Store Assistant - Harlow

Inter IKEA Systems B.V.; Harlow; Hybrid; GBP 12,123,000 - 15,154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15% IKEA discount

Life Assurance

Pension contributions

iBenefits

Free healthy meal option

Job summary

IKEA Harlow is hiring Store Assistants to join a small, fast-paced team. You will welcome customers, pick orders, and support food service in the Bistro while helping keep the store looking its best.

We offer a competitive hourly rate of £14.15, a 12-hour contract over 2-3 days per week, and shifts between 7am and 8:30pm. Eligible team members receive discount, life assurance, pension contributions, iBenefits, and meal options.

Qualifications

• Experience in retail or customer service is helpful, but a proactive hands-on attitude matters most.
• Able to multitask effectively, manage workload and work with a team.
• Confident using computers and technology to support day-to-day tasks.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Adopt a flexible approach as part of a store team handling sales, checkouts, returns, fulfilment and food service in the Bistro.
• Interact with guests to promote products and create a memorable shopping experience.
• Ensure areas are clean, well stocked, priced, and easy to shop; some products may require heavy lifting.
• Support stock ordering processes and systems to secure quality ingredients and reduce waste.
• Follow all safety protocols to maintain a secure environment for customers and co-workers.
• Carry out manual handling and transport heavy goods using pump trucks and trolleys.

Skills

Customer service

Multitasking

Teamwork

Problem solving

Job description

\"You care about making a positive impact in the world. You understand greatness requires thinking differently. An inclusive and accepting work environment is important to you.\"

A job at IKEA is so much more than home furnishings. Together, we work to make a better everyday life for the many. It's the perfect fit if you want to contribute, grow, and share. Join the team and start a better life for yourself.

We are recruiting Store Assistants, to join our store team at IKEA Harlow.

Bring your energy to our small, fast‑paced store team, where no two days are the same! You’ll dive into everything from welcoming customers and picking orders, to serving up great food in the Bistro and keeping our products looking their best. If you enjoy a role where you get to do it all, we want to hear from you!

WHAT WE OFFER

• The Start Date of employment will be: 14th October 2026
• Competitive hourly rate of £14.15 per hour.
• 12 hour contract, working 2-3 days per week including evening and weekend shifts.
• Working hours will be between 7am to 8:30pm.
• We can discuss flexibility to match your life and our business needs during the interview.

WORKING WITH US HAS ITS REWARDS

Our co-workers bring unique ideas and talent to work every day, and we offer a variety of benefits that suit their and their family's everyday needs.

• 15% IKEA discount & discount portal helping you save £100’s on High-street retailers.
• Life Assurance of 4 times your pay, enhanced statutory pension contributions & interest free loans.
• iBenefits – Rewards & discount portal.
• Free healthy meal option, salad bar, fruit and hot/cold drinks.

...as well so much more! https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/this-is-ikea/work-with-us/why-work-with-us-because-a-job-with-us-is-so-much-more-than-a-job-pub1969c310/

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO HAVE

• Able to multitask effectively, manage your own workload, and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to use your initiative, analyse the shop floor and decide priorities with the customer at the heart of the operation.
• Bring a strong customer-first mindset, enjoying varied daily tasks and making customers feel valued.
• Retail or customer service experience is helpful, but a proactive, hands‑on attitude is just as important.
• Confident using computers and technology to support day-to-day tasks.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, able to prioritise work and stay composed in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience in food service or food safety is an advantage, though not required. What matters most is your ability to bring your transferable skills and apply them confidently in our food areas. We’ll support you in developing strong food‑safety practices and using your strengths to help create a safe, welcoming food environment for our customers.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING DAY TO DAY

• You will adopt a flexible approach to working, being part of a store team to take responsibility for all areas of the small store. This will include customer facing roles, such as sales, checkouts, returns, fulfilment and food service in the Bistro.
• You will use the IKEA vision of a better everyday life at home and prioritise the customer experience by interacting with guests and promoting products to align with their needs to create a memorable shopping experience.
• Support maximising sales by ensuring all areas of responsibility are clean, fully stocked, all products priced, well presented and easy to shop. Some products may involve heavy lifting.
• You may carry out manual handling and heavy lifting of various stock. Using pump trucks and trolleys to safely and efficiently transport heavy goods within the warehouse.
• You will need to use the appropriate stock ordering processes and systems to secure quality ingredients, support food safety, reduce waste, and pick and prepare customer orders in a timely manner.
• Ensure all safety protocols and regulations are followed for a secure environment for both our customers and co-workers.

WE CARE FOR THE PEOPLE

It takes the diversity of thought, background, and culture to make great ideas a reality. We welcome candidates from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, to join us, and be valued in the workplace.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS INFORMATION

Let us know if you require any adjustments to be made during the interview process as soon as possible.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete an on-demand video interview.

Candidates successful until this point will be invited by email to attend a live virtual interview with a member of the recruitment team.

Final stage candidates will be invited to the store to meet with the store manager and to do a tour of the store.

We understand not everyone will be successful, but we promise to keep you informed either way.

Final offers of employment are contingent upon clear results in mandatory background checks. Backgrounds checks must be completed by all successful candidates. This role requires:

• Medical questionnaire