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This review provides an overview of the Supermarket Assistant role at Waitrose & Partners, designed to help potential candidates understand the opportunity and guide their career path. We'll highlight the advantages and key considerations for this exciting position.
The Opportunity: Supermarket Assistant at Waitrose & Partners
The Supermarket Assistant role at Waitrose & Partners is an excellent opportunity to become part of a renowned employee-owned business, where your contribution directly impacts customer experience. This position offers a dynamic work environment focused on passionate service and a love for food, distinguishing it from competitors.
Key Advantages for Candidates:
- Partner-Led Service: You'll be empowered to provide a high level of customer service, contributing to the strong reputation of the Waitrose brand and fostering customer loyalty.
- Attractive Night Premium: For those working between 22:00 and 06:00, there's a significant financial incentive. Starting from October 5th, a Night Premium of £3.50 per hour will be applied to contractual pay for these hours. This also extends to existing Partners on Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements. A similar shift premium, paid at the pay range minimum rate for your role, will be implemented for those employed on or before October 4th, 2025.
- Employee Ownership: As part of the John Lewis Partnership, you're not just an employee, but a Partner. This unique ownership model means you share in the responsibilities, rewards, and successes of the business.
- Career Development & Belonging: The Partnership fosters a culture where you can grow individually and collectively, embracing differences and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
- Flexible Working: Waitrose & Partners values work-life balance and supports flexible working arrangements, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter contract hours, where feasible.
- Foodie Focus: If you have a genuine interest in food and drink trends, this role offers a fantastic environment to engage with your passion.
Key Responsibilities and Daily Tasks:
As a Supermarket Assistant, your role will be multifaceted, ensuring the smooth operation of the store. Key responsibilities include:
- Stock Replenishment: Ensuring shelves are well-stocked and products are in their correct positions for customers.
- Online Order Fulfillment: Accurately picking and packing online customer orders for delivery.
- Waste Reduction: Implementing procedures for product due diligence and markdowns to minimize wastage.
- Team Collaboration: Supporting colleagues across various shopkeeping tasks, including checkout assistance and managing Click & Collect orders.
- Maintaining Standards: Ensuring a safe, tidy, and welcoming working environment through general shopkeeping duties.
Essential Skills and Experience:
While customer-facing experience is welcomed, the most crucial requirement is strong communication skills, enabling effective teamwork and positive customer interactions.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
Candidates who possess the following will be particularly well-suited:
- Previous experience in a customer-facing role.
- A current understanding of and enthusiasm for food and drink trends.
- A flexible attitude to support the needs of the entire branch.
Important Considerations for Applicants:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or over due to working time regulations.
- Vetting: Some roles may be subject to pre-employment vetting, which could include DBS checks and financial probity checks. Successful candidates will be informed of any requirements during the recruitment process.
- Application Timing: Vacancies can close early due to high application numbers. It is advisable to apply as soon as possible.
- Pay and Hours: The role offers an hourly rate of £12.40, with working hours between 21:00 and 07:00, including weekend work. Flexibility across various days is required.
- Contract Type: This is a temporary position.
This Supermarket Assistant role presents a fantastic opportunity to join a purpose-driven organization that values its people and their contributions. If you're looking for a role where you can make a tangible difference, develop your skills, and be part of a unique employee-owned business, this could be the perfect fit for your career path.
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