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Online supermarket Ocado announces it is on track for the opening of its third customer fulfilment centre (CFC), a highly advanced distribution warehouse, in Andover early next year, creating 700 new permanent jobs in the area. Recruitment for many roles has already started and applications are being welcomed at: www.ocado.com/careers.

Based in Walworth Business Park, the five floor, 240,000 square foot CFC will be home to 95 of Ocado’s iconic vans, a dedicated tractor park and 22 trailers. It will also have an operating capacity of 70,000 orders per week and will feature the latest Ocado IT systems and advanced technology solutions.

The opening of the third CFC has been fuelled by the retailer’s dramatic expansion, led by soaring consumer demand and the boom in online grocery shopping. In its recent Q3 financial results, Ocado announced a sales growth of 17.3%, with gross sales of £272 million in the 12 weeks to 9th August and it now serves more than 471,000 customers across the UK

The site in Andover has been chosen because its prime location will enable Ocado to reach even more of the UK with ease. Its direct access to the A303 provides good road links and will also limit disturbance to the local community.

Ahead of the opening, Ocado is now on the hunt for 700 new staff, making the retailer one of the biggest recruiters in Andover. There are a variety of vacancies available including for Personal Shoppers, Drivers, Operational Managers, Engineers, as well as support roles in HR, IT, and Health & Safety.

The majority of the roles are for Personal Shoppers, who receive pack and load customers’ orders using highly advanced technical systems. There are also roles for LGV drivers and Customer Service Team Members (CSTMS). These are drivers who deliver shopping into customers’ home throughout the week and during all seasons.

All new recruits will play an integral role in the business. Candidates must therefore share a passion for delivering award-winning customer service.

Julie Markey, Director of HR at Ocado said, “The opening of our third CFC marks a significant stage in the company’s development and we’re thrilled to announce the creation of 700 new permanent jobs in Andover as a result. We’ve been rapidly expanding our business over the past year, and these new recruits, at all levels, will be the driving force behind our next stage of growth.

“We’re committed to helping all our staff shape a long and exciting future at Ocado by providing them with the support and training they need. We plan to establish an Ocado Employee Council early on in Andover, as the opinions of our employees are really valuable to us and will help us with the set-up and running of our newest CFC. We also already have many schemes in place which recognise loyalty and commitment.”

Salaries at all levels are highly competitive, with premium rates paid for evening and weekend shifts. Additional benefits include 15% staff discount, pension schemes, free shares, life assurance, Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work scheme, childcare vouchers and numerous local discounts and benefits. There will also be an onsite subsidised café and company shop.

Recruitment for many roles has already started, and recruitment for personal shoppers and CSTMs will begin in October.

To apply and for more information on the opportunities available, visit: www.ocado.com/careers

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Online supermarket Ocado brings 700 new jobs to Andover