Ocado brings 200 new jobs to Andover
Ocado is creating 200 new permanent jobs at its Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) in Andover before the end of the year.
The online supermarket is currently on the lookout for Warehouse Operatives, or Personal Shoppers as they are known in Ocado, to join the team to pick, pack and despatch customer orders using highly advanced technical systems in the retailer’s state-of-the-art distribution warehouse.
Based in Walworth Business Park, the five-storey, 240,000 square foot CFC commenced operations at the end of last year, and is home to 95 of Ocado’s iconic vans, a dedicated lorry park and 22 trailers. It also has an operating capacity of 70,000 orders per week and features the latest Ocado IT systems and advanced technology solutions.
The opening of the third Ocado CFC last November was fuelled by the retailer’s dramatic expansion, led by soaring consumer demand and the boom in online grocery shopping. The site in Andover was chosen because its prime location enables Ocado to reach even more of the UK with ease, with its direct access to the A303 providing good road links while minimising disturbance to the local community.
The 200 new staff will bring the total number of employees from the local area to around 800– making the retailer one of the biggest employers in Andover. All new recruits will play an integral role in the business, and candidates must therefore share a passion for delivering award-winning customer service.
Kim Lund, HR Manager at Ocado, says: “We’re thrilled to announce the creation of an additional 200 permanent jobs in Andover ahead of the busy Christmas season. We’ve been rapidly expanding our operations at the new CFC over the past year, and these new recruits will be the driving force behind our next stage of growth.
“We’re committed to helping all our staff enjoy a long and exciting career at Ocado by providing them with the support and training they need. We already have many schemes in place which recognise loyalty and commitment, and we also place a great emphasis on progression – in fact 20 per cent of Personal Shoppers hired in the past year have already moved into new roles.”
Jan Hibberd, Personal Shopper and Council Representative at Ocado’s Andover CFC, adds: “I joined the Ocado team here in Andover back in January and I’m so I glad I joined when I did. It’s such an exciting company to be a part of and I love watching it grow. I’m really passionate about the Council too – it’s a great opportunity to be part of the decisions and help the CFC grow to its full potential.
“My son also joined the company over the summer and loves what he does. We would both definitely encourage anyone to apply!”
Pay rates at all levels are highly competitive, with premium rates paid for night shift. Additional benefits include a subsidised onsite café, heavily discounted staff shop, Ocado shopping discounts, pension scheme, free shares, life assurance, Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work scheme, childcare vouchers and numerous local discounts and benefits.
Ocado also offers a Personal Shopper recognition scheme that provides the opportunity to receive a £100 Lifestyle voucher every month along with an invite to a VIP day and the chance to win a £500 or £1,000 voucher and the title of Employee of the Year.
To apply and for more information on the opportunities available, visit: www.ocado.com/careers