Customer Delivery Driver, Supermarket Assistant reference: R-191360

## Opportunity Review: Customer Delivery Driver with Waitrose & Partners This review aims to provide potential candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the Customer Delivery Driver role at Waitrose & Partners, highlighting its advantages and key considerations for career growth.

Embarking on a career as a Customer Delivery Driver with Waitrose & Partners offers a unique opportunity to be more than just an employee; you become a Partner in one of the UK's largest employee-owned businesses. This role is at the forefront of delivering the renowned quality of Waitrose produce and the exceptional Partner-led service directly to customers' homes. It's a position that embodies the core ethos of "passionate Partners serving food lovers," making you an integral part of the customer experience.

Beyond the road, your contribution extends to supporting the vibrant in-store team. This includes essential daily tasks like stock replenishment and maintaining the shop's upkeep, fostering an environment of efficiency and productivity within a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

A significant advantage for this role is the potential for enhanced earnings. Any hours worked between 22:00 and 06:00 will attract a Night Premium of £3.50 per hour, providing a valuable financial incentive for those who can work these shifts.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Become a Co-Owner: As a Partner in the John Lewis Partnership, you share in the rewards and responsibilities of a highly successful employee-owned business. This unique ownership model fosters a strong sense of belonging and a direct stake in the company's success.
• Brand Ambassador Role: You'll represent the esteemed Waitrose brand, acting as a crucial link between the company and its customers. This involves not only efficient delivery but also building trust and rapport through outstanding customer service.
• Diverse Responsibilities: The role offers a blend of independent driving duties and crucial in-store support, providing a dynamic work environment and the chance to develop a broad range of retail skills.
• Financial Incentives: The Night Premium offers a tangible benefit for working unsociable hours, contributing to a potentially higher overall earning potential.
• Flexible Working Opportunities: The Partnership is committed to supporting work-life balance, with potential for flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, and shorter hour contracts, which can be discussed further during the interview process.
• Structured Career Path: This role operates at Partnership Level 10, providing a clear starting point within a well-established organizational structure that encourages individual and collective growth.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Driving Requirements: A full, valid UK manual driving licence (B-Category) with no more than 6 points is essential. Experience with chilled vehicles is a desirable, though not mandatory, asset.
• Physical Demands: The role requires the ability to cope with the physical demands, including lifting crates and moving cages, and an awareness of vehicle safety checks is paramount.
• Customer Focus: Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to build positive relationships are fundamental to success in this role.
• Adaptability and Self-Motivation: Working independently requires strong time management skills, self-motivation, and the adaptability to navigate daily route changes and unforeseen circumstances.
• IT Literacy: Basic IT proficiency is necessary for managing delivery routes and associated tasks.
• Age Restriction: Due to the nature of the role, candidates must be 18 years or older.
• Pre-Employment Vetting: Be prepared for potential pre-employment vetting, which may include DBS checks, depending on the specific requirements of the role. Prompt completion of vetting documents is encouraged to avoid delays.
• Weekend Working: All shift patterns include weekend working, which is an important factor to consider for work-life balance planning.

This Customer Delivery Driver position at Waitrose & Partners is an excellent entry point for individuals who are passionate about service, enjoy an active role, and are eager to be part of a unique and rewarding employee-owned organization. It offers a solid foundation for those looking to grow within the retail sector and contribute to a brand that prioritizes quality and customer satisfaction.