Night Replenishment, Supermarket Assistant reference: R-185265

## Opportunity Review: Supermarket Assistant at Waitrose & Partners, Ponteland This review provides an in-depth look at the Supermarket Assistant role at Waitrose & Partners in Ponteland, offering valuable insights for prospective candidates considering their next career move.

This Supermarket Assistant position presents a unique opportunity to join an employee-owned business renowned for its commitment to quality and customer service. At its core, the role is about enriching the customer experience through "Partner-led service and passion for food." If you're looking for a role where your efforts directly contribute to customer loyalty and brand perception, this could be an excellent fit.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Employee Ownership & Rewards: As part of the John Lewis Partnership, you'll be a "Partner," not just an employee. This means sharing in the ownership, responsibilities, and rewards of the UK's largest employee-owned business. This collaborative model fosters a strong sense of belonging and shared success.
• Career Development & Passion: The role encourages a "drive to go the extra mile" and a "passion for food." This suggests an environment where dedication is valued and can lead to opportunities for growth within a company that prides itself on its food expertise.
• Competitive Compensation & Premium Hours: The role offers an hourly rate of £12.40. Furthermore, for those joining from 5th October 2025 (or employed on or before 4th October 2025), there's a significant Night Premium of £3.50 per hour for time worked between 22:00 and 06:00. This provides an excellent incentive for undertaking night shifts and contributes to a more substantial earning potential.
• Flexible Working Opportunities: The Partnership actively supports work-life balance through flexible working arrangements, which can include flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter hour contracts. This is a significant advantage for candidates seeking to balance their professional and personal lives.
• Valuable Experience & Skill Development: The responsibilities outlined, such as stock replenishment, online order fulfillment, wastage reduction, and general shopkeeping, provide a comprehensive retail experience. Essential communication skills are a baseline, and desirable experience in customer-facing roles or a strong interest in food trends can further enhance your development.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Age Requirement: Due to working time regulations, applicants must be 18 years or over.
• Work Schedule: The role involves part-time work across seven days, requiring two nights per week. This includes early starts, late finishes, evenings, and weekends between the hours of 21:00 and 07:00. Candidates should assess their availability and preference for these hours.
• Temporary Contract: This is a temporary position. Candidates should consider how this aligns with their long-term career goals.
• Pre-Employment Vetting: Some roles may be subject to pre-employment vetting, which could include DBS checks. While this is a standard practice for many roles, candidates should be prepared for this process.
• Application Timing: Vacancies can close early due to high applicant numbers. It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
• Food Industry Interest: While not strictly essential, a strong interest in food and drink trends is desirable and can contribute to a more engaging and successful experience in this role.

In summary, the Supermarket Assistant role at Waitrose & Partners offers a compelling opportunity for individuals seeking to be part of a values-driven, employee-owned organization. The combination of competitive pay, attractive premium rates for night work, and a supportive work environment makes this a role worth exploring for those with a passion for service and a desire to contribute to a respected brand.