Night Replenishment, Supermarket Assistant reference: R-185483

## Review: Supermarket Assistant Opportunity at Waitrose & Partners This role offers a compelling opportunity for individuals looking to contribute to a renowned retail brand while developing within a unique employee-owned structure. As a Supermarket Assistant at Waitrose & Partners, you'll be at the forefront of customer experience, embodying the brand's commitment to exceptional service and a passion for food. ### Advantages for Potential Candidates:

Joining Waitrose & Partners as a Supermarket Assistant presents several distinct advantages for career growth and personal development:

• Partner-Led Service & Food Passion: This role is ideal for individuals who genuinely enjoy interacting with customers and have a keen interest in food and drink. You'll be empowered to deliver a service that differentiates Waitrose, fostering customer loyalty and making a tangible impact on their shopping experience.
• Competitive Pay & Night Premium: The starting pay of £12.40 per hour is complemented by a significant advantage for those working overnight shifts. From October 5th, 2024, and for those enrolled in specific premium arrangements, an additional £3.50 per hour will be awarded for all hours worked between 22:00 and 06:00, making late-night operations particularly rewarding. An enhanced shift premium will also be applied to those employed on or before October 4th, 2025.
• Employee Ownership & Shared Rewards: As part of the John Lewis Partnership, you'll be more than just an employee; you'll be a Partner. This means you share in the ownership and rewards of the UK's largest employee-owned business. This unique model fosters a strong sense of belonging, shared responsibility, and collective success.
• Focus on Career Development: The description highlights a commitment to individual growth and collective development. This suggests opportunities for learning new skills and potentially progressing within the Partnership. The emphasis on "growing ourselves individually, and as a collective" is a strong indicator of a supportive environment.
• Flexible Working Options: Waitrose & Partners recognizes the importance of work-life balance and actively supports flexible working. While the described role involves varied part-time hours (30 hours) across evenings and weekends, opportunities for discussing flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts may be available, fostering a healthier work-life integration.
• Valued Contribution: Your drive and commitment to going the "extra mile" are explicitly recognized as key to customer impression and loyalty. This signifies that your efforts will be valued and contribute directly to the brand's success.

To help you assess if this role aligns with your career aspirations, consider the following:

• Age Requirement: Due to working time regulations, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Varied Working Hours: The role involves part-time hours (approximately 30 hours per week) with varied shifts that include evenings and weekends, specifically between the hours of 20:00 and 07:00. Candidates should be comfortable with this schedule.
• Essential Skills: Strong communication skills are paramount for effective teamwork and customer interaction.
• Desirable Attributes: While not mandatory, experience in a customer-facing role, a strong and up-to-date knowledge of food and drink trends, and a flexible approach to supporting the entire branch would be highly beneficial and may set you apart.
• Vetting Procedures: Be aware that some roles may be subject to pre-employment vetting, including potential DBS checks and financial probity checks. Prompt completion of vetting documents is encouraged to avoid delays.
• Proactive Application: Vacancies can close early due to high application numbers. It is recommended to apply as soon as possible to secure your place in the selection process.
• Commitment to the Partnership's Ethos: Success in this role will likely be enhanced by an understanding and appreciation of the Partnership's core values, including teamwork, kindness, respect, and a commitment to creating an inclusive environment.

This Supermarket Assistant position at Waitrose & Partners offers a rewarding career path for individuals who are passionate about customer service, enjoy working in a dynamic retail environment, and are eager to be part of a unique employee-owned business. By understanding these advantages and considerations, potential candidates can make an informed decision about this exciting opportunity.