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

Embalmer

Location
DERBY
Position
Funeral
Advertising Salary
£15.50 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
22.5
Company Name
FUNERAL OPERATIONS DERBY CENTRAL - 520800
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant - Insomnia Barista

Location
Leicester
Position
Food Retail
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
10
Company Name
BLABY CAFE, ENDERBY ROAD - 100153
Contract Dates
6 months fixed term contract
More Info
Latest

Funeral Services Co-ordinator

Location
ST. IVES
Position
Funeral
Advertising Salary
13.49
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
39
Company Name
FUNERAL OPERATIONS HUNTS - 522956
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
Stafford
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
12
Company Name
FIRST AVENUE, STAFFORD - 100903
Contract Dates
6 months fixed term contract
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
Rugby
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
OVERSLADE LANE RUGBY - 100734
Contract Dates
8 months
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant - Insomnia Barista

Location
HALESWORTH
Position
Food Retail
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
HALESWORTH INSOMNIA CAFE - 100157
Contract Dates
6 month ftc
Internal Advertising End DateInternal Advertising End Date:
22 Mar 2026
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
RUGELEY
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
10
Company Name
QUEENSWAY, RUGELEY - 100735
Contract Dates
17/03/26-17/06/26
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant - Instore Bakery

Location
Congleton
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
25
Company Name
CONGLETON - 100247
Contract Dates
Fixed term
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
WELLS STORE - 100656
Contract Dates
30/03/2026 - 28/09/2026
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant

Location
NEWBOLD VERDON
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
10
Company Name
NEWBOLD VERDON STORE - 100858
Contract Dates
01/01/27
More Info
Latest

Customer Services Assistant - Instore Bakery

Location
Oundle
Position
Customer Services Assistant
Advertising Salary
£12.40 per hour
Vacancy Type
Fixed Term
Hours Per Week
8
Company Name
OUNDLE FOODSTORE - 100806
Contract Dates
6 Months Fixed Term Contract
More Info
Latest

Team Leader

Location
Lichfield
Position
Food Retail
Advertising Salary
£14.07 per hour
Vacancy Type
Permanent
Hours Per Week
24
Company Name
BIRMINGHAM ROAD, LICHFIELD - 100268
More Info