Customer Team Member reference: 1058652

# Exciting Opportunity: Customer Team Member at Co-op (Newcastle-under-Lyme) This review provides an in-depth look at the Customer Team Member role at Co-op, located at London Road, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 7DY. If you're looking for a role that offers valuable experience, excellent benefits, and a supportive work environment, this could be an excellent step in your career journey. ## The Role: What to Expect As a Customer Team Member, you will be a vital part of the Co-op team, directly contributing to a positive customer experience. Your responsibilities will be varied and engaging, encompassing customer service at the tills and on the shop floor, alongside essential operational tasks. This includes: * **Providing Exceptional Customer Service:** Greeting customers, answering queries, promoting Co-op products and membership, and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience. * **Team Collaboration:** Working closely with colleagues to solve customer issues and create a positive atmosphere for everyone. * **Store Operations:** Maintaining stock levels, ensuring accurate pricing and product dating, and upholding store cleanliness and safety standards. * **Product Introduction:** Assisting with the launch of new products and services, sharing knowledge with your team. * **Community Engagement:** Participating in local community activities and events. This is a permanent, part-time position, offering 16 hours per week with the potential for regular overtime. The pay rate is £12.60 per hour. ## Key Advantages for Candidates This role presents several compelling advantages for individuals seeking to grow their careers, particularly in retail and customer-facing roles: * **Comprehensive Benefits Package:** Co-op offers an impressive range of benefits that go beyond the standard. These include: * **Generous Holiday Allowance:** 31 days of holiday (pro-rata for part-time colleagues), including bank holidays, providing excellent work-life balance. * **Competitive Pension Scheme:** Up to 10% employer contribution to your pension, safeguarding your financial future. * **Exceptional Discount:** A significant 30% discount on all Co-op products in-store, plus 10% off other brands. * **Health and Wellbeing Support:** Access to virtual healthcare services, including GP appointments, mental health support, and fitness consultations for you and your family. A 24/7 employee assistance service is also available. * **Financial Wellbeing Tool:** Wagestream offers early access to a percentage of your earned pay, providing flexibility for managing your finances. * **Paid Training and Development:** You will receive full, paid training, ensuring you have the skills and knowledge to excel in your role. The Co-op also emphasizes support for personal development and career progression. * **Employee-Centric Culture:** Co-op is committed to taking care of its colleagues, offering support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Their market-leading policies address significant life events, demonstrating a genuine commitment to employee support. * **Flexible Working:** While the role involves varied shifts, including early mornings, afternoons, late evenings, and weekends, the specific working pattern will be discussed at the interview. Rotas are shared three weeks in advance and are accessible via mobile. * **Inclusive Workplace:** Co-op actively promotes diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds. They are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive and are part of the Disability Confident scheme, offering interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria. * **Simplified Application Process:** You can apply using your mobile device, and no CV is required, making the application process more accessible. ## Key Considerations for Candidates To help you assess if this role aligns with your career aspirations, consider these points: * **Shift Flexibility:** The working pattern is varied and will include early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. Candidates must be comfortable with this flexibility and willing to discuss their availability during the interview. * **Physical Demands:** The role involves tasks such as re-stocking shelves and cleaning, which require a degree of physical activity. * **Customer Interaction:** A genuine passion for customer service and strong interpersonal skills are essential for success in this position. * **Adaptability:** The ability to embrace change and a proactive approach to problem-solving are valued attributes. * **Application Assessments:** Be prepared to complete two short online assessments as part of the application process, which should take approximately 20 minutes. ## Guiding Your Career Path This Customer Team Member role at Co-op offers an excellent foundation for individuals interested in a career in retail or customer service. The comprehensive benefits, commitment to employee wellbeing, and opportunities for development make it an attractive proposition. * **Entry-Level Opportunity:** If you are new to the workforce or looking to gain initial experience in a customer-facing role, this position provides valuable skills in communication, problem-solving, and operational efficiency. * **Retail Career Growth:** For those already in retail, this role offers a chance to work with a reputable brand known for its community focus and employee care. The experience gained can be a stepping stone to further opportunities within Co-op or the wider retail sector. * **Developing Soft Skills:** The emphasis on customer service and teamwork will significantly enhance your interpersonal skills, a highly transferable asset across many industries. * **Commitment to Wellbeing:** The extensive health, wellbeing, and financial support provided by Co-op is a significant advantage for anyone prioritizing a healthy work-life balance and comprehensive employee benefits. This role is a fantastic opportunity to join a company with a strong ethical compass and a genuine commitment to its people and communities. If you are a motivated individual with a passion for service, this position at Co-op is certainly worth exploring.