Customer Team Leader reference: 1059424

Are you an aspiring leader looking to make a tangible impact within a respected community-focused organisation? This Customer Team Leader role at Co-op offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your leadership skills, gain invaluable retail experience, and contribute to a business with a strong ethical foundation. This review aims to provide potential candidates with a clear understanding of the advantages and key considerations for this role, guiding your career path.

The Opportunity:

As a Customer Team Leader, you will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day success of a local Co-op store. This position is more than just a supervisory role; it's about fostering a positive and efficient environment for both your team and your customers. You'll be entrusted with coaching and guiding Customer Team Members, deputising for the Store Manager, and ensuring a seamless customer experience. This is a part-time, permanent contract, offering 14 hours per week with regular overtime opportunities, providing flexibility while ensuring consistent work.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Leaders:

• Leadership Development: This role is a stepping stone for those seeking to grow into management. You'll gain hands-on experience in coaching, training, and supervising a team, honing your people management skills.
• Comprehensive Training: Co-op provides full, paid training. This commitment to your development means you'll be well-equipped to excel in your role from day one, regardless of prior leadership experience.
• Employee Wellbeing Focus: Co-op stands out with its commitment to colleague welfare. Benefits include generous holiday entitlement (36 days, pro rata), a competitive pension scheme with significant employer contributions, access to virtual healthcare services for you and your family, and a 30% discount on Co-op products.
• Financial Wellbeing Tools: The inclusion of Wagestream, a money management app that allows access to a portion of your earned pay, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to supporting your financial health.
• Community Impact: Co-op's long-standing commitment to fairness and community involvement offers a sense of purpose beyond typical retail. You'll have the chance to engage with and support your local community.
• Flexibility with Structure: While shifts are varied (including early mornings, afternoons, late evenings, and weekends), rotas are shared three weeks in advance and are accessible on your phone, allowing for better personal planning.
• Inclusive Environment: Co-op actively promotes diversity and inclusion, with a commitment to making reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities and actively welcoming applications from all backgrounds.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older due to the responsibilities associated with authorising age-related sales.
• Flexible Working Pattern: The role requires a degree of flexibility regarding working hours, encompassing early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. While this offers variety, candidates should be comfortable with these varied shifts.
• Hands-On Approach: This role requires a blend of leadership and practical involvement. You'll be expected to "roll up your sleeves" and contribute to various store tasks, from restocking to cleaning.
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability: The ability to handle challenging situations, manage stock accuracy, and lead the introduction of new products will be crucial. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Application Process: The application process is designed for ease of use, with the option to apply via mobile device without a CV. However, it does involve two online assessments, which will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Career Path Guidance:

This Customer Team Leader position is an excellent entry point into leadership roles within the retail sector, particularly within an organisation that values its people. The comprehensive training, coupled with the supportive work environment and clear progression pathways, makes this an attractive opportunity for individuals looking to build a sustainable career. By taking on the responsibilities of a Customer Team Leader, you will gain transferable skills in team management, customer service excellence, operational efficiency, and community engagement, all of which are highly valued in the wider job market.

For those with a genuine care for customers, a desire to lead and support others, and a commitment to personal growth, this role at Co-op offers a rewarding and fulfilling career prospect.