The Assistant Manager role at Subway UK is a vital leadership position in one of the world’s most recognizable fast-food franchises. Acting as the bridge between senior management and the team, this role ensures smooth daily operations, motivates staff, maintains customer satisfaction, and upholds Subway’s brand standards. Responsibilities include scheduling, staff training, inventory management, handling customer complaints, and ensuring food hygiene compliance.
In the UK, the typical salary for a Subway Assistant Manager ranges from £22,000 to £26,000 per year, depending on location and experience. The role also offers opportunities for career progression to Store Manager or higher-level regional roles. Preparing well for this interview is crucial to land the position and showcase your potential as a leader.
1. Tell us about yourself.
Start with your relevant experience in retail or food service, highlighting leadership, teamwork, and customer service skills. Keep it concise and job-focused.
Sample Answer:
“I’m an experienced shift supervisor with over three years in quick-service restaurants. I’ve led teams of up to 10, managed scheduling, ensured health compliance, and focused on delivering excellent customer service. I’m passionate about team motivation and operational efficiency, which makes this Assistant Manager role at Subway a perfect fit.”
2. Why do you want to work as an Assistant Manager at Subway?
Focus on Subway’s brand, values, and growth opportunities.
Sample Answer:
“I admire Subway’s commitment to fresh, customizable food and its strong global brand. I’m drawn to this role because I enjoy leading teams and improving performance in a fast-paced environment. I believe Subway offers clear paths for progression, and I want to grow with the brand.”
3. How would you handle a staff member consistently arriving late?
Demonstrate leadership, fairness, and conflict resolution.
Sample Answer:
“I’d have a one-on-one conversation to understand the reason behind the lateness. If it continues, I’d refer to company policy and issue a formal warning. My aim is to support staff while maintaining standards.”
4. What strategies do you use to motivate your team?
Share specific methods, like recognition, goal setting, or incentives.
Sample Answer:
“I use regular praise, clear goals, and involve team members in decision-making. For example, during a previous promotion, I created a competition around upselling, which improved sales and boosted morale.”
5. Describe a time you dealt with a difficult customer.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Sample Answer:
“A customer was upset over a wrong order. I apologized sincerely, corrected the order quickly, and offered a free cookie as goodwill. They left satisfied and returned the next day, complimenting our service.”
6. How do you handle stress during busy periods?
Explain your ability to stay calm and prioritize.
Sample Answer:
“I stay focused by organizing tasks by urgency, communicating clearly with the team, and keeping energy positive. Planning ahead during quiet times also helps us stay on top when it gets busy.”
7. How would you deal with a team member not following hygiene procedures?
Show you understand food safety and policy enforcement.
Sample Answer:
“I’d remind them of the specific hygiene requirement, retrain them if necessary, and monitor their performance. Ensuring health and safety compliance is non-negotiable.”
8. How do you prioritize tasks during your shift?
Mention time management and delegation.
Sample Answer:
“I prioritize based on urgency and impact. For example, I might delegate food prep to team members while I handle a stock delivery or customer complaint. I always monitor progress and stay flexible.”
9. What would you do if a delivery arrived with missing stock?
Detail how you’d report and adapt.
Sample Answer:
“I’d check the delivery note, inform the supplier, and report the issue to my manager. In the meantime, I’d adjust our prep and sales accordingly to minimize impact.”
10. How do you ensure excellent customer service from your team?
Leadership and setting the tone is key.
Sample Answer:
“I lead by example, set clear expectations, and give immediate feedback. I also encourage team members to greet every customer warmly and resolve complaints proactively.”
11. Describe your management style.
Be honest and reflect Subway’s culture of support and performance.
Sample Answer:
“I’m a supportive yet results-driven manager. I believe in hands-on leadership, open communication, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued.”
12. Have you ever improved a process or task at work?
Highlight initiative and impact.
Sample Answer:
“I noticed our lunchtime prep was causing delays, so I adjusted the schedule to start earlier and cross-trained staff to multitask. It cut wait times by 20%.”
13. What are your strengths as a leader?
Tailor to Subway’s needs.
Sample Answer:
“I’m organized, calm under pressure, and great at motivating diverse teams. My team often comments on my fairness and clear communication.”
14. What are your weaknesses?
Be honest but positive.
Sample Answer:
“I sometimes take on too much myself. I’m learning to delegate more effectively, which empowers the team and improves efficiency.”
15. How do you handle shift planning?
Speak to fairness, compliance, and flexibility.
Sample Answer:
“I balance hours fairly, ensure coverage for peak times, and accommodate staff requests when possible. I always have a backup plan for absences.”
16. What KPIs would you track in this role?
Show you understand business goals.
Sample Answer:
“I’d track sales performance, labor costs, food waste, upsell rates, and customer satisfaction metrics.”
17. How would you respond to a sudden team absence?
Show quick thinking and teamwork.
Sample Answer:
“I’d first check if another staff member can cover. If not, I’d step in myself and simplify the menu if necessary to maintain service.”
18. Tell us about a successful team project.
Emphasize collaboration and results.
Sample Answer:
“My team worked together on a local promotion. I coordinated training and assigned roles. We exceeded weekly sales targets by 15%.”
19. Why should we hire you over other candidates?
Sell yourself based on the role’s needs.
Sample Answer:
“I bring proven leadership in fast food, strong customer service skills, and a passion for team development. I’ll bring immediate value and grow with Subway.”
20. Do you have any questions for us?
Ask thoughtful, role-specific questions.
Sample Answer:
“Yes – what qualities have made previous Assistant Managers successful in this store?”
OR
“What training opportunities does Subway offer for career growth?”
Final Interview Coaching and Encouragement
Preparing for your Subway UK Assistant Manager interview isn’t just about memorising answers — it’s about presenting yourself as a confident, capable leader who thrives under pressure. Practice speaking your answers aloud, research the specific store’s performance, and dress professionally.
Remember to smile, make eye contact, and bring examples of your achievements. Interviews are not only about your answers — they’re also about your energy, attitude, and how well you fit the team. You’ve got this!
Good luck!
