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- Tasks: Deliver exceptional customer service and maintain high shop standards at our Farm Shop & Cafe.
- Company: Join the Leckford Estate, part of the John Lewis Partnership, in a stunning rural setting.
- Benefits: Earn £12.40 per hour with night premium pay and enjoy flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team and create memorable experiences for customers in a beautiful location.
- Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills and teamwork ability; food safety experience is a plus.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive work-life balance and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
Overview
The Leckford Estate was purchased by John Spedan Lewis in 1928 as his private estate, converted into a limited company in 1929 and is now part of the John Lewis Partnership. In August 2001 the Leckford Estate became part of Waitrose & Partners, providing a real focus for it to produce food for the Partnership’s food stores under the Leckford brand. Located in the heart of rural Hampshire, Leckford Estate is an area of outstanding beauty and only 25 minutes from the New Forest. Join us and you’ll enjoy a remarkable and unrivalled working environment and setting.
As a Farm Shop Assistant, you will be working at our stunning Farm Shop & Cafe located on our very own Waitrose Farm on Leckford Estate. You’ll have the important job of ensuring every customer's visit is enjoyable and meets the high standards that the Waitrose brand is known for.
Pay and hours
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £3.50 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
- Salary: £12.40 per hour
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Hours of Work: Full time work (39 hours per week) across seven days to include early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends.
- Closing Date: February 12, 2026
- Location: Leckford Estate, Leckford Estate Office, Leckford, Hampshire, SO20 6DA
About the role
As a Farm Shop Assistant you will have high standards of customer service and will be required to work as part of the team and be organised in your duties to meet the needs of the busy Farm Shop & Cafe.
Key Responsibilities
- Engaging with our customers with brilliant customer service.
- Ensuring all stock is replenished and maintaining shop standards for a pleasant customer experience.
- Supporting in all areas of the Farm Shop including processing transactions in a timely manner.
- Minimising food wastage by demonstrating great care and due diligence when rotating stock.
- When working in the cafe, you’ll be required to comply with all food safety legislation, procedures and standards.
- On occasion, you may also be needed to support the running of events for our customers.
Essential skills/experience
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to work as a team.
Desirable skills/experience
- Level 2 Food Safety in Catering Certificate.
- Experience in food preparation in a retail environment.
Important notes: It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Farm Shop Assistant employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Shop Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Leckford Estate and its values! When you walk into that interview, show us you’re passionate about the brand and what it stands for. A little research goes a long way in making a great impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for a customer. We want to hear those stories during your chat with us!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your teamwork abilities. We love a good team player, so come prepared with examples of how you’ve worked well with others in busy environments. It’s all about collaboration at the Farm Shop!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for enthusiastic candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Shop Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills: Make sure to highlight your excellent customer service skills in your application. We want to see how you engage with customers and create a pleasant experience, so share any relevant experiences that showcase this.
Be Organised and Team-Oriented: As a Farm Shop Assistant, being organised and a team player is key. In your application, mention any past roles where you worked as part of a team and how you managed your duties effectively to meet busy demands.
Demonstrate Your Food Safety Knowledge: If you have a Level 2 Food Safety in Catering Certificate or any experience in food preparation, make sure to include that in your application. It shows us you’re serious about maintaining high standards in our cafe.
Apply Early Through Our Website: Don’t wait until the last minute! We recommend applying as soon as possible through our website. This way, you’ll avoid missing out on the chance to join our fantastic team at Leckford Estate.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Know Your Customer Service Skills
As a Farm Shop Assistant, you'll need to showcase your excellent customer service skills. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond for a customer. This will help demonstrate your ability to engage with customers effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Food Safety Standards
Since food safety is crucial in this role, brush up on the relevant legislation and procedures. If you have a Level 2 Food Safety in Catering Certificate, mention it! Even if you don’t, showing that you understand the importance of food safety can set you apart.
✨Teamwork is Key
This position requires you to work as part of a team, so be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of successful teamwork from previous jobs or experiences, highlighting your ability to support your colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment.
✨Ask About Flexibility
Since the role involves various shifts, don’t hesitate to ask about flexible working options during your interview. This shows that you're proactive and interested in finding a balance that works for both you and the employer, which is something they value.
