Customer Team Leader reference: 1061436

This review provides an in-depth look at the Customer Team Leader opportunity at The Co-operative Food, aiming to guide prospective candidates on the advantages and key considerations for their career progression.

Opportunity Overview:

The Customer Team Leader role at The Co-operative Food presents a fantastic opportunity for individuals seeking to step into a leadership position within a well-established and values-driven organization. Located at The Co-operative Food, 60 Kimmeridge Road, London, SE9 4EB, this permanent, full-time (35 hours per week with regular overtime) position offers a competitive pay rate of £15.24 per hour, inclusive of the London Allowance. The working pattern involves varied shifts, including early mornings, afternoons, late evenings, and weekends, with details to be discussed at the interview stage. A significant advantage is the provision of full, paid training, empowering you to excel from day one. Notably, the application process is streamlined for mobile users, with no CV required.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Career Growth and Development: Co-op is committed to your professional growth. You'll receive dedicated support for career progression, including extensive training and opportunities to develop leadership skills. This role is an excellent stepping stone for those aspiring to store management or further leadership roles within the retail sector.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Beyond the competitive salary, Co-op offers a truly impressive benefits package designed to support your overall wellbeing. This includes:
  • Generous Holiday Entitlement: 36 days of holiday (including bank holidays, pro-rata for part-time roles) allows for excellent work-life balance.
  • Exceptional Pension Scheme: A pension with up to 10% Co-op contribution demonstrates a strong commitment to your long-term financial security.
  • Health and Wellbeing Support: Access to virtual healthcare services for you and your family, including GP appointments, eye care, mental health support, and nutrition/fitness consultations, is a significant advantage. A 24/7 employee assistance service further underscores this commitment.
  • Employee Discount: A substantial 30% discount on all Co-op products in-store is a tangible benefit for everyday savings.
  • Financial Wellbeing: The "Stream" app allows access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it, offering valuable flexibility.
• Values-Driven Organisation: Co-op's 175-year legacy of fairness and community focus is a powerful draw. As a colleague, you'll be part of an organization that genuinely cares for its people and communities. This is further reflected in their market-leading policies for life events such as bereavement, pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, and menopause.
• Supportive Team Environment: You'll be joining a friendly team dedicated to customer service. The role emphasizes fostering an inclusive culture where every team member's voice is valued.
• Structured and Transparent Rotas: Rotas are shared three weeks in advance and accessible on your phone, providing much-needed predictability.
• Commitment to Inclusion: Co-op is actively building diverse and inclusive teams and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. They are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer support for adjustments during the recruitment process.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be aged 18 or over due to the need to authorize age-related sales.
• Shift Flexibility: The role requires flexibility to work varied shifts, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. It's crucial for candidates to be comfortable with this and discuss their availability during the interview.
• Dual Focus: The position requires a balance between leadership duties (coaching, supervising, deputizing) and hands-on operational tasks (restocking, cleaning). Candidates should possess the ability to both lead and contribute operationally.
• People and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building relationships with customers and colleagues. Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities will be key to effectively managing the store and team.
• Proactive and Enthusiastic Approach: A genuine care for customers, a desire to learn and grow, and a willingness to lead change are qualities that will set candidates apart.
• Application Process: Be prepared to complete two short online assessments as part of the application process, which should take approximately 20 minutes.

Guidance for Career Path:

This Customer Team Leader role is ideal for individuals who are eager to develop their leadership capabilities in a supportive environment. It's a stepping stone for aspiring retail managers, offering practical experience in team management, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer service. The comprehensive training and clear career support provided by Co-op will equip you with the skills and confidence to progress within the organization. Embrace the opportunity to make a tangible impact on your store, your team, and your local community while enjoying robust benefits and a truly people-centric workplace.