Team Leader Careers at Co-op: Insights from an Operations Manager

Simon Taylor, Operations Manager, shares what it’s like to be a Team Leader in the retail industry, and explains why things are so different at Co-op.

How did you start your career at Co-op?

I joined Co-op while studying for my A-levels and worked in store on Saturdays. Once I'd gained experience and got to know the business, I was offered a place on Co-op's fast-track management programme. I wasn't interested in going to university and wanted to start earning and developing my career straight away. That opportunity gave me the foundation to build the leadership career I have today.

What does a Team Leader do at Co-op?

A Team Leader's main responsibility is to support, care for and lead their colleagues while delivering great service for customers. It's a people-focused role at its heart, but you'll also gain experience across many areas of the business, including stock management, waste management, cash management and community projects. It's a varied role that helps you develop both leadership and operational skills.

Why are Team Leaders so important to the success of Co-op stores?

Team Leaders play a vital role in creating a great experience for both colleagues and customers. They're often the people leading, supporting and developing teams day to day, helping stores run smoothly and ensuring colleagues feel confident and motivated. From my experience, strong Team Leaders are often the difference between a good store and a great one.

What career opportunities can a Team Leader role lead to?

Many Team Leaders go on to become Store Managers and continue progressing their careers within Co-op. As an Operations Manager, part of my role is identifying people with leadership potential, supporting their development and helping them prepare for future opportunities. The Team Leader role provides excellent experience and is often the first step towards a management career.

What's it like working at Co-op?

Co-op gives colleagues more autonomy than many people expect from a large retailer. Rather than simply telling people what to do, we focus on guiding and supporting colleagues so they can develop confidence and make decisions. People joining our training programmes are often surprised by how un-corporate the environment feels compared to other large organisations.

What makes Co-op's culture different?

There's a strong, supportive culture where colleagues are encouraged to be themselves. One of our mantras is "be yourself always", and I genuinely believe that's reflected in how we work. Co-op makes a conscious effort to build diverse teams with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, and that's one of the things that makes the business such a great place to work.

Why would you recommend a Team Leader role at Co-op?

A Team Leader role offers the opportunity to lead people, develop new skills and make a positive impact in your local community. Co-op is a business that genuinely cares about people and works hard to create a fairer world, whether that's through supporting local causes, tackling social issues or investing in colleague development. If you're looking for a role where you can grow your career while making a difference, it's a fantastic place to start.

Start your Co op career

If you’re looking for a role where you can grow, take on responsibility, and still have flexibility, Co op could be a great fit.
Explore Customer Team Leader roles here and see where it could take you.

Updated 12th August 2026