The vital role of a Morrisons Duty Manager: responsibilities and rewards
A Duty Manager at Morrisons plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth daily operation of the store. This leadership position involves overseeing staff, delivering excellent customer service, maintaining stock levels, ensuring health and safety compliance, and stepping in for senior management when necessary. Duty Managers are expected to be proactive, resilient, and capable of problem-solving under pressure. They are often key decision-makers during shifts, balancing operational excellence with team morale.
As of 2025, the typical salary for a Morrisons Duty Manager in the UK ranges from £26,000 to £32,000 annually, depending on experience, store size, and location. Additional benefits may include bonuses, employee discounts, pension contributions, and training opportunities for career progression.
To help you succeed in your interview, we’ve compiled the 20 most common and insightful interview questions for the Morrisons Duty Manager role, complete with sample answers and guidance.
Top 20 Morrisons Duty Manager Interview Questions and Answers
Tell us about yourself.
Answer: I have over X years of experience in retail, including supervisory roles where I’ve led teams, managed stock, and consistently hit sales targets. I thrive in fast-paced environments and am passionate about excellent customer service, which aligns perfectly with Morrisons’ values.
Why do you want to work as a Duty Manager at Morrisons?
Answer: I admire Morrisons’ commitment to British sourcing and community focus. As a Duty Manager, I can contribute to maintaining high operational standards while motivating the team to deliver an outstanding customer experience.
How would you handle an understaffed shift?
Answer: I would prioritise critical tasks, redistribute responsibilities fairly, and assist where needed. I’d also communicate with management about resourcing and consider calling in additional help if possible.
Describe a time you resolved a customer complaint.
Answer: A customer once received incorrect change. I listened calmly, verified the issue, apologised sincerely, and corrected the mistake. I also reassured them of our commitment to accuracy and service, which turned a negative experience into a positive one.
How do you motivate a team during a difficult day?
Answer: I lead by example, remain calm, and offer encouragement. I break large tasks into manageable goals and recognise individual contributions, helping to keep morale high and productivity steady.
What would you do if you caught a colleague not following procedures?
Answer: I would address it immediately but professionally. First, I’d clarify the policy and listen to their reasoning. Then I’d guide them on the correct approach, ensuring they understand the importance of compliance moving forward.
How do you prioritise tasks on a busy shift?
Answer: I use a mix of urgency and impact to prioritise. Tasks affecting customer experience or safety come first, followed by time-sensitive operations like deliveries or stock rotation. Delegation and communication are key to maintaining flow.
How do you ensure excellent customer service in the store?
Answer: I actively monitor staff-customer interactions, offer coaching where needed, and ensure staff are well-trained and motivated. I also make myself available on the shop floor to assist and lead by example.
Tell me about a time you led a successful team project.
Answer: At my previous job, I led a seasonal display project. I organised planning sessions, allocated tasks based on team strengths, and ensured timely completion. The display increased seasonal sales by 18%.
How do you handle high-pressure situations?
Answer: I stay focused on solutions rather than stress. I assess the situation, prioritise action, and remain calm to reassure the team. I’ve found that clear communication and preparation help mitigate pressure.
What would you do if a customer was being aggressive?
Answer: I would remain calm, listen respectfully, and try to defuse the situation. If the aggression continued, I’d follow store policy by involving security or management while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
How familiar are you with Morrisons’ values and mission?
Answer: Morrisons focuses on fresh food, British farming, and community connection. Their “more of what matters” philosophy resonates with me, and I’m excited to contribute to a customer-first culture.
How do you handle performance issues within your team?
Answer: I address issues early with constructive feedback and support. I’d identify root causes, set clear improvement goals, and follow up with coaching or further intervention if necessary.
What makes you the right fit for this role?
Answer: My leadership experience, adaptability, and customer service focus make me a strong candidate. I understand the responsibilities of the Duty Manager role and am confident in my ability to uphold store standards and support my team effectively.
Describe how you would deal with a delivery delay affecting stock availability.
Answer: I would communicate with affected departments, update customers where necessary, and look for alternatives. I’d also report the issue, ensure temporary solutions are in place, and work with suppliers to avoid future delays.
How do you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations?
Answer: Regular checks, team training, and clear communication are essential. I ensure staff understand their responsibilities, report hazards promptly, and follow all company protocols without compromise.
Have you used any stock or inventory systems before?
Answer: Yes, I’m proficient in [name system, e.g., SAP or similar], including stock-taking, order placing, and waste reduction reporting. I value accurate data and efficient stock control to minimise shrinkage.
What would you do if you noticed a sudden drop in team morale?
Answer: I would talk to team members individually and as a group to understand their concerns. Based on feedback, I’d implement quick wins and long-term solutions, such as recognition schemes or workload adjustments.
Tell us about a difficult leadership decision you had to make.
Answer: I once had to reassign a team member who wasn’t suited to their current role. It was a difficult conversation, but handled sensitively, and they eventually thrived in their new position. The team’s overall performance improved.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: I see myself progressing within Morrisons, potentially into a Store Manager or Area Manager role. I’m committed to continuous learning and growth within the company.
Final interview coaching tips to boost your confidence
Research Morrisons thoroughly – understand their values, mission, and recent developments.
Prepare real-life examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Dress professionally, even for virtual interviews.
Practice speaking clearly and confidently.
Ask insightful questions at the end, like “What does success look like in this role over the first six months?”
Landing a Morrisons Duty Manager job can be the first step in a rewarding retail management career. With preparation, confidence, and a customer-first mindset, you’ll stand out as a top candidate. Best of luck – you’ve got this!
