Trading Assistant

Role overview

Our stores are lively, customer-facing environments where every day brings something different. They play a central role in the neighbourhood by offering value, quality, and excellent service. As a Trading Assistant, you will help keep the store prepared and presentable so customers can easily find what they need from Sainsbury’s.

Eligibility

• You need to be above the school-leaving age in your country.
• You must have the legal right to work in the UK.
• If your shifts begin before 6am or finish after 11pm, you must be at least 18 years old.

What the role involves

• Bringing stock from the warehouse on heavy roll cages, weighing up to 15 kg, and replenishing shelves so products stay neat, visible, and well stocked.
• Supporting customers in a friendly way, answering queries and stepping in to help whenever needed.
• Learning about products, services, and promotions so you can make useful recommendations.
• Checking freshness dates on grocery and fresh food items.
• Assisting in other areas of the store and helping with deliveries when required.

What helps someone succeed in this role

• A warm, approachable attitude and genuine interest in helping shoppers.
• Comfort with a busy, physical, and energetic working environment, plus a team-focused mindset.
• Willingness to take ownership of tasks and use initiative to solve problems.
• Flexibility, productivity, and a strong work standard across different store tasks.
• Openness to learning digital tools and technology.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on keeping the store clean, tidy, and customer-friendly.

Rewards and benefits

• Discount card offering 10% off at Sainsbury’s, Argos, Tu, and Habitat after four weeks, rising to 15% off at Sainsbury’s every Friday and Saturday.
• Complimentary food and hot drinks for store colleagues.
• Holiday entitlement based on hours worked, plus maternity and paternity leave.
• Pension contributions matched between 4% and 7.5%.
• Access to share schemes with discounted Sainsbury’s shares.
• Shopping perks and special offers on gym memberships, restaurants, holidays, retail vouchers, and more.
• Wellbeing support, including confidential access to an Employee Assistance Programme for guidance on a range of issues.

Additional information

Vacancies can close quickly, so early applications are encouraged. If you need an update on your application, you should contact the store where you applied. This employer is committed to being inclusive and to supporting colleagues so they can reach their potential. The company also offers support for carers, discretionary leave for families where applicable, employee networks, development opportunities such as mentorship and training, and career progression pathways. Diversity is actively supported through initiatives and events that promote respect and inclusion. As a Disability Confident Leader, candidates may be invited to interview through an online assessment process that prioritises those who best meet the essential criteria. Reasonable adjustments can be requested during the application or interview stages.