5

    Customer assistant at Sainsbury’s, March 2025

  • Best thing

    Being able to talk to new people

    Worst thing

    Night shifts and never got proper training.

    6.8

    Trading assistant at Sainsbury’s, March 2025

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    The colleagues I work with.

    Worst thing

    Management ruin the job for us. We are completely forgotten about, treated with no respect whatsoever.

    5.0

    Trading assistant at Sainsbury’s, February 2025

  • Best thing

    Discount.

    Worst thing

    Customers are often very rude and impatient. Sometimes even threatening. Staff schedule is always poor with often times of lack of staff at busy times. Only shut on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, Boxing Day is never busy and most other companies are shut on Boxing day. Near impossible to have holiday off in December. Uber Eats and Deliveroo and other similar type orders should be completely separate department. Due to the immense stress it causes staff including dealing with rude and impatient drivers who arrive way too early to collect order before its finished being collected off shelves and packed.

    5.5

    Customer service assistant at Sainsbury’s, January 2025

  • Best thing

    The team is the best thing, other staff members are friendly and kind.

    Worst thing

    Shift Managers can not manager, they do not get trained properly, they basically are just highly paid store colleagues. There is no consistency, no proper training, communication is terrible, no care towards colleagues, lots of posters about inclusivity, well being however this does not happen. Majority of colleagues are unhappy with their shifts, there is no work - life balance. Moral is low. The Senior Management have no idea of what goes on, they do not manage anything professionally.

    5.5

    Shift trading assistant at Sainsbury’s, January 2025

  • Best thing

    Amazing people, really nice company, they appreciate the little people

    Worst thing

    Stress, too much unpaid overtime

    6.4

    Manager at Sainsbury’s, January 2025

  • Best thing

    The day goes quick and you work with great people

    Worst thing

    Some customers can be rude, can get busy and May feel repetitive doing the same things and every y day.

    7.0

    Store assistant at Sainsbury’s, December 2024

  • Best thing

    Good pay for a 16 year old

    Worst thing

    Not much, sometimes it can feel repetitive being on the same aisle and some colleagues are frustrating

    7.3

    Trading assistant at Sainsbury’s, December 2024

  • Best thing

    Working with friends and being busy meaning I am not bot

    Worst thing

    Starting at 4am

    6.7

    General assistant at Sainsbury’s, December 2024

  • Best thing

    Nice team, fun to learn new operations

    Worst thing

    Lack of appreciation and accountability from others

    7.7

    Retail manager at Sainsbury’s, November 2024

  • More reviews from Sainsbury’s employees

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