Customer Assistant - Christmas reference: R-184365

## A Festive Opportunity: Seasonal Customer Assistant at John Lewis & Partners

The holiday season at John Lewis & Partners is a truly special time, filled with a magical atmosphere that transforms their shops into destinations for gift-givers. This role offers an exciting opportunity to become part of that festive magic as a **Seasonal Customer Assistant**. If you're looking for a dynamic, customer-focused role where you can contribute to an iconic retail experience, this position warrants your serious consideration.

This is more than just a temporary job; it's an invitation to join a diverse team that values individuality and encourages everyone to "be yourself." As a Seasonal Customer Assistant, you'll be at the forefront of delivering the exceptional service for which John Lewis & Partners is renowned, playing a crucial role in ensuring customers find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Exceptional Earning Potential: With a competitive hourly rate of £12.40, this role offers a solid foundation. For those who join early and are enrolled in Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements, there's the added benefit of a Night Premium of £3.50 per hour for any time worked between 22:00 and 06:00, significantly boosting your earnings during specific shifts.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: John Lewis & Partners understands the importance of work-life balance. A variety of full-time and part-time contracts are available, ranging from 12 to 37.5 hours per week. This flexibility extends to the hours of operation, which cover early starts, evenings, and weekends between 06:00 and 20:00, catering to a wide range of candidate needs and availability.
• Comprehensive Training and Development: No prior retail experience is strictly necessary! John Lewis & Partners provides full training, encompassing both digital learning modules and invaluable on-the-job experience. This ensures you'll be well-equipped and confident in your role from day one.
• Career Stepping Stone: While these roles are primarily temporary until early January 2026, there's a possibility of permanent positions becoming available. This presents a fantastic opportunity for ambitious individuals to gain valuable experience with a respected brand and potentially embark on a long-term career path within the Partnership.
• Belonging and Ownership: John Lewis & Partners is the UK's largest employee-owned business. This unique ownership model fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. As a Partner, you'll be encouraged to contribute your ideas and share in the rewards of the company's success, fostering a truly engaging work environment.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Embrace the Pace: The shop floor environment can be fast-paced and requires adaptability. You'll be expected to contribute to various tasks, from delivering exceptional customer service and driving sales to essential shopkeeping duties like stock replenishment and till support.
• Customer Centricity: A core requirement is a genuine passion for putting the customer first. This involves actively listening, understanding their needs, and proactively resolving queries to ensure a positive and memorable shopping experience.
• Team Collaboration: Success in this role hinges on your ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team. You'll need to be adaptable and willing to support colleagues across different areas of the shop.
• Application Timing: To maximize your chances of securing a role, it is highly recommended to apply early. Vacancies can close sooner than anticipated due to high application volumes.
• Pre-Employment Vetting: Be aware that some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including potential DBS checks. If applicable, you will be informed during the recruitment process, and prompt completion of any required documents is encouraged to avoid delays.

This Seasonal Customer Assistant role at John Lewis & Partners offers a unique blend of festive excitement, valuable retail experience, and the potential for career growth within a truly unique employee-owned organisation. If you are a proactive individual with strong communication skills and a desire to make a difference during the busiest shopping period of the year, this opportunity could be the perfect next step in your career journey.