Senior Sales Assistant (16 hours contract)
Heron Foods
From £12.21 per hour
Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 5BZ, United Kingdom
Part time
The Breakroom Take
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About Heron Foods
Heron Foods is a frozen food supermarket chain in the Midlands and Northern England.
Job description from Heron Foods
Location: Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 5BZ
Salary: Up to £12.21 per hour (enhanced to £12.50 when on management duties)
Hours: 16 hours per week
Why Heron Foods?
Be part of a fast-growing company with over 340 stores and counting. Every day brings new challenges, and you'll never find yourself without something meaningful to do. As a Senior Sales Assistant, you'll enjoy a supportive team environment where your leadership truly matters.
Take advantage of a range of benefits, including:
Discounts: 10% off at both Heron Foods and B&M stores.
Career Development: Access to tailored training and leadership programs like 'Future Flyers.'
Wellbeing Support: 24/7 GP access for you and your family, plus free, confidential assistance.
Recognition & More: From long-service rewards to exclusive discounts and additional perks.
What You'll Do:
As a Senior Part-Time Sales Assistant, you'll take on a key leadership role to keep the store running smoothly and successfully. Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting and motivating the team to deliver exceptional results.
- Ensuring high standards of customer service and resolving queries effectively.
- Maintaining an impeccable store presentation with well-stocked and tidy shelves.
- Assisting with stock management and overseeing deliveries.
- Acting as a keyholder and taking responsibility for the store in the absence of management (including store openings and closes).
Fast-Paced and Rewarding:
At Heron Foods, no two days are the same. From supporting your team on the shop floor to stepping into a management role when needed, you'll thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment. You'll play a vital role in achieving store goals and fostering a positive, close-knit team culture.
What We're Looking For:
We're seeking individuals who bring:
- A friendly, approachable, and professional manner with a passion for leadership.
- A strong work ethic and the ability to thrive in a busy, fast-moving workplace.
- Previous leadership experience in retail or hospitality, with bonus points for key-holder experience.
- The ability to juggle multiple tasks and take ownership when stepping into a supervisory role.
Apply Today:
Don't wait-apply early, as this opportunity may close sooner than expected!
At Heron Foods, diversity is at the heart of our values, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Take the next step in your career and join a team where your leadership makes a real impact. Apply now!
Job insights from Breakroom
Retail and sales assistants:
Sales assistants help customers and sell goods and services
What you’ll do as a retail and sales assistant:
- Serve and advise customers
- Take delivery of goods and stock
- Arrange and display goods
- Check for damaged or missing items
- Handle customer payments, returns and refunds
- Keep the store clean and tidy
Is it right for you?
This job may involve:
- Dealing with customers
- Standing
- Wearing a uniform
- Heavy lifting
- Cleaning
- Physical activities
What employees say
Pay
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Needs improving
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Most people aren’t paid a living wage
Do Heron Foods pay sales assistants enough to live on?
Most people are not paid a living wage.
How we know this
98% of people say they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live.Based on data from 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone should be paid enough to live on.
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.
The current rates are £12.60 per hour, and £13.85 per hour in London.
Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.
Needs improving
-
Most people are paid below market rates
Do Heron Foods pay sales assistants market rates?
Most people are paid less than average for their job.
How we know this
95% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.
Needs improving
-
Under 21s get paid less than everyone else
Do sales assistants at Heron Foods get paid the same regardless of age?
No, people under the age of 21 get paid less than those above 21.
See what Heron Foods pays different age groupsHow we know this
The average pay of under 21s is less than those who are over 21.Based on data from 88 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2023 and April 2025.
Needs improving
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Most people don’t get paid breaks
Do sales assistants at Heron Foods get paid breaks?
No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.
How we know this
98% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should have paid breaks.
You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.
Needs improving
-
Most people don’t get sick pay
Do Heron Foods pay sales assistants sick pay?
No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.
