A physically demanding, fast-paced role in a high-volume online operation. We’re looking for proactive, self-motivated individuals who can work at pace, think for themselves, and consistently deliver high standards, with the flexibility to support as a backup delivery driver.

Online General Assistant (GOL)

What you’ll be doing

• Picking and assembling online grocery orders at pace, maintaining high accuracy and quality standards under time pressure
• Selecting the best products for customers, including making quick, sensible substitution decisions when items are unavailable
• Using handheld technology to follow efficient pick routes and consistently meet performance targets (speed and accuracy)
• Preparing and organising orders for dispatch, including handling and moving totes up to 20kg safely and efficiently
• Supporting the loading of vans and maintaining flow in the dispatch area to ensure orders leave on time
• Proactively identifying and resolving issues (e.g. stock gaps, damaged items, bottlenecks) to keep the operation moving
• Working across different parts of the online operation as required, including picking, marshalling, and dispatch support
• Acting as a backup delivery driver when required, ensuring safe, professional, and efficient customer deliveries

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What we’re looking for

High-performance mindset

• Comfortable working at pace in a high-volume, target-driven environment
• Able to maintain performance consistently across a full shift, not just in short bursts

Physical capability

• Able to handle a physically demanding role, including lifting and moving loads up to 20kg repeatedly
• High levels of energy and stamina, with the ability to stay productive in a fast-moving environment

Proactive & self-sufficient

• Takes ownership of tasks and acts without waiting to be told
• Spots problems early and deals with them quickly to avoid impacting the wider operation

Strong decision-making

• Confident making quick, practical decisions (e.g. substitutions, problem-solving on the shop floor)
• Uses judgement to balance speed, accuracy, and customer outcomes

Team-focused

• Works collaboratively and understands how their performance impacts the wider operation and delivery timelines
• Willing to step in and support others to maintain flow during busy periods

Driving capability (essential)

• Holds a full UK driving licence for at least 12 months
• Confident driving regularly, with good awareness and ability to manage time pressures
• Comfortable supporting customer deliveries when needed

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What makes a great colleague in this role

• Thrives in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment
• Stays calm and focused under pressure
• Balances speed with accuracy and attention to detail
• Reliable, consistent, and able to perform at peak times
• Takes pride in doing the job well and contributing to a high-performing team

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Working for us has great rewards

We truly value our colleagues and provide market-leading benefits and training to reflect that:

• Nightshift premium – in addition to the advertised hourly rate, a further £2.45 nightshift premium is paid for every hour worked between midnight – 5am (where applicable)
• Discount card – 10% off at Sainsbury’s, Argos, Tu, and Habitat after four weeks, increasing to 15% discount at Sainsbury’s every Friday and Saturday
• Free food and hot drinks – provided for colleagues in all our stores
• Generous holiday entitlement – based on the hours you work, plus maternity and paternity leave
• Pension – we’ll match between 4–7.5% of your pension contributions
• Sainsbury’s share schemes – buy Sainsbury’s shares at discounted prices
• Shopping discounts – special offers on gym memberships, restaurants, holidays, retail vouchers and more
• Wellbeing support – including free access to our Employee Assistance Programme, a confidential service providing support and guidance on a wide range of issues

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Please note: our vacancies may close quickly, so we encourage candidates to apply at their earliest convenience.

If you need an update on your application, you should contact the store you have applied to. You can find contact details for all Sainsbury’s stores online.

Responsibilities

Working in our stores

Our stores are at their busiest during the festive season, when customers are counting on us to help make this magical time of year truly special. To get our store teams ready, we have both permanent and fixed-term vacancies available so please check the contract type above before applying to make sure it is the right role for you.

Important checks before you apply

• You must be above the school-leaver age in your country School leaving age - GOV.UK
• You must have Right to Work eligibility in the UK

Qualifications

An inclusive place to work and shop

We are dedicated to being a truly inclusive retailer, where every colleague can achieve their full potential, and every customer feels welcome when they shop with us.

To support this commitment, our colleagues may be entitled to a range of enhanced discretionary leave for families, as well as support for carers. We provide our colleagues resources to help them understand and support their role and their team effectively. Our internal colleague networks seek to ensure true representation for everyone, helping us identify and remove barriers that our colleagues may face.

We are proud to offer a range of development opportunities, including mentorship, training, and career progression pathways, to help our colleagues grow and succeed. We also celebrate diversity through various initiatives and events, fostering a culture of inclusion and respect. If you would like to learn more about our commitment to inclusivity, please take a look here.

Should you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview stages, please let us know, and we will endeavour to support you.