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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers in our Farm Shop & Cafe, ensuring a top-notch experience.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK, part of the John Lewis Partnership.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Work in a stunning countryside setting while delivering exceptional customer service.
- Qualifications: Advanced customer service skills required; food safety knowledge is a plus.
- Other info: Permanent role with 15 hours per week, perfect for students!
About the role The Leckford Estate was purchased by John Spedan Lewis (the founder of the Partnership) 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.
At a glance
Salary – £12.40 per hour
Contract Type – Permanent
Hours of Work – Varied hours of full time work (39 hours per week) across seven days to include early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends.
About the role
As a Farm Shop Assistant you will have high standards of customer service and will be required as well as have the ability to work as part of the team and be organised in your duties to meet the needs of the busy Farm Shop & Café.
Some of your key responsibilities will include
This role will primarily be in the cafe, food handling and preparation with high standards of service and hygiene are expected.
As a selling assistant in the shop you will be engaging with customers, replenishing stock, housekeeping and operating the tills to provide an enhanced all round experience.
In both aspects of the role you are expected to represent the Waitrose brand as well as our amazing customer service reputation.
Housekeeping also forms part of this role to uphold the standards of the shop so good cleaning and display skills are required.
When working in the cafe, you will be required to comply with all specific food safety legislation, procedures and standards.
Support for the running of events may also be required.
Essential skills you will need
- Advanced customer service skills.
- Ability to work as a team.
Desirable experience skills and qualifications you may have
- Level 2 Food Safety in Catering Certificate
- Food Preparation in a retail environment
About The Partnership
We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.
We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.
We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.
As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note
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 occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications, and therefore, we recommend you apply early. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability which means you may need longer to complete your application please contact us as soon as possible.
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.
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Farm Shop Cafe 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 Cafe Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Waitrose brand and its values. Understanding their commitment to quality and customer service will help you align your approach during interviews and interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in customer service or food handling. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've provided excellent service or maintained high hygiene standards in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Visit the Leckford Estate and its Farm Shop & Cafe before your interview. This will give you a feel for the environment and allow you to speak knowledgeably about it during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss teamwork and collaboration. Since the role requires working as part of a team, think of examples where you've successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Shop Cafe Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and essential skills required for the Farm Shop Cafe Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Customer Service Skills: Since advanced customer service skills are essential for this role, make sure to provide specific examples in your CV or cover letter that demonstrate your ability to engage with customers and provide excellent service.
Show Teamwork Ability: Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Include experiences where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in a busy environment like a cafe or retail setting.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Farm Shop Cafe Assistant, you'll need to demonstrate your advanced customer service skills. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent service in the past, and be ready to discuss how you would handle various customer scenarios.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Food Safety Standards
Since food handling and preparation are key parts of the role, it's essential to understand food safety legislation. Brush up on relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance in the cafe.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This position requires the ability to work as part of a team. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with others, and be ready to explain how you contribute to a positive team environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your interest in the position by preparing thoughtful questions about the Farm Shop and Cafe. Inquire about the team dynamics, daily responsibilities, or upcoming events that you might support, demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role.
