Exploring Co-op Jobs offers a meaningful opportunity to build a career with one of the UK’s most trusted and purpose-driven businesses. The Co-operative Group, often simply known as the Co-op, is a different kind of retailer—a consumer co-operative owned by its millions of members. Its operations span food retail, funeral care, legal services, and insurance, creating diverse roles across its extensive national network of stores, funeral homes, legal hubs, and support centres in Manchester, Stratford-upon-Avon, and elsewhere. From customer service in your local Co-op food store to specialist roles in logistics, marketing, digital, and member services, careers here are built on a foundation of shared values.
Building a career with Co-op Careers means more than just a job; it’s about joining a movement with a 180-year history of community focus and ethical trading. Employees become part of an organisation where profit is reinvested for the benefit of members and communities. Whether serving customers, developing technology, or supporting bereaved families, roles at the Co-op are connected to a powerful social purpose: championing a better way of doing business for members and communities alike.
| Company Name: | The Co-operative Group |
| Job Location: |
Manchester, EN, UK
|
| Gender: | Both |
| Experience: | Mentioned Below |
| Education: | Equivalent Degree/Diploma Holders |
| Salary: | Mentioned Below |
| Benefits: | Good |
| Age Limit: | Mentioned Below |
Coop Jobs 2026 | Anounce The Co-operative Group Jobs in UK
Company Overview: The Co-operative Group
The modern Co-operative Group traces its roots to the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers in 1844, a founding moment for the global co-operative movement. Today, it is the UK’s largest consumer co-operative, distinguished by its member-ownership model. Every customer can become a member, sharing in the profits and having a say in how the business is run. This structure fundamentally shapes its priorities and operations, setting it apart from publicly-traded competitors.
The Co-op is driven by a powerful core purpose: “Championing a better way of doing business for you and your communities.” Its values are rooted in self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. The business has a strong reputation for community investment, ethical sourcing (through its renowned Co-op Fairtrade products), and leading on issues like modern slavery and food waste. Its focus extends beyond commerce to social goals, supported by the Co-op Foundation, and is committed to creating a fairer, more co-operative world through its operations and its people.
Excellent Pay and Benefits
The Co-op is committed to being a fair and inclusive employer, offering a competitive package that reflects its ethical values. The Co-op employee benefits are designed to support colleagues’ financial, physical, and mental well-being.
- Competitive Pay:A real Living Wage employer for all store colleagues, with competitive salaries across all roles reviewed annually.
- Member-Employee Discount:20% off Co-op branded products in food stores, plus discounts on other Co-op services like insurance and legal services.
- Colleague Membership:Earn 5% rewards on your own Co-op purchases, with 1% going to a local community cause of your choice.
- Pension:A market-leading pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 10%.
- Wellbeing Support:24/7 virtual GP service, free access to the Unmind mental wellbeing platform, and an employee assistance programme (EAP).
- Family Leave & Flexibility:Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay, along with flexible working options and subsidised childcare support.
- Professional Development:Strong investment in working perks at the Co-op, including the Co-op Academy for skills training, apprenticeships at all levels, and support for professional qualifications.
Required Skills and Experience
The Co-op seeks individuals who align with its values and demonstrate a customer and community-focused mindset. The Co-op hiring requirements vary by role but share a common thread of collaboration and integrity.
- Customer-Facing Roles (Stores/Funeral):For store colleagues, a friendly, helpful attitude and team spirit are essential. For funeral roles, empathy, discretion, and professional conduct are paramount.
- Support Centre & Specialist Roles:Relevant experience and qualifications in fields such as retail operations, logistics, IT, finance, marketing, or law. Digital and data skills are increasingly important.
- Values & Behaviours:A demonstrable understanding of and commitment to co-operative values. Key behaviours include collaboration, taking responsibility, and showing a strong sense of community.
- Skills:Excellent communication, problem-solving, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
How to Submit Your Application For the Co-op Jobs?
The application process is managed through the Co-op’s central careers site, designed to be accessible and fair. To successfully apply for Co-operative careers, follow these steps.
- Visit the Careers Hub:Go to the official Co-op Careers website.
- Search Opportunities:Use filters to search by keyword, location, or business area (Food, Funeral, Legal, Insurance, or Support Centre).
- Create an Account:Register to save searches, track applications, and manage your profile.
- Complete Your Application:Fill in the online form, which will include questions about your experience and motivations. For customer-facing roles, you may be asked to complete a short situational judgement assessment.
- Submit & Track:Submit your application before the deadline. You will receive confirmation and can track its progress in your account.
List of Exciting Job Opportunities
As a large, multi-faceted business, the Co-op has a wide range of roles available nationwide.
| Job Title | Key Requirements | Location |
| Customer Team Member | Great customer service skills, team player, flexible for shifts. | Local Co-op Food Stores Nationwide |
| Funeral Service Operative | Compassion, professionalism, full driving licence, physical fitness. | Co-op Funeralcare Branches Nationwide |
| Deputy Store Manager | Retail leadership experience, commercial acumen, people development skills. | Co-op Food Stores Nationwide |
| Digital Product Manager | Experience in agile product management, user-centric design, knowledge of digital retail. | Support Centre, Manchester (Hybrid) |
| Logistics Shift Manager | Experience in warehouse/FMCG logistics, people management, health & safety focus. | Distribution Centres (e.g., Coventry, Thurrock) |
FAQs
- What does it mean that the Co-op is a member-owned business?
It means the business is owned by its millions of individual member-customers, not external shareholders. Profits are either reinvested in the business, shared with members, or used to support local communities. Employees are encouraged to become members and have a voice. - Do I get a discount?
Yes. All colleagues get a 20% discount on Co-op branded products in food stores. As a “Colleague Member,” you also earn 5% back on your own Co-op purchases, with 1% going to a local cause. - What are the opportunities for career progression?
The Co-op strongly promotes from within. There are clear career paths from shop floor to store management, and across its different business areas. The Co-op Academy and apprenticeship schemes provide structured routes for development at all levels. - How does the Co-op support local communities?
Community is central to the Co-op’s purpose. Local stores support community causes through the Co-op Membership scheme, and colleagues get paid time off for volunteer work. The Co-op Foundation also funds long-term community projects. - What is the culture like?
The culture is inclusive, community-spirited, and values-driven. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork, doing the right thing, and making a positive difference. It’s a supportive environment where colleagues are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.
