Ocado to create 300 jobs at new customer service hub

Online grocery retailer Ocado has signed a 15-year deal to let the top two floors of The Beam, in Sunderland, where it will base its second customer service hub.

The 300 new roles at the site are expected to “provide key customer service support” for the upcoming joint venture with Marks and Spencer, which was announced in February. Job applications are to open at the end of this year.

Ian Pattle, general manager customer service and strategy, Ocado, said: “We’re pleased to be coming to Sunderland as we grow our market leading customer service proposition. The new Contact Centre will support our existing service and we look forward to welcoming new talent from the local area to our team.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “Ocado’s decision to invest in The Beam is absolutely fantastic news not only for Sunderland but for the entire North East region.

“The company is one of the most innovative and progressive in the world when it comes to ecommerce and for Sunderland to be chosen as the base of its newest office is a sign of just how attractive a proposition our city has become over the past few years.”