Hospitality, Supermarket Assistant reference: R-185377

## Opportunity Review: Service Counter Partner at Waitrose & Partners

Are you passionate about food and enjoy connecting with people? This Service Counter Partner role at Waitrose & Partners offers a compelling opportunity for individuals looking to blend their culinary enthusiasm with exceptional customer service. As a Partner, you'll be at the forefront of bringing the Waitrose ethos to life, directly impacting customer experience and contributing to the brand's esteemed reputation.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Passion for Food in Action: This role is ideal for those who genuinely love food and enjoy sharing that knowledge. You'll have the chance to recommend recipes, discuss ingredients, and inspire customers, making your daily work both engaging and rewarding.
• Ethical Sourcing & Brand Pride: A significant advantage is the opportunity to work for a brand committed to ethically sourced products. You can feel proud of the food you serve and confidently communicate these values to customers, aligning your work with personal principles.
• Customer Relationship Building: The role emphasizes building lasting relationships with customers. Your friendliness and enthusiasm will be key to fostering trust and loyalty, creating a sense of community around the service counter.
• Ownership and Rewards: As part of the John Lewis Partnership, you'll be a co-owner, not just an employee. This unique ownership model means sharing in the company's successes and rewards, fostering a strong sense of belonging and collective responsibility.
• Career Development and Learning: You'll be expected to maintain and expand your knowledge of new products and Waitrose's food values, offering opportunities for continuous learning and personal growth within the food retail sector.
• Enhanced Hours Premium: For those working between 22:00 and 06:00, there's an attractive Night Premium of £3.50 per hour, an added financial incentive for flexible working.
• Supportive Work Environment: The Partnership is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where Partners can thrive. There's a focus on embracing differences and supporting individual growth.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Varied Working Hours: This is a full-time, permanent role with varied hours across seven days a week. This includes early starts, late finishes, and weekends. Candidates should be prepared for a flexible schedule within the hours of 4:00 and 22:00.
• High Standards of Presentation & Hygiene: You will be responsible for maintaining impeccable presentation and hygiene standards for your food counter and all food handling. Strict adherence to health and safety protocols is paramount.
• Stock Management: Proactive stock management is crucial to ensure product availability for customers, requiring attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Teamwork and Flexibility: While customer interaction is key, you'll also be expected to support the wider shop team with general tasks, demonstrating a flexible and collaborative approach.
• Pre-Employment Vetting: Be aware that some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including potential DBS checks. Prompt completion of any required documents will help avoid delays in the recruitment process.
• Interest in Food Trends: While not always essential, an up-to-date knowledge and strong interest in food and drink trends are highly desirable and can significantly enhance your contribution to the role.

This role presents a fantastic chance to develop your career in a dynamic food retail environment. By demonstrating your passion for food, commitment to customer service, and willingness to embrace the unique ownership culture of the Partnership, you can make a significant impact and build a rewarding career.