Job Opportunity Review: Customer Team Member at Co-op (Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn)
This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals seeking a part-time role within a well-established and community-focused organization. The Customer Team Member position at the Co-op's Livesey Branch Road location offers a competitive hourly rate of £12.60 and a guaranteed 12 hours per week, with the potential for regular overtime, making it a reliable option for supplementing income or building a stable part-time career.
Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Co-op truly invests in its employees. Beyond the attractive hourly wage, successful candidates will enjoy 31 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 themselves and their families. This holistic approach to employee wellbeing is a significant draw.
- Generous Staff Discount: A 30% discount on all Co-op products in-store is an immediate and tangible benefit that can significantly reduce personal grocery bills.
- Career Development and Training: Co-op provides full, paid training, ensuring you're equipped with the necessary skills from day one. The emphasis on personal development and career progression suggests a supportive environment for growth within the company.
- Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: While the role involves varied shifts including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, the part-time nature (12 hours per week) allows for a degree of flexibility. The promise of rotas being shared three weeks in advance and accessible via mobile device further aids in personal planning.
- Meaningful Work and Community Focus: Co-op's long-standing commitment to fairness and community support offers a sense of purpose beyond the transactional aspects of the role. Contributing to a business that prioritizes its members and local communities can be highly rewarding.
- Modern Application Process: The ability to apply via a mobile device with no CV required simplifies the initial application process, making it accessible to a wider range of candidates.
- Supportive Wellbeing Initiatives: Co-op's commitment extends to physical, mental, and financial wellbeing, with resources like Wagestream (for early access to earned pay) and a 24/7 employee assistance service.
Key Considerations for Candidates:
- Age Requirement: Due to the nature of the shifts, including potential work before 6 am or after 10 pm, candidates must be 18 years of age or older.
- Varied Shift Pattern: The role requires flexibility to work a range of shifts, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. It's crucial for candidates to be comfortable with this variability and to discuss their availability openly during the interview.
- Physical Demands: The role involves a variety of tasks such as re-stocking shelves, cleaning, and assisting customers on the shop floor, which will require a degree of physical activity.
- Customer Service Focus: A genuine passion for customer service, strong interpersonal skills, and a positive attitude towards problem-solving are essential for success in this role.
- In-Store Bakery Work: The role specifically includes working in the in-store bakery, so an interest in this area would be beneficial.
- Application Process: While a CV isn't required, candidates will need to complete two online assessments as part of the application, which typically take around 20 minutes.
Career Path Guidance:
This Customer Team Member role is an excellent entry point into the retail sector and specifically within a values-driven organization like Co-op. It provides a strong foundation in customer service, stock management, and operational efficiency. For those looking to advance, Co-op's commitment to personal development suggests potential opportunities for progression into team leadership roles, supervisory positions, or even specialized areas within the business. The experience gained here can be invaluable for building a career in retail management, operations, or customer relations.
Overall, this is a compelling opportunity for individuals seeking stable part-time employment with excellent benefits, a supportive work environment, and the chance to contribute to a company with a strong social conscience.