WE ARE RECRUITING

Shop and Café Assistant

Join the first plastic-free co-operative shop and cafe in N. Ireland.

Apply By: Friday 27th February 2026

• Employer:

Ethical Weigh Community Benefit Soc., trading as: Ethical Weigh Co-op

• Job Location:

Ethical Weigh Co-op, Benbow Industrial Estate, Eglinton, BT47 3DW

• Hours: up to 20 hours a week, Saturdays 10:00 am — 5:00 pm

plus possibility of flexible hours during week.

(We may make two appointments totalling 20 hours)

• Salary: UK Living Wage £13.45/hour

• Start date: ASAP March 2026

Job Description (outline):

Our Shop and Café Assistant will:

● Support the day-to-day running of a Co-operative run zero-waste, plastic-free shop with an in-house café

● Act as a positive ambassador for the Co-op, and for sustainable, ethical, low-waste living

● Provide friendly, informed customer service in both the retail and café areas

● Help customers understand plastic-free, refill, and zero-waste shopping options

● Assist with preparing and serving drinks in the in-house café

● Maintain a clean, welcoming, and environmentally responsible shop and café environment

● Approach all tasks with enthusiasm that reflects the shop’s zero-waste values

Job Duties:

● Serve customers at the shop till and process payments using the EPOS system

● Support customers with refill systems, container weighing, and product queries

● Replenish stock, rotate products, and maintain attractive low-waste displays

● Assist with deliveries and ensure minimal-waste storage and handling

● Prepare and serve café drinks and light food items

● Operate coffee and café equipment safely and efficiently

● Clear tables, occasionally wash dishes, and maintain a clean café area using eco-friendly practices

● Keep shop floor, café seating, and back-of-house areas clean and organised

● Follow food safety, hygiene, and health & safety procedures

● Reduce waste wherever possible and support sustainable day-to-day operations

Key requirements:

● Previous retail or customer-facing experience preferred

● Familiarity with a café or food service environment

● A genuine interest in zero-waste, plastic-free, and sustainable living

● Strong customer service and communication skills

● Ability to multitask across shop and café settings

● Reliable, punctual, and flexible

● Comfortable working independently, using initiative and as part of a team

Additional assets:

● Experience in zero-waste, refill, ethical retail, or community shops

● Barista or café experience

● Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards

● Experience using any EPOS or till systems

(we can train you on our specific system)

● Ability to educate and engage customers around sustainability

● Positive attitude and strong work ethic

● Experience of posting on Social Media

Benefits:

● Joining a friendly, values-driven and environmentally conscious team

● Helping promote plastic-free and zero-waste shopping in the local community

● Varied role combining ethical retail and café work

● On-the-job training in zero-waste systems and café skills

● Opportunities to develop knowledge of sustainable food and retail practices

To apply:

Please submit your CV to directors@ethicalweigh.com