Customer Team Leader reference: 1061435

Review: Customer Team Leader - The Co-operative Food, Park Central, Birmingham

This opportunity as a Customer Team Leader at The Co-operative Food in Park Central, Birmingham presents a compelling prospect for individuals seeking to develop their leadership skills within a well-established and community-focused organization. With a competitive hourly rate of £13.99 for a 20-hour per week contract, this role offers the flexibility of part-time work with the potential for regular overtime, making it an attractive option for those balancing multiple commitments or looking to increase their working hours.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Career Development & Support: A significant advantage of this role is the explicit promise of dedicated support for career growth. Co-op emphasizes personal development and provides full, paid training, which is invaluable for individuals looking to build their leadership capabilities from the ground up. This role is an excellent stepping stone for those aspiring to further management positions.
• Attractive Benefits Package: Beyond the hourly wage, candidates will benefit from an impressive array of perks. These include a generous 36 days of holiday (pro-rata for part-time), a substantial pension contribution of up to 10% from Co-op, and access to virtual healthcare services for the entire family. The 30% discount on Co-op products is also a notable financial benefit for employees.
• Meaningful Work & Community Focus: Co-op's long-standing commitment to community and fairness is a core aspect of its identity. This role offers the chance to be part of a team that genuinely cares about its customers and local communities, providing a sense of purpose beyond day-to-day tasks. The opportunity to build relationships and contribute to local initiatives adds a rich dimension to the role.
• Work-Life Balance & Flexibility: While the working pattern includes early mornings and weekends (5:30 am - 2 pm), the part-time nature and the potential for discussing additional availability suggest a degree of flexibility. The promise of rotas being shared three weeks in advance and accessible via mobile also aids in planning personal time effectively.
• Modern Application Process: The ability to apply using a mobile device without a CV streamlines the initial application process, making it more accessible and efficient.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Age Requirement: A crucial requirement is that candidates must be 18 years or older, directly related to the need to authorize age-related sales.
• Early Morning & Weekend Availability: The standard working pattern of 5:30 am to 2 pm, including weekends, requires a willingness to work these hours. While flexibility is mentioned, candidates should be prepared for this core schedule.
• Leadership & Hands-on Responsibilities: This role requires a blend of leadership and practical tasks. Candidates should be comfortable with coaching and supervising team members while also being ready to perform essential store duties such as restocking shelves and handling cleaning.
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: The description highlights the need for strong organizational and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to handle challenging situations. A proactive and adaptable approach will be key to success.
• Commitment to Co-op Values: Candidates who thrive in environments that prioritize fairness, community, and employee wellbeing will find this role particularly rewarding. A genuine care for customer needs and the ability to foster an inclusive team culture are essential.

Guidance for Career Path:

This Customer Team Leader position is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to embark on or accelerate a career in retail management. The structured training, exposure to deputizing for a Store Manager, and the chance to lead a team provide a solid foundation for future leadership roles. The Co-op's investment in employee wellbeing and development suggests a long-term career path within the organization is a real possibility for dedicated individuals.