Supermarket Assistant, Team Leader

Supermarket Assistant, Team Leader

Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
John Lewis Partnership

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional customer service and manage daily shop operations.
  • Company: Join Waitrose, the UK's largest employee-owned business, known for quality and care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, job sharing, and a supportive work-life balance.
  • Other info: Early applications are encouraged; some roles may require background checks.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values trust, loyalty, and continuous improvement.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in customer-facing roles are essential.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

About the role

As a Team Leader within one of our Waitrose shops, you'll 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 to help both customers and Partners 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, all the while helping to maximise on sales and profit.

Key Responsibilities

  • Supporting the shop's management team with managerial tasks and working with all other areas of the shop to meet customer demand.
  • Ensuring Partners operate in a safe and legal manner.
  • Fulfilling online customer orders for delivery.
  • Stock replenishment to keep shelves full and products in the right place.
  • Supporting the wider shop team, including checkout, Click & Collect, and fulfilling customer orders.
  • Driving shop performance and suggesting continuous improvements.
  • Reducing wastage through product due diligence and markdowns.
  • Maintaining a safe and tidy working environment.

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Good people and leadership skills.
  • Understanding of retail and commercial success.
  • Experience in a customer-facing role.
  • Stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Skills/Experience

  • Duty Manager Training (Internal Partners only).

Working Hours

Part-time, 30 hours/week, with varied hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The Partnership

We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home of John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re committed to being brilliant at retail, innovating, and serving our customers with quality and care. We share ownership and responsibility, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and be themselves.

Additional Notes

Some roles require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks and financial probity checks. We encourage early applications as vacancies can close early. We support flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance, including flexible hours, job sharing, and shorter contracts. Please discuss these options during your interview.

John Lewis Partnership

Contact Details:

John Lewis Partnership Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Supermarket Assistant, Team Leader

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Waitrose's values and customer service philosophy. Understanding their commitment to quality and care will help you demonstrate your alignment with their brand during the interview.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to support the management team effectively.

Tip Number 3

Research common challenges faced in retail environments, particularly in supermarkets. Being able to discuss potential solutions or improvements during your interview will set you apart as a proactive candidate.

Tip Number 4

Network with current or former Waitrose employees if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Supermarket Assistant, Team Leader

Leadership Skills
Customer Service Excellence
Retail Knowledge
Stakeholder Management
Team Collaboration
Sales and Profit Maximisation
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and essential skills required for the Team Leader position at Waitrose. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.

Highlight Leadership Skills:Emphasise your people and leadership skills in your CV and cover letter. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or improved customer service in previous roles.

Showcase Customer-Facing Experience:Since the role involves significant interaction with customers, make sure to detail your experience in customer-facing positions. Mention any achievements that demonstrate your ability to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Tailor Your Application:Customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description and explain how your background in retail and understanding of commercial success can contribute to the Waitrose brand.

How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership

Show Your Passion for Customer Service

As a Team Leader, your ability to connect with customers is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've gone the extra mile in previous roles to enhance customer experiences. This will demonstrate your commitment to the Waitrose brand and its values.

Highlight Leadership Skills

Discuss your experience in leading teams and managing people effectively. Provide specific instances where you have motivated your team or resolved conflicts, showcasing your good people and leadership skills that are essential for this role.

Understand Retail Dynamics

Familiarise yourself with retail operations and how they contribute to commercial success. Be ready to discuss strategies you've implemented in the past to drive sales or improve shop performance, as this aligns with the key responsibilities of the position.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios related to stock management, customer complaints, or team dynamics, and prepare to explain how you would handle these situations effectively.