At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers, stock shelves, and fulfil online orders in a vibrant supermarket environment.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, shift premiums, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values customer service and food trends.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, with good communication skills; customer service experience is a plus.
- Other info: Opportunities for varied part-time shifts across seven days, including weekends.
About the role
As a Supermarket Assistant, you will help our difference be felt by our customers on every visit, providing the Partner-led service and passion for food that our competitors can't compete with - passionate Partners serving food lovers! Your drive to go the extra mile will make all the difference to the impression our customers have about the Waitrose brand and keep them returning again and again by earning their trust and loyalty for a lifetime.
Due to working time regulations, applicants must be 18 years or over to apply. In addition to the pay stated, you will receive a shift premium for hours worked between 22:00 and 06:00. This will be paid at the pay range minimum rate for your role.
Key Responsibilities
- 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
- Communication skills to enable you to work effectively as part of a team and with our customers.
Desirable skills/experience you may have
- Experience of working in a customer facing role is welcomed.
- Up to date knowledge and strong interest in food and drink trends.
- Flexible approach to ensure the support of the whole branch.
Varied hours of part time work (22 hours) consisting of 4 shifts across seven days to include weekends between the hours of 18:00 - 00:00.
The partnership
We are the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We are not just employees, we are Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there has never been a more exciting time to join us.
We are focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. We are committed to price, quality, and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners, we share ownership and the rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through good and challenging times, treating everyone with kindness and respect.
We own making the Partnership a place where everyone belongs. We embrace our differences and create an environment to thrive, growing individually and collectively.
As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note:
- Some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks. You will be informed and provided with details during recruitment. Completing vetting documents promptly is encouraged to avoid delays. DBS checks are carried out by a third-party registered body, and financial probity checks may also be required.
- Apply soon as vacancies can close early if there are many applicants.
- We support flexible working arrangements, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts. Discuss this with the hiring manager during your interview.
Supermarket Assistant employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supermarket 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 responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in customer-facing roles, even if it's not directly related to supermarkets. Emphasising your communication skills and ability to work as part of a team can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of food and drink trends. Showing that you have a passion for food can resonate well with the hiring team and demonstrate that you would be a great fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Flexibility is key! Be open about your availability and willingness to work varied hours, including weekends. This can make you a more attractive candidate, especially for a role that requires support across different shifts.
We think you need these skills to ace Supermarket 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 Supermarket Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in customer-facing roles. Emphasise any experience you have with food and drink trends, as well as your communication skills.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for providing excellent customer service and your enthusiasm for working at Waitrose. Mention specific examples of how you've gone the extra mile in previous roles to demonstrate your commitment.
Double-Check Your Application: Before submitting your application, review all documents for accuracy and completeness. Ensure that your contact information is correct and that you’ve followed any specific instructions provided in the job listing.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Show Your Passion for Food
As a Supermarket Assistant, your enthusiasm for food and drink trends is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your favourite products or recent food trends during the interview to demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Highlight Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves direct interaction with customers, share examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. This will show that you understand the importance of building trust and loyalty.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Abilities
The job requires working closely with a team. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles, emphasising your communication skills and flexibility.
✨Ask About Flexible Working Arrangements
Since the company supports flexible working, don’t hesitate to ask about this during your interview. It shows that you are proactive and interested in finding a work-life balance that suits both you and the employer.