Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona has begun recruiting staff for its third Algarve supermarket, which is due to open in Olhão in 2027.
The announcement comes just days after the company opened its first Algarve store in Portimão on October 15, attracting large crowds of shoppers eager to explore the new supermarket.
Located at Nova Vila Retail Park, the Portimão store marked Mercadona’s long-awaited arrival in the region, with the company now preparing to open its second Algarve supermarket in Faro in November.
The planned Olhão opening will further strengthen the Spanish retailer’s presence in southern Portugal as it continues its nationwide expansion.
Full-time and part-time jobs available
In a statement released on Monday, October 19, Mercadona confirmed that recruitment is under way for supermarket operators at its future Olhão store, with full-time, part-time and weekend positions available.
The company is offering permanent contracts from the first day of employment, alongside paid training and opportunities for salary progression.
For full-time employees working 40 hours a week, starting salaries are €15,293 gross per year, rising to €20,915 with progression.
Part-time positions involving 20 hours a week offer starting annual salaries of €7,646, potentially increasing to €10,457.
Weekend positions, covering 15 hours on Saturdays and Sundays, start at €5,734 gross annually, rising to €7,843.
These amounts exclude additional allowances for meals, Sundays and public holidays.
Mercadona also offers up to 29 days of annual leave, work schedules announced one month in advance and annual performance bonuses.
According to the company, employees receive a bonus equivalent to an additional month’s salary after their first full calendar year, increasing to two months’ salary after four years of service.
All positions include paid training, with accommodation, meals and transport covered by the company where required.
Algarve expansion gathers pace
The opening of the Portimão supermarket drew considerable attention, with queues forming before the doors opened at 9am. The new store employs 100 people and represents an investment of more than €6.5 million, according to the company.
Meanwhile, the Faro supermarket is scheduled to open on November 12, at Rua Tito Olívio, nº 437, with a further 100 employees.
Mercadona currently operates 77 supermarkets in Portugal, having opened its first Portuguese store in 2019. Its expansion into the Algarve marks another stage in the company’s growth, with Olhão set to become its third location in the region.
Those interested in joining the Olhão team can apply through the company’s official recruitment website.