The inherent strength and difference of the Partnership is our Partners. That’s why you now see & Partners above the door of our two trading brands.
It takes a special person to be a Partner. Someone who understands the equal balance between sharing the rewards of the Partnership and the responsibilities that go with it.
Zoe
Partner & Senior Brand and Innovation Chef for Waitrose & Partners
Zoe works at Waitrose & Partners’ Food Innovation Studio in Bracknell, devising new ranges and recipes. Inspired by her nan to cook, Zoe got down to the last ten on Masterchef: The Professionals before joining the Partnership in October 2017. Part of a team of seven innovation chefs, Zoe helped develop the new vegan and vegetarian range which launched in October 2018.
'My job is very unique, there aren’t many jobs like this about. I get to find out what’s going on in the world of food, what new trends are on the horizon and then turn those trends into innovational products. For me it’s the best job in the world!'
Natasha
Partner & Assistant Restaurant Manager, Ambleside Hotel for the John Lewis Partnership
Our apprenticeships programme has continued to develop, with over 900 apprentices enrolled during 2018/19 across our head offices, distribution sites and shops in areas such as retail, LGV driving, vehicle maintenance, hospitality, human resources, project management, leadership and accounting.
'Apprenticeships are a great way to unlock Partners’ potential. I joined the Partnership when I was 16 in 2005 at John Lewis & Partners Cribbs Causeway. Since then I’ve worked at the Partnership’s hotels in Leckford Abbas and Longstock House, where I heard about the hospitality apprenticeship. Since starting the apprenticeship in 2017 I’ve gone up a job level and started a new role at Ambleside. I’m learning new things but also realising how much I already know about the Partnership.'
Judy
Partner & Manager of Heritage Services for the John Lewis Partnership
Judy joined the Partnership over 40 years ago, starting as a A-level trainee at John Lewis & Partners Brent Cross. Judy has been an archivist since 1996 but worked with archives since 1989.
'I would like to think that people think of our heritage services as a knowledge hub. It’s the place where people come to learn, whether its learning about the history of the Partnership, co-ownership or the business’s design history. Without knowing where you’ve come from, it’s very difficult to know where you’re moving to, so our heritage is very important to the Partnership’s wider strategy.'
Margaret
Partner & Senior Production Manager for John Lewis & Partners
Herbert Parkinson, our Lancashire textiles factory, is where our skilled Partners make our Made to Measure curtains and accessories, cushions, blinds, duvets and pillows. We acquired Herbert Parkinson in 1953 and generations of Partners have been making high-quality soft furnishings there ever since.
'I lead and develop the 7 Day Service and Bespoke manufacturing departments, ensuring the Partners within the department are safe, motivated and engaged in their role producing high-quality products for our customers. There’s a spirit of camaraderie at Herbert Parkinson that keeps me motivated, here we are open to new ideas and relish a challenge, making every day interesting and unique.'
Colin
Partner & Receptionist for John Lewis & Partners
Our longest serving Partner is Colin, who celebrated 60 years in the Partnership in April 2018. Colin works part-time at John Lewis & Partners High Wycombe, whilst also volunteering at our Heritage Centre. So what’s Colin’s secret?
'Good health plays a major part but you also have to have a bit of fun. I enjoy working and interacting with younger people and giving good service to Partners, customers and visitors.'
We are one of the largest employee-owned business in the UK
Our Partners are our magic ingredient. Fancy becoming one too?