Review: Customer Team Member - Co-op, Highcroft, Kelso
This Customer Team Member position at the Co-op in Highcroft, Kelso, presents a fantastic opportunity for individuals seeking a part-time role with a strong emphasis on community and employee well-being. The role is permanent, offering 16 hours per week with the possibility of regular overtime, making it an attractive option for those looking for consistent, flexible work.
Advantages for Candidates:
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Co-op is known for its commitment to its colleagues. This role boasts an impressive array of benefits, including a generous 31 days of holiday (pro-rata for part-time), a robust pension scheme with up to a 10% Co-op contribution, and exclusive employee discounts of 30% on all Co-op products and 10% on other brands.
- Focus on Well-being: Beyond financial and holiday benefits, Co-op prioritizes the holistic well-being of its employees. This includes access to virtual healthcare services for you and your family, offering peace of mind and support for physical and mental health. The 24/7 employee assistance service further underscores this commitment.
- Career Development and Support: Full, paid training is provided, ensuring you have the skills and confidence to excel in your role. Co-op also emphasizes personal development and career progression, offering dedicated support to help you grow within the company.
- Financial Flexibility: The inclusion of Wagestream, a money management app, allows you to access a percentage of your earned pay before payday, offering valuable financial flexibility.
- Work-Life Balance and Predictability: Rotas are shared three weeks in advance and are accessible via your mobile device, providing a degree of predictability that aids in personal planning.
- Inclusive and Community-Focused Environment: Co-op's long-standing commitment to fairness and community is reflected in its workplace culture. You'll be joining a friendly team dedicated to serving customers and supporting local initiatives. The company actively promotes an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
- Accessible Application Process: The ability to apply using a mobile device without a CV simplifies the initial application, making it more accessible for a wider range of candidates.
Key Considerations for Candidates:
- Varied Shift Patterns: The role requires flexibility, with varied shifts that can include early mornings (store opening), afternoons, late evenings (store closing), and weekends. These will be discussed during the interview process, so candidates should be prepared to discuss their availability and preferences.
- Core Responsibilities: As a Customer Team Member, your duties will encompass providing excellent customer service on tills and the shop floor, assisting customers with queries, championing Co-op products and Membership, restocking shelves, and maintaining store cleanliness, including addressing spillages.
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The ideal candidate will possess a positive approach to change and problem-solving, essential for navigating the dynamic retail environment and contributing to a smoothly run store.
- Application Assessments: Be aware that the application process includes two online assessments that will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Career Path Guidance:
This Customer Team Member role is an excellent entry point into the retail sector and offers a stable foundation for those looking to build a career within Co-op. The comprehensive training and focus on personal development mean you can acquire valuable customer service, operational, and teamwork skills. The diverse responsibilities within the role provide exposure to various aspects of retail operations, which can be a stepping stone to leadership positions or specialized roles within the organization, such as supervisor or even management, depending on your dedication and performance. The emphasis on community involvement also offers opportunities to develop leadership and organizational skills outside of daily store operations.