JLP Ventures bring you “Cook Well from Waitrose”
Walking to meet the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) Ventures team, I could feel an obvious buzz in the office. There were detailed process flows out on a table and a variety of slogan ideas dotted around a wall – a real hub of innovation!
The JLP Ventures team are the Partnerships “Start-up” function, a multidiscipline team, with experts from all business areas, who spear head ideas to market on behalf of JLP.
One of their most successful ideas is Cook Well from Waitrose, a recipe box packed with inspirational recipes, flavours and Waitrose quality! The ease and convenience of recipe boxes is undeniable – and having recently tried the service myself, it brought some well needed joy back to my mid week cooking!
I met up with Tom Richards, a Business Operations Lead in JLP Ventures to find out more about his role, Cook Well from Waitrose and what it is like to work in the JLP Ventures team
So, you’re a Business Operations Lead for Cook Well, what does this entail and what are you up to at the moment?
At the moment I am a one of three Business Operations Leads working on Cook Well. In my role I am responsible for recipe and product development - looking into ways to meet ever changing customer needs and also identifying ways to keep us different from our competitors. I have just finalised a really exciting project working on the development of 20 new recipes to offer out to our customers post January. I can’t wait to see what the reaction to the Sticky Korean Beef & Za'atar roast butternut squash recipes will be – we’ve had some great feedback on these already so I’m looking forward to see what customers think.
What attracted you to working in JLP Ventures?
Simply put, it’s working on new and innovative ideas! I am a person that enjoys working with the unknown and this role really encompasses that. You have the freedom to run with an idea and seeing where it goes, backed by a team who will support you when things don’t go to plan, but also be the first to congratulate you on success. Our senior leaders give us ownership of our ideas and projects, and the whole team is so open to change and being flexible as we progress ideas at speed.
Now you’ve been working in Ventures for about 6 months, what, in your opinion, are some key characteristics you need to succeed in this team?
There would be some key things people would need to think about:
- Working at pace and being highly self driven
- Embracing change and the unknown – and not being afraid to try a new idea
- Passion and energy is vital. You may have to be the sole driver for an idea so having confidence and belief in what you do is key.
- Open to critique and show resilience, but also able to challenge others in a positive way
And finally, have you got any offers on at the moment that anyone reading may be able to use to try Cook Well?
I can give you an exclusive offer of 50% off your first Cook Well order using the promo code NOODLE50 at the checkout – simply head over to the Cook Well Website to order
So what does the future hold for JLP Ventures?
Along with Cook Well they have Home Solutions from John Lewis – allowing you to book approved trade professionals in the Milton Keynes and Northampton area. Also, the highly anticipated Wine Tasting at Home offer, which was recently launched at the Waitrose Drinks Festival. This is an experience like no other, lead by Partners, bringing their knowledge, wines, and lots of added extras for you to enjoy in your home.
If you have been excited by anything you have read here – please make sure you head over to JLPjobs to register for job alerts on all JLP Ventures opportunities, as well as following the John Lewis Partnership Pages on LinkedIn: