Customer Team Leader reference: 1059399

Review: Customer Team Leader - A Foundation for Leadership and Community Impact at Co-op

This Customer Team Leader position at Co-op presents a compelling opportunity for individuals looking to step into a leadership role while making a tangible difference in their local community. The role is designed for those who are passionate about customer service, enjoy working with people, and possess a desire to grow within a supportive and ethical organisation.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Career Development & Training: Co-op offers significant advantages for career growth. You'll receive full, paid training, which is invaluable for those looking to build their leadership skills from the ground up. The company emphasizes dedicated support for personal development and career progression, suggesting a clear pathway for advancement within the organization.
• Exceptional Benefits Package: The benefits are a major draw, going beyond the standard. With 36 days of holiday (pro-rata for part-time), a generous pension scheme with up to 10% employer contributions, and access to virtual healthcare services for the entire family, Co-op demonstrates a strong commitment to employee wellbeing. The 30% discount on Co-op products is also a significant perk.
• Work-Life Balance & Flexibility: While the working pattern involves varied shifts, the contract offers flexibility with 25-39 hours per week plus regular overtime, catering to both full-time and part-time aspirations. The assurance that rotas are shared three weeks in advance and accessible on your phone contributes to better personal planning.
• Meaningful Work & Community Focus: Co-op's long-standing commitment to community and fairness is a core aspect of this role. You'll be encouraged to build relationships and get involved in your local community, aligning with a purpose-driven career path.
• Modern Application Process: The ability to apply using your mobile device with no CV needed streamlines the initial application, making it more accessible.
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support: Beyond physical health, Co-op provides support for mental and financial wellbeing, including access to a 24/7 employee assistance service and the Wagestream app for instant access to earned pay.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Leadership Responsibilities: As a Customer Team Leader, you'll be expected to coach and supervise Customer Team Members, deputise for the Store Manager, and take ownership of daily store operations. This requires strong people management skills and the ability to motivate a team.
• Operational Demands: The role involves a broad range of tasks, including re-stocking shelves, cleaning spillages, managing diligence checks, and ensuring stock accuracy. Candidates should be comfortable with hands-on operational duties alongside leadership responsibilities.
• Shift Flexibility: The varied shifts, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends, require a degree of flexibility. It's important for candidates to carefully consider how these patterns align with their personal commitments. Discussing specific working patterns at the interview stage is crucial.
• Age Requirement: Candidates must be aged 18 or over due to the need to authorise age-related sales.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: You'll often be tasked with handling challenging situations and leading change initiatives, such as introducing new products. Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability will be key to success.
• Application Assessments: Be prepared for two online assessments that will take approximately 20 minutes to complete as part of the application process.

In summary, this Customer Team Leader position at Co-op is an excellent stepping stone for individuals seeking a role that combines leadership development, rewarding benefits, and a genuine opportunity to contribute to their community. If you are a people-oriented individual with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a desire to work for an organisation with strong ethical values, this opportunity could be a significant step forward in your career journey.