A pioneering spirit

We have been serving communities since 1844, with our proud heritage based on the values and principles set out by the Rochdale Pioneers. Our roots within the co-operative movement still drive us on over 175 years later, pushing us to continue to be one of the UK’s largest and most successful independent co-operative societies. We serve half a million customers each week across 250+ food stores, 100+ funeral homes, filling stations, Post Office branches, florists and more.

Our story so far

Take a look at how we’ve changed and grown over the years.

The co-operative movement begins with the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers

1844
1995

Central Midlands and Leicestershire Co-operatives merge to create the Midlands Co-operative Society

We’re the first UK supermarket to start selling Fairtrade products in every store

1998
2004

We become the first retailer to have our household and health and beauty products certified by Cruelty Free International

We achieve our mission of zero waste to landfill

2012
2013

We merge with Anglia Regional Co-operative Society and become Central England Co-operative

Our partnership with FareShare begins, getting food to vulnerable people throughout our communities

2013
2013

Named the UK’s Co-operative of the Year

We hand out a record-breaking two million meals for those in need during the pandemic

2021
2021

All our own-brand packaging will be easy to recycle

Named Leading Co-op of the Year

2021

Our Purpose

Creating a sustainable Society for all
As a progressive Society we need to be sustainable in every way: for our business, our colleagues and customers, and the environment. We want the people in our communities to thrive, for generations to come.

Our Mindset What guides us

These beliefs form a foundation for the way we work. They help us find better ways of supporting our colleagues and serving our communities.

1Being progressive and looking to the future
Whilst looking after our people today

2Being inclusive and enabling anyone to drive change
We all have a voice; we all make a difference

3Being relevant and doing things that cater to different needs
We are adaptive and for everybody

A message from our CEO Debbie

Our new Society Purpose is now in place: Creating a sustainable Society for all. Each word has been carefully chosen.
‘Creating’ – what we make of the opportunities around us.
‘Sustainable’ – in every way. Financially sustainable, to invest in and grow the business, serving the needs of our members, customers and local communities. Humanly sustainable, by looking after our colleagues’ health and wellbeing. Environmentally sustainable, by choosing wisely and always looking for the best solution that will protect our planet.
‘Society’ – a co-operative Society, owned by our members.
‘For all’ – an inclusive, diverse Society, where everyone feels valued, appreciated and respected.

Upholding inclusion

It’s the differences in our backgrounds, abilities and beliefs that help spark our creativity and growth.

People & Diversity

Find us

All of our current job vacancies are advertised on this site. If you’d like to get in touch with us with any other queries, please contact our Recruitment & Development team at [email protected]

We like to deal with our potential colleagues direct from day one, so we ask that no recruitment agencies contact us.

Find your fit

Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
MARCH
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
BADGENEY ROAD STORE - 100640
Contract Dates
6/8/25-6/2/26
More Info
Latest

Senior People and Product Protection Manager

Location
Lichfield
Advertising Salary
£62,000 pa
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
39
Company Name
CENTRAL OPERATIONS - 107305
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant - Instore Bakery

Location
Barton under Needwood
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
12
Company Name
BARTON - 100738
Contract Dates
31/12/2025
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
Leicester
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
10
Company Name
LAUNCESTON ROAD, WIGSTON STORE - 100741
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
Hinckley
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
12
Company Name
BOYSLADE ROAD STORE, BURBAGE - 100752
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
PETERBOROUGH
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
ORTON STORE - 100628
More Info
Latest

Post Office Counter Clerk

Location
ASHBOURNE
Position
Food Retail
Advertising Salary
£14.07 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
35
Company Name
ASHBOURNE POST OFFICE - 100524
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant - Petrol Filling Station / 24hour operation

Location
RIPLEY
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
14
Company Name
HARTSHAY HILL - 100773
Contract Dates
12 month Fixed Term Contract
More Info
Latest

Funeral Service Assistant

Location
Burton-on-Trent
Position
Funeral
Advertising Salary
£13.06 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
20
Company Name
WELLINGS (BURTON) FUNERAL - 520216
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant - Instore Bakery

Location
Botany Bay
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
16
Company Name
BOTANY BAY STORE - 100223
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
FLECKNEY
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
FLECKNEY FOODSTORE - 100450
Contract Dates
08.08.2025 - 08.02.2026
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
DISS
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
10
Company Name
RICKINGHALL STORE - 100652
Contract Dates
6 Month Fixed Term Contract
More Info