At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers and keep the store running smoothly during night shifts.
- Company: Join Waitrose, a leading employee-owned supermarket with a passion for food.
- Benefits: Earn £13.00 per hour, plus a £3.75 night premium and flexible working options.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth opportunities in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to customer experiences while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a passion for food are essential.
As a Supermarket Assistant, 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 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.
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
- 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.
Closing Date: June 16, 2026
Pay: £13.00 (£13.25 After 90 days)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 3x Night shifts 00:00-07:00 Thursday-Saturday Nights
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You'll Be Working: Portishead (Waitrose & Partners), Harbour Road, Portishead, Somerset, BS20 7DE
Important points to note: 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.
Supermarket Assistant - Nights in Portishead employer: John Lewis
At Waitrose & Partners, 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 Portishead not only offers competitive pay with a Night Premium but also provides a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and a strong sense of community. Join us to be part of a team that is passionate about food and dedicated to delivering exceptional service, all while enjoying a flexible work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supermarket Assistant - Nights in Portishead
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
Retail is all about community, so don't underestimate the power of local connections. Pop into shops you're interested in, chat with staff, and ask if they have any openings. This personal touch could land you a part-time gig with ease!
✨Show Off Your Personality
Retail is a people business, and employers love genuine, enthusiastic candidates. When you're applying for part-time roles, showcase your customer service skills and personality during interviews. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share your love for the products!
✨Utilise College or University Resources
If you're a student, check out your university’s career services. They often have links with local retailers looking for part-time staff. It's a great way to find positions that work around your studies while also building your CV!
✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often sees a surge during peak seasons like Christmas or summer sales. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary part-time roles during these times. Many companies, including John Lewis, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Supermarket Assistant - Nights in Portishead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, we know that customer service is king! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got with face-to-face interactions. Include specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer—this shows potential employers like John Lewis that you're all about creating great shopping experiences.
Flexibility is Key!:For a part-time role, showcasing your availability is crucial. Make it clear in your application when you can work, especially if you have weekday and weekend flexibility. Retail can demand odd hours, so we want to see that you're ready to jump in when needed!
Forget the Fancy Formatting:While you want your CV to look good, in retail, clarity is more important than flashiness. Use simple formatting and bullet points to make your experiences stand out. Retail managers at John Lewis will appreciate a straightforward CV that’s easy to skim through.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:When applying for a part-time retail position, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about John Lewis and what you can bring to their team. Maybe you love their products or admire their customer service philosophy—let that passion come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at John Lewis, it’s super crucial to know their brand inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, customer service approach, and any current promotions. This way, you can engage genuinely in conversations and show that you’re already invested in their vibe.
✨Excellent Customer Scenarios
Prepare for customer service scenarios! Retail interviews often include role-play or situational questions. Think about how you'd handle different customer situations, from dealing with complaints to upselling products. We want to hear how you can keep your cool and keep the customer happy!
✨Tailoring Your Availability
Being part-time means flexibility is key! Be ready to discuss your availability honestly. Employers in retail love candidates who can adapt their schedules to peak hours. Show that you're keen to work evenings or weekends if it helps them out.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is essential in retail. Bring up experiences where you worked effectively in a team, whether it’s in previous jobs, school projects, or volunteering. We want to know how you can contribute to a positive team environment at John Lewis!
