At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve customers with warmth and maintain a vibrant shop atmosphere.
- Company: Join Ottolenghi, known for its delicious food and supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, staff meals, discounts, and health support.
- Other info: Access to training, workshops, and a collaborative team spirit.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative environment where your passion for food shines.
- Qualifications: Previous retail experience and a love for food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
At Ottolenghi, we’re known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy—but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest.
What you'll do
- Serve customers with warmth, knowledge, and enthusiasm.
- Maintain the shop floor, deli counter, and product displays to a high standard.
- Handle transactions accurately using the till system.
- Share product knowledge and make confident recommendations to customers.
- Support stock management, including replenishment and rotation.
- Maintain food safety and hygiene standards across all product areas.
- Contribute to a positive, welcoming atmosphere in the shop.
What we're looking for
- Previous retail or hospitality customer service experience.
- A genuine love of food and an enthusiasm to share that with customers.
- A friendly, helpful, and proactive approach to service.
Key skills
- Warm and engaging with customers.
- Strong product knowledge (training provided).
- Reliable, organised, and detail-oriented.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Well-organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Comfortable using relevant IT systems.
- Ability to multitask and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
- Calm under pressure with a solution-focused mindset.
- A genuine passion for food, retail, and customer service and continuous improvement.
What’s in it for you?
- 28 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays.
- Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount.
- Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts.
- Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral.
- Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses.
- A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated.
- Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service.
- A special birthday treat to celebrate your day.
- Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen.
- A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued.
If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.
Shop Assistant in London employer: Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen
At Ottolenghi, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where our team members are supported and encouraged to grow. As a Shop Assistant, you'll enjoy generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, delicious staff meals, and extensive learning opportunities, all while working in a dynamic environment that celebrates creativity and individuality. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences in a lively setting.
Contact Details:
Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop Assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Ottolenghi's vibe. Check out their menu, read up on their values, and understand what makes them tick. This way, you can show off your enthusiasm for their food and culture during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think about how you’d handle different scenarios with customers. Whether it’s a tricky question or a complaint, being prepared will help you shine in the interview and show that you’re ready to create that warm atmosphere they love.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for food! Be ready to share your favourite dishes or experiences related to food. This not only highlights your genuine love for what they do but also helps you connect with the team on a personal level.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Shop Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm for culinary delights. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the food we serve.
Be Warm and Engaging:Remember, we’re all about creating a welcoming atmosphere! Use a friendly tone in your application and showcase your customer service skills. Talk about how you’ve made customers feel special in past roles—this is key for us!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've got previous retail or hospitality experience, make sure to mention it! Detail what you did, how you contributed to the team, and any specific skills you gained. This helps us see how you can fit into our vibrant environment.
Keep It Organised and Clear:A well-structured application goes a long way! Make sure your writing is clear and organised, with no typos. This shows us that you pay attention to detail, which is super important in our fast-paced shop. And don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Ottolenghi's products and menu. Being able to discuss your favourite dishes or ingredients shows genuine passion for food, which is key for this role.
✨Show Your Warmth
Practice your customer service skills by engaging with friends or family. A friendly, helpful attitude is essential, so make sure you can convey warmth and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or maintained high standards. This will show that you're reliable and detail-oriented, which are crucial traits for a Shop Assistant.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions where you might need to problem-solve in a fast-paced environment. Practising how to stay calm and solution-focused will help you shine in the interview.