At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve delicious food, build customer relationships, and maintain high hygiene standards.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK, Waitrose & Partners.
- Benefits: Earn £13.25 per hour, enjoy flexible hours, and receive a night premium.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support your work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values ethical sourcing and customer loyalty.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a love for food are essential.
As a Partner on our service counters, you'll have the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and passion for food while feeling proud of how it is ethically sourced and recommend recipes for customers to try. You'll actively be bringing our ethos - passionate Partners serving food lovers - to life. You'll use your enthusiasm and friendliness to build lasting relationships with your customers. You'll make all the difference to the impression they 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.
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:
- You'll take responsibility for your own food counter ensuring the highest presentation and hygiene standards at all times.
- Staying on top of stock levels, ensuring the products our customers love are there when needed.
- Taking great care while working with open food and ensure all due diligence and health & safety protocols are followed, helping to reduce food wastage.
- Maintaining your knowledge of new products and have a good understanding of Waitrose's food values (e.g. animal welfare).
- Supporting the wider shop team when required 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.
- Experience of working in a catering / hospitality environment.
- Up to date knowledge and strong interest in food and drink trends.
- Flexible approach to ensure the support of the whole branch.
Closing Date: June 15, 2026
Pay: £13.25 Hourly
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 30 hours per week - Varied hours, working Sunday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You'll Be Working: Ely (Waitrose & Partners), Bray's Lane, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4QJ
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.
Hospitality, Supermarket Assistant in Ely employer: John Lewis
At Waitrose, we pride ourselves on being the largest employee-owned business in the UK, fostering a culture where every Partner is valued and empowered to contribute to our shared success. Working as a Supermarket Assistant in Ely, you'll enjoy a supportive environment that prioritises work-life balance, offers flexible working arrangements, and encourages personal growth through continuous learning and development. With competitive pay, including a Night Premium, and a commitment to ethical sourcing, you'll not only build lasting relationships with customers but also thrive in a workplace that celebrates diversity and kindness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospitality, Supermarket Assistant in Ely
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to John Lewis
Don't be shy about reaching out to John Lewis 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 Hospitality, Supermarket Assistant in Ely
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 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
✨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!
