Customer Team Leader reference: 1061707

Review: Customer Team Leader at The Co-operative Food, Stockport

This opportunity for a Customer Team Leader at The Co-operative Food in Stockport presents an engaging role for individuals looking to step into a leadership position within a values-driven retail environment. With a competitive hourly pay of £13.99 for a 30-hour week, plus regular overtime opportunities, this permanent, part-time role offers a solid foundation for career growth.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Career Development: Co-op is committed to your growth. You'll receive full, paid training and dedicated support to help you advance your career. This role is an excellent stepping stone for aspiring retail managers.
• Exceptional Benefits Package: Beyond competitive pay, the benefits are truly standout. You'll enjoy a generous 36 days of holiday (pro rata), a pension scheme with up to a 10% employer contribution, and immediate access to virtual healthcare services for you and your family, including GP appointments and mental health support. A 30% discount on all Co-op products is another significant perk.
• Work-Life Balance Support: Co-op demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing with market-leading policies addressing life events like bereavement and fertility, alongside support for physical, mental, and financial health. Access to a money management app allows you to draw a percentage of your earned pay as needed.
• Flexible Working: While shifts are varied, including early mornings, afternoons, late evenings, and weekends, this can be discussed at the interview stage, offering an opportunity to find a schedule that best suits your needs. Rotas are shared three weeks in advance, providing good planning foresight.
• Values-Driven Organisation: For over 175 years, Co-op has been dedicated to its members and communities. Joining means becoming part of an organisation with a strong ethical foundation and a genuine care for its colleagues.
• Inclusive Environment: Co-op is actively building diverse and inclusive teams and welcomes applications from everyone. They are committed to creating a workplace where all colleagues feel they belong.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Leadership and Hands-On Approach: This role requires a blend of leadership – coaching and supervising Customer Team Members, and deputising for the Store Manager – with a willingness to be hands-on with day-to-day store operations, including customer service, stocking, and maintaining store standards.
• Age Requirement: Candidates must be aged 18 or over due to the need to authorise age-related sales.
• Shift Flexibility: The working pattern involves varied shifts, which is crucial for individuals seeking predictable schedules. Open communication during the interview about your availability and preferences will be important.
• Application Process: The application process is streamlined, allowing mobile device applications without a CV. Be prepared for two online assessments that take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
• Problem-Solving and Interpersonal Skills: The role demands strong organisational and problem-solving skills, alongside excellent people skills to build positive relationships with both customers and colleagues.

Career Path Guidance:

This Customer Team Leader position is an excellent opportunity for individuals with a genuine care for customers and a desire to develop their leadership capabilities. It provides practical experience in team management, operational oversight, and strategic implementation of new products and services. The comprehensive training and support offered by Co-op mean that even those new to leadership can thrive. For ambitious individuals, this role serves as a strong foundation for progressing into Store Management and potentially further within the wider Co-op organisation. The emphasis on community involvement also offers a unique avenue for personal and professional fulfilment.