Customer Assistant - Food - Newport Retail Park reference: 6250354177

## Opportunity Review: Customer Assistant - Foods Section at M&S This review provides an in-depth look at the Customer Assistant role within the Foods section at Marks & Spencer, designed to help potential candidates make informed career decisions.

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is seeking enthusiastic and customer-focused individuals to join their team as Customer Assistants in the Foods section. This role offers a unique opportunity to become a brand ambassador, deeply immersed in M&S's renowned high-quality food products and commitment to excellent customer service.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Product Expertise Development: You'll have the chance to develop a comprehensive understanding of M&S's diverse and premium food offerings. This knowledge base can be invaluable for future roles in retail, food service, or even product development.
• Customer Service Excellence: This role places a strong emphasis on delivering "remarkable service." By honing your customer interaction skills, you'll learn to anticipate needs, make effective recommendations, and build lasting customer loyalty – all transferable skills crucial for any customer-facing profession.
• Digital Proficiency: M&S is at the forefront of digital retail. You'll gain practical experience using in-store devices and customer engagement apps like Sparks, enhancing your digital literacy and preparing you for the modern, tech-driven workplace.
• Teamwork and Inclusivity: The role champions a supportive and inclusive store environment. This experience will strengthen your collaborative abilities, your capacity to build positive relationships, and your understanding of contributing to a team's success.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Working across different areas of the store will cultivate your adaptability and resilience. This ability to seamlessly transition between tasks and environments is highly sought after in dynamic industries.
• Commitment to Improvement: As the "face of the business," you'll have a direct impact on customer feedback, contributing to the continuous improvement of the M&S shopping experience. This offers a sense of ownership and the satisfaction of making a tangible difference.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Work Pattern and Early Starts: This role involves a distinctive work schedule with early morning shifts.
  • Week 1: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (05:30 - 09:30), Saturday (05:00 - 09:00)
  • Week 2: Sunday (07:30 - 11:30), Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (05:30 - 09:30)
  Candidates must be over 18 years of age due to health and safety legislation related to early morning working hours. This schedule will appeal to individuals who thrive in early morning productivity and prefer a structured, consistent schedule in the mornings.
• Pace and Demands: The description highlights a need to "roll your sleeves up, work hard and go above and beyond." This suggests a fast-paced environment where initiative and a strong work ethic are essential.
• Attention to Detail: Maintaining store cleanliness, ensuring shelves are stocked, and meeting sales targets all require a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellent standards.
• Proactive Engagement: The role requires proactive engagement with customers to understand their needs and make recommendations. This isn't just about serving; it's about actively contributing to a positive shopping journey.

M&S is committed to pushing boundaries and leading the retail industry into a digital future. This role offers a chance to be part of that evolution. If you are a proactive, customer-centric individual who thrives in a dynamic environment and is eager to develop your skills in a respected retail brand, this Customer Assistant position could be an excellent stepping stone in your career journey.