Christmas Customer Assistant - Food - Lisburn reference: 6253707986

## Opportunity Review: Customer Assistant - Foods (Part-Time) at M&S This review offers insights into the Customer Assistant role within the M&S Foods department, designed to help prospective candidates understand the opportunity and assess its fit for their career aspirations. About the Role: M&S is seeking passionate and customer-centric individuals to join their Foods team as Customer Assistants. This role is pivotal in championing M&S's reputation for high-quality products, compelling value, and exceptional customer service. If you take pride in your product knowledge and enjoy sharing it with others, this could be an excellent fit. As a brand ambassador, you'll be at the forefront of recommending new M&S Food products and ensuring every customer feels valued. Key Advantages for Candidates: * Become a Product Expert: This role offers the chance to develop deep knowledge of M&S Food products, enabling you to confidently advise and assist customers. This can be a valuable asset for personal and professional growth, particularly within the retail sector. * Customer-Centric Focus: The position emphasizes delivering "remarkable service" and making customers feel "truly valued." This experience is ideal for individuals who thrive on positive customer interactions and enjoy contributing to a great shopping experience. * Embrace Digital Transformation: M&S is actively embracing a digital future, and this role requires you to be digitally confident. You'll gain experience using in-store digital tools and the Sparks App, enhancing customer engagement and streamlining service. This exposure to retail technology is increasingly valuable in today's market. * Teamwork and Inclusivity: A strong emphasis is placed on being a team player and fostering an inclusive store environment. This fosters a supportive atmosphere where collaboration and mutual respect are key, contributing to a positive work experience. * Flexibility and Adaptability: The role requires flexibility to work across various store areas and adapt to evolving retail demands. This adaptability is a crucial skill for career development in dynamic industries. * Brand Reputation: Working for a well-respected and established brand like M&S offers a sense of pride and the opportunity to be associated with quality and customer trust. * Commitment to Inclusion: M&S demonstrates a strong commitment to an active Inclusion, Diversity, and Equal Opportunities Policy, including a willingness to discuss flexible working arrangements and support reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Key Considerations for Candidates: * Work Pattern: The advertised work pattern is specific, requiring availability on: * Sunday: 06:00 - 10:00 * Tuesday: 06:00 - 10:00 * Thursday: 06:00 - 10:00 * Friday: 06:00 - 10:00 * Saturday: 06:00 - 10:00 Candidates must ensure this schedule aligns with their personal commitments and career goals. The early morning start times are a key factor to consider. * Proactive and Hands-On Approach: The description highlights the need to "roll your sleeves up, work hard and go above and beyond." Candidates should be prepared for a physically active role and a dynamic work environment. * Meeting Sales Targets: Key accountabilities include monitoring and delivering on daily sales targets. While supported by training and product knowledge, candidates should be comfortable working towards performance objectives. * Customer Engagement: The role requires proactive engagement with customers. Individuals who are naturally outgoing and enjoy initiating conversations will find this aspect rewarding. * Continuous Learning: Building expert product knowledge and acting upon feedback are integral to the role. A willingness to learn and adapt is essential for success and career progression. Career Path Guidance: This Customer Assistant position at M&S offers a solid foundation for a career in retail. The emphasis on customer service, product knowledge, and digital tools provides valuable transferable skills. For those looking to advance within M&S, this role can be a stepping stone to supervisory positions, specialized roles within departments, or even opportunities in management. The experience gained in understanding customer needs and contributing to sales targets is highly relevant for broader retail management aspirations. For individuals new to the workforce or seeking part-time opportunities, this role provides excellent entry-level experience and exposure to a reputable retail environment.