At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers with a passion for food and keep the store running smoothly.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, Waitrose & Partners.
- Benefits: Earn £12.40 per hour plus a night premium of £3.50 for late shifts.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal growth and a great work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in customers' shopping experiences while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a flexible approach to teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
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 £3.50 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Key ResponsibilitiesAlongside the great service you provide to our customers, your role will involve a variety of shop-keeping related tasks to keep the operation running efficiently and productively. Responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Communication skills to enable you to work effectively as part of a team and with our customers.
- 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: February 15, 2026
Pay: £12.40 Hourly
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: Varied hours of part time work (15 hours per week) across seven days to include early starts, late finishes, evenings between the hours of 09:00-21:00 and weekends between the hours of 09:00 - 20:00
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You'll Be Working: Comely Bank (Waitrose & Partners), 38 Comely Bank, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH4 1AW
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 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. Located in the vibrant Comely Bank area of Edinburgh, we offer flexible working hours, competitive pay including a Night Premium, and a commitment to personal and professional growth, ensuring that our Partners thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. Join us to be part of a team that not only serves food lovers but also champions kindness, respect, and innovation in retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supermarket Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Waitrose and its values. This will help you connect with the brand and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! As a Supermarket Assistant, you'll be interacting with customers all day. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've gone the extra mile for someone, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When you show up for your interview, make sure you look presentable and professional. It shows respect for the role and the people you'll be working with.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join the Waitrose family. Don't wait too long, though – roles can close quickly!
We think you need these skills to ace Supermarket Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Mention any relevant experiences or interests that highlight your enthusiasm for the food industry. We want to see how you can bring that passion to our customers.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:As a Supermarket Assistant, you'll be part of a team, so make sure to showcase your communication and teamwork skills in your application. Share examples of how you've worked well with others in previous roles – it’ll show us you’re a great fit!
Be Detail-Oriented:Pay attention to the details in your application. Whether it's ensuring your CV is up-to-date or tailoring your cover letter to the role, we appreciate candidates who take the time to present themselves well. It reflects the care you’ll bring to our store!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll be able to find all the information you need about the role. Don’t wait too long – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis
✨Know the Brand
Before your interview, take some time to research Waitrose and its values. Understand their commitment to quality and customer service. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for and show that you're genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Since this role involves working with food, be prepared to discuss your interest in food trends and your experience in customer-facing roles. Share any relevant stories that highlight your passion for food and how it can enhance the customer experience.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a Supermarket Assistant, teamwork is key. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and flexibility, as these are essential for supporting the whole branch effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they handle busy periods. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
