Elliott Barclay
Swindon,Oxfordshire
Summary
Experienced and results driven Lead Food Manager with a strong track record of leading large high-performing teams and delivering operational excellence in a fast-paced retail environment. Skilled in driving performance, budget management and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and customer experience. Strong communicator and confident decision-maker with extensive experience in employee relations and change implementation. Now seeking to transition into an Operating Model Executive role, brining a passion for continuous improvement, strategic thinking, and delivering sustainable business change.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work history
Lead Food Manager
Sainsbury's
Witney, Oxfordshire
2025.03 - Current
- Lead a team of 60 colleagues, with 2 direct reporting managers.
- Ensured compliance to food safety laws by implementing strict procedures and experienced in leading safe & legal audits.
- Responsible for running the store day to day in the Store Managers absence.
- Effectively managed payroll and HR processes, including recruitment and managing complex ER cases.
- Led food team through biggest refit that Sainsbury's has ever done as part of a concept Future Role of Store rollout.
- Led senior stakeholder visits and walkthroughs with director level management and built relationships with key business partners across digital and transformation teams.
- Supported in implementation of various trials within the store, including the roll out of new electronic shelf edge labels and new team training & ways of working.
- Responsible for rollout and implementation within the store of an AI stock management/replenishment system (Captana). Supported with design and implementation of new store operating model to work alongside the trial.
- Delivered a "Being There For Customers" formal business case to ensure colleague's contracted hours matched both customer and business needs.
Customer & Trading Manager
Sainsbury's
Witney, Oxfordshire
2021.06 - 2025.03
- Managed multiple departments across different sites over the 4 years in role. Departments included Night shift, Food trading teams & Online picking teams.
- Managed teams of up to 70 colleagues.
- Managed employee relations cases.
- Ensured compliance with trading regulations avoiding legal complications.
- Ensured smooth trading procedures with a strong customer focus.
Team leader
Sainsbury's
Swindon, Wiltshire
2017.01 - 2018.06
- Team Leader in multiple areas of the store including Food, Food Services & Online Picking team.
- Coached and supervised a large team of colleagues, running the departments in the absence of manager.
- Handled difficult scenarios by making effective decisions in a fast paced environment.
Sales assistant
Sainsbury's
Swindon, Wiltshire
2014.11 - 2017.01
- Built strong relationships with store team.
- Addressed customer needs promptly, resulting in positive feedback and loyalty.
- Learnt about new products and location of products quickly, providing help to customers.
- Maintained knowledge of current sales promotions helping customers make informed buying decisions.
- Managed till operations smoothly, reducing waiting time for customers.
Education
A-Levels -
Ridgeway School & Six Form
Swindon 09/2014 - 07/2016
Skills
- Leadership & People development
- Planning & Prioritisation
- MS office proficiency
- Change Management & Implementation
- Stakeholder relationship management
- Risk mitigation
- Analytical problem solver
- Change Agility
- Strong communication skills with ability to story tell
- Budget management and cost control
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead Food Manager
Sainsbury's
2025.03 - Current
Customer & Trading Manager
Sainsbury's
2021.06 - 2025.03
Team leader
Sainsbury's
2017.01 - 2018.06
Sales assistant
Sainsbury's
2014.11 - 2017.01
A-Levels -
Ridgeway School & Six Form
09/2014 - 07/2016