Shop Assistant

Ottolenghi Spitalfields; Greater London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Staff meals on shift

HSF healthcare plan

24/7 GP helpline

Perkbox discounts

Refer a Friend £500

Development opportunities

Birthday treat

Exclusive workshops

Job summary

Ottolenghi Spitalfields in east London is seeking a friendly retail assistant to greet customers, share product knowledge, and ensure a warm, efficient shopping experience.

You will maintain displays, handle till transactions, and support stock rotation, all while upholding food safety standards and contributing to a vibrant team culture.

Qualifications

• Retail or hospitality customer service experience.
• Genuine love of food and enthusiasm to share with customers.
• Friendly, proactive approach to service.

Responsibilities

• Serve customers with warmth and knowledge.
• Maintain shop floor, deli counter, and displays to a high standard.
• Handle transactions accurately using the till system.

Skills

Warmth

Product knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication

Multi-tasking

Calm under pressure

Job description

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.

Ottolenghi Spitalfields celebrates unrushed, seasonal flavours in the heart of east London. Back in 2015, Ottolenghi opened a beautiful restaurant and deli in the heart of the City of London.

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.