We got started because we felt there was a better way of doing business; one that would make a difference for its customers and the communities that we live in. To this very day those same values remain, despite having been founded over 150 years ago.

In that time, we’ve grown to become one of the largest, totally independent businesses in the region, with over 200 stores and 3,000 employees.

We’re set up very differently from someone like Tesco or Waitrose. We don’t have big corporate shareholders; our shareholders are the people who shop with us: our members. That means the decisions we make about how we run our business are always done with our shoppers in mind. If you shop with us regularly and aren't yet a member you can join us today: www.eastofengland.coop/join

What also sets us apart from ordinary businesses is that we use profit to bring action to important local issues; by shopping with us you can help us invest back into the local community where support is needed most. From funding vital equipment for local hospitals to support for local food banks, donating to local good causes plays a key role in what we do.

East of England Co-op

Job Title: Cluster LeadLocation: Field Based – Essex & SuffolkSalary: £50,000 – £60,000 per annumHours: Full-time, 39 hours per week, 5 days over 7 and/or as operationally requiredContract Type: Permanent, Field BasedReporting to: Head of FoodTeam: FoodCompany Car: ProvidedApplication Closing Date: 16th September 2026
About the Role
Are you an experienced retail leader who knows what it takes to bring out the best in stores, people and performance?
We’re looking for a commercially focused Cluster Lead to join our Food team at East of England Co-op. This is a key leadership role, responsible for a defined group of stores and the Store Managers who lead them.
You’ll be at the heart of delivering our Retail Plan, turning strategic priorities into meaningful action across your cluster. From driving sales and operational excellence to developing Store Managers and creating exceptional customer experiences, you’ll have a direct impact on the performance of our stores and the communities they serve.
This is a highly visible, field-based role where no two days will be the same. You’ll spend time in stores, coaching at the shelf edge, solving challenges, identifying opportunities and supporting our leaders to build high-performing, engaged teams.
As a key link between our stores and senior retail leadership, you’ll also make sure the voice of our colleagues and customers is heard, helping us continuously improve how we operate.If you’re a confident, inspiring retail leader with strong commercial acumen and a passion for developing people, we’d love to hear from you.
What You’ll Be Doing
Lead and coach Store Managers across your cluster to deliver strong commercial and operational performance.Deliver the Retail Plan at cluster level, translating strategic priorities into clear and achievable local action.Use performance data, KPIs and business insight to identify opportunities, address challenges and drive sustainable improvement.Spend time in stores coaching at the shelf edge, supporting leaders and ensuring consistently high standards of customer service and operations.Build high-performing leadership teams through coaching, development, succession planning and effective talent management.Identify and deliver opportunities for sales growth, improved availability, cost control and shrink reduction.Champion a customer-first culture, using customer feedback and insight to improve experience and performance.Ensure all stores operate safely, legally and in line with Society policies, standards and regulatory requirements.Work collaboratively with People, Compliance, Safety, Audit and Project teams to deliver business priorities and support change.Act as a strong two-way link between store teams and senior retail leadership, sharing insight, recognising success and ensuring our frontline voice is heard.
What You’ll Need
Proven experience in a multi-site retail leadership role, ideally within a high-volume or fast-paced environment.Strong understanding of end-to-end retail operations, including commercial performance, P&L management, customer experience and people leadership.A proven track record of coaching and developing Store Managers or other senior operational leaders to improve performance.Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to interpret business data, identify trends and turn insight into action.Experience leading change, continuous improvement and the implementation of strategic initiatives.Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and inspire people at all levels.A proactive, resilient and solutions-focused approach to operational challenges.Strong understanding of compliance, health & safety and risk management within a retail environment.A collaborative, inclusive and values-led leadership style.A retail management qualification or business-related degree would be desirable, as would experience within a community-based or cooperative business.
Why Join Us?
At East of England Co-op, our stores are at the heart of the communities we serve.
As a Cluster Lead, you’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference – not just to commercial performance, but to the colleagues and customers who make our business what it is.
You’ll join a values-led organisation where great leadership means developing people, improving performance and creating an environment where teams can thrive.
With a field-based role, company car and the opportunity to influence performance across multiple stores, this is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced retail leader looking for their next challenge.
If you’re ready to lead with purpose, develop great people and deliver great retail, apply now and join our Food team.