CHELMSFORD’S new John Lewis store will kick off its recruitment drive today.

Up to 300 jobs will be up for grabs, with the Bond Street store accepting applications for full and part-time positions in roles such as sale assistants and specialist advisers to catering professionals.

The recruitment drive, which begins Friday is another step to - wards the store’s opening date, which is yet to be revealed.

As a part of John Lewis’s unique Partnership structure, successful applicants will become Partners and co-owners of the business, and will receive a host of benefits including an annual bonus, access to holiday and leisure facilities, education and career development support.

Applicants are urged to apply from today, April 29. 

Laura Rawstron, Branch Manager, John Lewis Chelmsford said: “We’re very proud that every John Lewis shop possesses a unique, local identity and Chelmsford is no different.

"We always aim to recruit our hard working, enthusiastic employees directly from the local community and I look forward to meeting the fantastic team who will launch the first John Lewis in Essex in September.

"As the UK’s largest employee-owned business, we’re committed to investing in our Partners, and provide brilliant opportunities for career development and a multitude of other benefits.”

Councillor Neil Gulliver, Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Development, Chelmsford City Council: “The opening of the John Lewis store in the Bond Street development will be a major boost to the city. Retailing is a key component of our local economy, which already supports in the region of 85,000 jobs, and the new employment that John Lewis is creating is very much welcomed.

"The new store will be key to lifting the city’s retail offer to new heights and, coupled with our public realm improvements, these are indeed exciting times for Chelmsford city centre.”

Ms Rawstron added: “Naturally we’ll be assessing each application and will take skills and experience into consideration, but I’ve always found that the best way to recruit is by looking for individuals that I believe reflect the values of John Lewis.

"Skills and processes can be taught, but attitude and work ethic usually cannot.

"We’re looking for candidates who can provide the exemplary customer service that John Lewis is famous for, and these Partners will be representing the company in Essex for the first time, so the bar is very high.

"I firmly believe that a business’s most important asset is its workforce. People are what make a company tick and no business can be successful without the right people behind it.

"John Lewis is the country’s largest employee owned business and keeping our Partners happy and motivated has been key to our success.

"The candidates we hire will become Partners and co-owners of the business, and will receive a host of benefits including an annual bonus.

"We also have a fantastic career progression programme and provide training and qualifications that help our Partners to advance forward in their career.

"The start of our recruitment phase coincides with the beginning of John Lewis Chelmsford's interior fit out, and the next few months are set to be very exciting as both the shop and our wonderful new team start to take shape."

All applicants for roles at John Lewis Chelmsford should apply via www.jlpjobs.com.