Branch Cook, Supermarket Assistant reference: R-185259

Here's a professional review of the Supermarket Assistant Branch Cook job description, designed to guide potential candidates:

This opportunity for a Supermarket Assistant Branch Cook at Waitrose & Partners presents a unique dual role, blending culinary skills with essential retail support. It's an excellent chance for individuals passionate about food and customer service to contribute to a dynamic retail environment.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Dual Skill Development: This role offers the advantage of honing your culinary expertise in a dedicated Partner Dining Room kitchen while simultaneously gaining valuable experience across various shop floor operations. This versatility can significantly broaden your skillset and career adaptability.
• Employee Ownership & Rewarding Environment: As part of the John Lewis Partnership, you'll become a co-owner, sharing in the rewards and responsibilities of the UK's largest employee-owned business. This fosters a strong sense of belonging and shared success.
• Focus on Food & Quality: The role emphasizes a passion for food and the provision of nutritious menus, allowing you to exercise your culinary creativity and commitment to quality.
• Competitive Pay & Potential Premiums: With a competitive hourly rate of £13.39, this role also offers a Night Premium of £3.50 per hour for work performed between 22:00 and 06:00, should you enroll in the Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements. This presents an attractive financial incentive for those who can work these hours.
• Flexible Working Opportunities: The Partnership is committed to supporting work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements. Specifics can be discussed with the hiring manager, indicating a willingness to accommodate individual needs.
• Structured Schedule with Rotation: The provided part-time hours (23.75 hours per week) are structured on a two-week rotation, offering a predictable yet varied work pattern.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Culinary Responsibilities: As Branch Cook, you'll be responsible for the smooth operation of the kitchen, including food preparation, portion control, storage, and maintaining high standards of food hygiene. A strong understanding of food safety and waste reduction is crucial.
• Retail Support Functions: When not in the kitchen, you'll actively contribute to the shop floor. This involves stock replenishment, fulfilling online and on-demand customer orders, managing Click & Collect, and providing checkout support. Adaptability and a proactive approach are essential.
• Commercial Acumen: The role requires commercial awareness, not only in driving sales within the dining room but also in diligently controlling costs and minimizing wastage.
• Essential Skills: Prior experience as a cook in a catering or hospitality setting is a requirement. A customer-focused attitude and the ability to engage positively with colleagues (referred to as "Partners") are also vital.
• Desirable Qualifications: While not mandatory, holding a City & Guilds 706 1 and 2 or NVQ equivalent, along with a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, would be advantageous and demonstrate a higher level of commitment to your culinary development.
• Pre-Employment Vetting: Be aware that some roles may require pre-employment vetting, which could include DBS checks. Completing these promptly is encouraged to avoid delays in your onboarding.

This Supermarket Assistant Branch Cook position is ideal for an individual who thrives in a multifaceted role, enjoys a blend of food preparation and customer interaction, and values being part of a collaborative, employee-owned organization. If you are looking for a role that offers variety, professional development, and a rewarding ownership model, this could be a significant step in your career journey.