How we know this
92% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.
At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.
This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.
Good
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Most people don’t do unpaid extra work
Do sales assistants at Heron Foods do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
70% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.Based on data from 50 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.
Hours and flexibility
-
Needs improving
-
Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do sales assistants get of their shift pattern at Heron Foods?
Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.
How we know this
- 66% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
- 15% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
- 12% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
- 7% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.
Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.
This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.
Okay
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Some people worry about their hours
Do sales assistants at Heron Foods worry about hours?
Some people worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
46% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.
A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.
This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.
Okay
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Only some people get a choice of shifts
Do sales assistants at Heron Foods get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.
How we know this
48% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.Based on data from 58 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
Okay
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Can be hard to change shifts
How easy is it for sales assistants at Heron Foods to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
How we know this
47% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and March 2025.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.
Okay
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Can be hard to book holiday
How easy is it for sales assistants to book a holiday at Heron Foods?
Some people find it hard to book holiday.
How we know this
37% of people report it’s hard to book holidays.Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and March 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.
Okay
-
Shifts can get changed at short notice
Do Heron Foods managers change sales assistants shifts at short notice?
Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.
How we know this
54% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.Based on data from 50 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.
Okay
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Some people find it hard to take sick leave
How easy is it for sales assistants to take sick leave at Heron Foods?
Some people find it hard to take sick leave.
How we know this
50% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.
A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.
Good
-
Most students say it’s good
Is sales assistants at Heron Foods job good for students?
Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
How we know this
85% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2023 and April 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should allow you to fit work around important things in your life, like studying.
Life isn’t just about work. Good jobs make space for you to do well in both.
Okay
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Only some parents say it’s good
Is working as sales assistants at Heron Foods good if you have caring responsibilities?
Only some parents and carer say this is a good place to work.
How we know this
36% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2023 and February 2025.
Why this matters
Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.
Workplace
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Okay
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Only some people feel treated with respect
Do sales assistants at Heron Foods feel treated with respect by their managers?
Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
37% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 51 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.
Okay
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Only some people get proper breaks
Do sales assistants at Heron Foods get proper breaks?
Some people don’t get proper breaks.
How we know this
38% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.
Okay
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Some people are stressed
Is it stressful for sales assistants to work at Heron Foods?
Some people feel stressed here.
How we know this
55% of people say they often feel stressed at work.Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.
Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.
Okay
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Only some people enjoy their job
Do sales assistants at Heron Foods enjoy their jobs?
Only some people enjoy their job.
How we know this
45% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and April 2025.
Okay
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Only some people recommend their team
Do sales assistants at Heron Foods recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
58% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
A good job means enjoying the place where you work.
The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.
If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.
Good
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Most people get enough training
Do sales assistants get enough training when they start at Heron Foods?
Most people got enough training when they started.
How we know this
71% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.
This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.
It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.
Okay
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Only some people get support to progress
Are sales assistants given support to progress at Heron Foods?
Only some people are given support to progress here.
How we know this
In the last year, 56% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.
This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.
Needs improving
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Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening
Do sales assistants think Heron Foods head office understands what's happening where they work?
Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
How we know this
80% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.Based on data from 51 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.
To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.
Okay
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Only some people feel well informed by head office
Do sales assistants feel well informed about how Heron Foods is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
59% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 51 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2024 and April 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.
You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.
What Heron Foods employees say about their job
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Best thing
Great Team, decent staff Discount, good training,
Worst thing
Unpaid breaks, Unpaid sick days (where your sick for less than 3 days), head office
Ptsa at Heron Foods, March 2025
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Best thing
Most of my team . There are a few of us that gel really well ,get the job done ,no probs.
Worst thing
The amount of hours we get ,not enough. They dont work around parents with kids . There is also 1 member of staff who is a bully ,says inappropriate things ,ignores managements ,puts people in dangerous situations but nothing is done
Ptsa at Heron Foods, January 2025
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