Customer Team Member reference: 1059341

This review provides an in-depth look at the Customer Team Member position at Co-op, located at 44 High Street, Catterick, Richmond, DL10 7LD. This opportunity offers a competitive hourly rate of £12.60 and is a permanent, part-time role working 12 hours per week with the potential for regular overtime. It's an excellent entry point for individuals looking to gain valuable customer service and retail experience within a well-established and community-focused organisation.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Co-op stands out with an impressive array of benefits. Successful candidates will receive 31 days of holiday (pro-rata for part-time), a pension scheme with a generous up to 10% employer contribution, access to virtual healthcare services for the entire family (including GP appointments, eye care, mental health support, and consultations on nutrition and fitness), and a substantial 30% discount on all Co-op products. Additionally, there's a 24/7 employee assistance service and Wagestream, a money management app allowing early access to earned pay.
• Structured Training and Development: The role includes full, paid training, ensuring that all new team members are well-equipped for their responsibilities. Co-op also emphasizes dedicated support for personal development and career progression, making this an attractive option for those looking to build a long-term career in retail.
• Work-Life Balance and Predictability: While shifts are varied and include afternoons, late evenings (store closing), and weekends, rotas are shared three weeks in advance and are accessible via mobile. This provides a good degree of predictability for managing personal commitments.
• Community Focus and Ethical Values: Co-op is renowned for its commitment to community and fairness. As a Customer Team Member, you'll be part of an organisation that actively supports its local communities and champions ethical practices. This offers a sense of purpose beyond typical retail roles.
• Inclusive Workplace: Co-op is dedicated to building diverse teams and fostering an inclusive environment where all colleagues can thrive. They welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to making reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process for candidates with disabilities, including participation in the Disability Confident scheme.
• Ease of Application: The ability to apply using a mobile device without the need for a CV simplifies the initial application process.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Age Requirement: Due to the nature of the shifts, which can include working before 6 am or after 10 pm, applicants must be aged 18 or over.
• Flexible Working Pattern: The varied shift pattern, including afternoons, late evenings, and weekends, requires a degree of flexibility. Candidates should be comfortable with this working arrangement, which will be discussed further at the interview.
• Pro Rata Holiday Entitlement: The 31 days of holiday are provided on a pro-rata basis for part-time colleagues, meaning the actual number of days will be calculated based on the 12 hours per week contract.
• Application Process: The application involves completing two online assessments, which take approximately 20 minutes. Candidates should be prepared for this step in the selection process.

Career Path Guidance:

This Customer Team Member role at Co-op is an excellent stepping stone for individuals interested in the retail sector. It provides a solid foundation in essential customer service skills, operational efficiency, and teamwork. The comprehensive training and emphasis on personal development suggest opportunities for advancement within Co-op. Candidates who demonstrate a genuine care for customers, strong interpersonal skills, and a positive approach to problem-solving will be well-positioned to excel and potentially grow into roles with greater responsibility within the organisation. The community-focused ethos of Co-op also makes this an attractive role for those seeking employment with a company that aligns with their values.