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About the Social Supermarket Program

The Social Supermarket in Stonehouse is a new initiative hosted by the Millfields Trust aimed at supporting over 100 individuals and families in the community by providing access to affordable, surplus food while offering a range of wraparound services to help with the cost of living. The supermarket operates from a permanent space that will be open at least twice a week, creating an environment that mirrors a regular shopping experience.

The program is primarily run by volunteers and members. Members pay a small annual membership fee and a weekly fee that allows them to purchase a set number of items. While the supermarket cannot replace traditional retail options, it focuses on providing the basics and essential items at a significantly reduced cost. In addition to food, members have access to vital services such as budgeting advice, cooking classes, and referrals to local support services for housing, mental health, and more.

The Social Supermarket Coordinator will play a central role managing the daily operations of this program, ensuring that both the supermarket and its wraparound services run smoothly, while also engaging with community to address local needs.

At the heart of Social Supermarket are co-operative values, which shape both its structure and daily operations. The supermarket empowers its members to take an active role, not just as beneficiaries but as decision-makers. Members are encouraged to work collectively, and decisions about the supermarket’s direction and services will be made together. The role of the Social Supermarket Coordinator will be to support this collective decision-making process, ensuring that members have the tools and guidance they need to lead effectively.

The Social Supermarket in Stonehouse aims to offer a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space where individuals and families can access affordable food and essential services. Although it is not a replacement for standard retail provision, the supermarket focuses on providing basic items at a reduced cost, while also working to reduce food waste by sourcing surplus food from local suppliers, supermarkets, and farms.

Role Overview

The Social Supermarket Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the supermarket, including volunteer management, stock control, and ensuring the space is welcoming and accessible to all members. The coordinator will also work closely with local partners to provide additional support services aimed at reducing the cost of living and supporting members in crisis.

Location: HQ Building, Stonehouse, Plymouth, PL1 3HQ
Hours: 20hrs per week
Salary: £13.00 per hour
6 Month Fixed Term Contract

Key Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day operations of social supermarket, ensuring it runs smoothly and meets the needs of its members.
Lead and coordinate a team of volunteers, ensuring they are trained and motivated to deliver excellent customer service.
Oversee stock management, ensuring the supermarket is always well-stocked with fresh, high-quality food that meets safety standards.
Ensure the supermarket is equipped with necessary fixtures, including a smart till system and commercial-grade fridges and freezers.
Monitor and manage the financial aspects of the supermarket, including member payments, stock purchases, and record-keeping.
Ensure the supermarkets environment feels like a normal shopping experience for members, while adhering to food safety regulations.
Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for both volunteers and members.
Coordinate with local suppliers and partners to source surplus food and other essential items for the supermarket.
Work with community partners to provide additional support services, such as budgeting advice, healthy cooking classes, and links to housing, employment, and mental health services.
Ensure safeguarding policies are in place and strictly adhered to, protecting both volunteers and members.
Engage with local community to build relationships and raise awareness of the social supermarket’s offerings.
Support the ongoing development of the social supermarket, identifying new opportunities to meet the needs of members.

General Duties

Ensure compliance with the organisation’s policies and procedures, as well as relevant legislative frameworks.
Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding practices for vulnerable members.
Collaborate with partners and community organisations to ensure members receive appropriate wraparound support.
Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on the supermarket’s activities and progress.
Undertake any additional duties required to support the successful delivery of the social supermarket program.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
Experience in retail: ideally in stock management, customer service, or food-related environments.
Experience working with vulnerable or disadvantaged groups, with an understanding of their needs and challenges.
Volunteer management experience, including recruitment, coordination, and training.
Financial management skills, with experience managing budgets and handling payments.

Desirable Skills and Attributes

Experience working in a food-related retail environment, particularly within a community-led or social enterprise setting.
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with wide range of stakeholders.
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a passion for supporting the local community.
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with strong self-motivation and initiative.

How to Apply

Please submit your application form to lewisallison@millfieldstrust.com

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 11th December 2024