At a Glance
- Tasks: Cook delicious meals and support the shop floor team with customer service.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, Waitrose & Partners.
- Benefits: Earn £14.31 per hour, enjoy flexible hours, and receive a Night Premium.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating great food experiences for our Partners.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, a passion for food, and customer-focused skills.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 14 £ per hour.
As a Supermarket Assistant Branch Cook, you'll be working in our back-of-house of one of our shops in the Partner Dining Room, providing hot and cold food for Partners to enjoy during their break times. When not working in the kitchen, you'll support the wider shop floor team as a Supermarket Assistant, providing the distinct service and passion for food that our competitors can't compete with.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £3.75 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
- The smooth running of the overall kitchen with support and direction from the management team.
- Maintaining a clean, tidy, and safe kitchen environment.
- Ensuring portion control, preparation, storage methods and due diligence to avoid food wastage.
- Adhering to high food hygiene standards.
- Helping to provide great service to our customers and support with a variety of shop-keeping related tasks including:
- Stock replenishment - ensuring our shelves remain as full as possible and products are in the right place at the right time for our customers.
- Fulfilling online customer orders ready for our drivers to deliver their shopping direct to their doors.
- Reducing wastage by following product due diligence and markdowns to those reaching their sell by dates.
- Working with the wider shop team to support when needed including; checkout support, managing Click & Collect orders, fulfilling on-demand customer orders and more.
- Maintain a safe and tidy working environment with general shopkeeping tasks.
Essential skills/experience you'll need
- Experience of working as a cook in a catering or hospitality environment.
- Passionate about food and serving a varied and nutritious menu.
- Customer Focussed with the ability to engage partners with the food on offer.
- Demonstrate commercial awareness, driving sales within the partner dining room, whilst also controlling costs and wastage.
- Flexible and adaptable to be able to work between kitchen and shop floor as required.
Desirable skills/experience you may have
- City & Guilds 706 1 and 2 or NVQ equivalent.
- Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2.
Closing Date: November 15, 2026
Pay: £14.31 Hourly
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 22.5 hours per week. 09:00-15:00 across four days, including alternate weekends.
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You'll Be Working: Newton Mearns (Waitrose & Partners), 2 Greenlaw Place, Newton Mearns, Renfrewshire, G77 6GW
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.
Branch Cook, Supermarket Assistant in Newton Mearns employer: John Lewis Partnership
At John Lewis Partnership Cambridge, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our Partners and their growth. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional development through tailored training programmes. With a commitment to flexible, customer-led service, we ensure that every team member can thrive in an environment that prioritises both personal and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Branch Cook, Supermarket Assistant in Newton Mearns
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like John Lewis Partnership. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to John Lewis Partnership
Don't be shy about reaching out to John Lewis Partnership directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Branch Cook, Supermarket Assistant in Newton Mearns
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about John Lewis Partnership and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
