Job openings at Co-op Food remain one of the most accessible and community-oriented employers in the British retail sector.
With hundreds of stores across the country, the brand offers diverse job opportunities for individuals seeking stable employment or a career in retail.
If you’re exploring food Co-op jobs or looking for Co-op Food jobs near me, this article will guide you through available roles.
Understanding Co-op Food UK
The Co-operative Group, widely known as Co-op, operates one of the UK’s largest convenience store networks.
Beyond food retail, the group also includes funeral care, insurance, and legal services.
Its food division remains a major employer, especially for entry-level and mid-level retail professionals.
The company promotes fairness and sustainability, making it appealing not just for income but also aligned with ethical principles.
Popular Job Roles at Co-op Food
Jobs at Co-op Food range from store-level positions to logistics and management roles.
Most roles require minimal prior experience, making them ideal for first-time job seekers, part-time workers, and career changers.
Customer Team Member
Front-facing role serving customers at tills and maintaining store presentation.
Offers part-time and flexible scheduling options.
Team Leader / Shift Leader
Supports store managers in overseeing daily operations.
Leads a team and ensures customer satisfaction.
Store Manager
Manages entire store operations, sales performance, and staff development.
Responsible for compliance with food safety and standards.
Warehouse Operative
Works in Co-op distribution centres, handling goods movement and order preparation.
Often includes shift work and physical duties.
Delivery Driver (Home Delivery Service)
Available in selected stores with delivery services.
Requires a valid UK driving licence and good customer service skills.
Apprenticeships and Entry-Level Training
Structured apprenticeship programs and early career opportunities for young people and career changers.
These pathways include formal qualifications in retail, leadership, and warehousing.
Available Programs:
- Level 2 Retail Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship
- Supply Chain and Logistics Apprenticeships
Training is provided on the job, and apprentices earn while they learn.
Salary Expectations at Co-op Food
Pay rates vary by role, location, and hours worked. However, the brand maintains transparency and aligns with fair wage standards.
| Position | Average Hourly Pay | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Team Member | £10.90 – £11.50 | £19,500 – £21,500 |
| Team Leader | £12.50 – £13.80 | £23,000 – £25,000 |
| Store Manager | £27,000 – £35,000 | Based on store performance |
| Warehouse Operative | £11.00 – £13.00 | £21,000 – £25,000 |
| Delivery Driver | £11.50 – £13.20 | £22,000 – £26,000 |
All employees are entitled to holiday pay, pension contributions, and potential overtime compensation.
How to Apply for Job Openings at Co-op Food
Navigate to jobs.coop.co.uk and search for Co-op job openings based on your location, skills, or preferred role.
Start by registering with your email address. You’ll need to confirm your email before proceeding to the application form.
Complete the Online Application Form
This includes entering your personal information (name, address, contact details) and past work information.
You’ll respond to basic screening questions related to availability, right to work in the UK, and role-specific requirements.
Some roles, especially customer-facing or managerial, include assessments. These evaluate your situational judgment, customer service, and logical reasoning.
Provide Diversity and Inclusion Information
Applicants are asked to voluntarily complete diversity-related questions.
This data is anonymized and used only for monitoring Co-op’s equal opportunity practices.
To finalize your application, you’ll need to read and accept Co-op’s data privacy terms and digitally sign the application.
Benefits of Job Openings at Co-op Food
Working at Co-op comes with benefits that reflect the company’s commitment to supporting workers personally and professionally.
- Colleague Discount: 20% off Co-op branded products and discounts at partner brands.
- Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions for long-term savings.
- Holiday Entitlement: 30 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) for full-time staff.
- Wellbeing Support: Free access to mental health and financial support programs.
- Career Development: Internal promotion programs, apprenticeships, and learning modules.
Who Can Apply?
Most Co-op food careers are open to individuals aged 16 or older, with no specific education requirement for entry-level roles.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
Desired Qualities:
- Good communication skills
- Teamwork and reliability
- Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and holidays
- Positive attitude toward customers and community service
- For managerial roles, prior experience in retail or leadership is usually required.
Job Openings at Co-op Food vs. the Competition
When evaluating food Co-op jobs in the UK, it’s helpful to compare them with similar positions at other major retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, and Lidl.
Each company offers its mix of salary rates, benefits, work culture, and advancement opportunities.
| Company | Entry-Level Pay (Hourly) | Staff Discount | Holiday Entitlement | Ethical/Community Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Co-op Food | £10.90 – £11.50 | 20% off Co-op brands | 30 days incl. bank hols | Strong focus on ethics, sustainability, and local communities |
| Tesco | £11.02 – £11.50 | 10% off Tesco brands | 28 days incl. bank hols | Emphasis on efficiency and customer loyalty programs |
| Sainsbury’s | £11.00 – £11.95 | 10% off (15% select days) | 28 days incl. bank hols | Focus on diversity and customer experience |
| Aldi | £12.00 – £12.95 | None | 28 days incl. bank hols | Focus on performance and productivity |
| Lidl | £12.00 – £13.00 | 10% off Lidl stores | 30 days incl. bank hols | Value-driven, fast-paced retail |
Where to Find Co-op Food Jobs Near You
Besides the official website, job openings at Co-op Food can be found through:
- Indeed UK (indeed.com)
- Totaljobs (totaljobs.com)
- Glassdoor (glassdoor.co.uk)
- LinkedIn Jobs (linkedin.com/jobs)
Use your postcode or town in the search filters to find nearby job openings at Co-op Food.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for part-time work, your first job, or a long-term career, Co-op Food careers offer a wide range of accessible opportunities.
With fair wages, valuable benefits, and a strong ethical foundation, jobs here continue to attract individuals across the UK.
Visit the official careers page or major job portals to explore job vacancies at Coop today.
