At a Glance
- Tasks: Help customers with a smile and keep the store stocked and tidy.
- Company: Join the Waitrose team, known for exceptional customer service.
- Benefits: Earn £13.00 per hour, plus night premium and flexible hours.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in customers' shopping experience every day.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for food.
About the Role
As a Supermarket Assistant, you’ll help make our difference felt by customers on every visit, providing partner‑led service and passion for food that our competitors can’t match. Your drive to go the extra mile will shape 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.
In addition to contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 and 06:00 is eligible for Night Premium at £3.75 per hour.
Responsibilities
- Stock replenishment – keep shelves full and products in the right place at the right time.
- Fulfil online customer orders for drivers to deliver directly to customers’ doors.
- Reduce waste by following product due diligence and applying markdowns for items approaching sell‑by dates.
- Support the wider store team, including checkout support, managing Click & Collect orders and on‑demand fulfilment.
- Maintain a safe and tidy working environment with general shop‑keeping tasks.
Essential Skills / Experience
- Strong communication skills to work effectively as part of a team and with customers.
Desirable Skills / Experience
- Experience in a customer‑facing role.
- Up‑to‑date knowledge and strong interest in food and drink trends.
- Flexible approach to support the entire branch.
Job Details
- Pay: £13.00 (£13.25 after 90 days)
- Contract Type: Temporary
- Hours of Work: 12 hours per week (various hours across seven days – early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends between 07:00 and 23:30).
- Location: Sidmouth (Waitrose & Partners), Stowford Rise, Sidmouth, Devon, EX109GA.
- Closing Date: 20 June 2026.
Additional Information
Some roles are subject to pre‑employment vetting, including DBS checks. You will be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process. If required, any DBS checks will be carried out by a third‑party registered body; financial probity checks may also be required.
Supermarket Assistant in Sidmouth employer: John Lewis plc
At Waitrose & Partners, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where our Supermarket Assistants can thrive. Located in the picturesque town of Sidmouth, our team enjoys competitive pay, including a Night Premium, and opportunities for personal growth through training and development. With a strong emphasis on customer service and teamwork, we foster a culture that values passion for food and community, making every day at Waitrose a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supermarket Assistant in Sidmouth
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Supermarket Assistant in Sidmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to John Lewis plc:Don’t forget to personalise your application for John Lewis plc! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis plc
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that John Lewis plc offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at John Lewis plc and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
