Customer Team Member reference: 1059456

## Career Opportunity Review: Customer Team Member at Co-op (Hele Park, Newton Abbot) This review provides potential candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the Customer Team Member role at Co-op in Hele Park, Newton Abbot, highlighting its advantages and key considerations for career growth.

The Co-op is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join their team as Customer Team Members. This is a part-time, permanent position offering 12 hours per week with the potential for regular overtime, providing a stable foundation for individuals looking to balance work with other commitments. The role is based at their Hele Park location in Newton Abbot, TQ12 6JN, with a competitive hourly pay rate of £12.60.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Exceptional Benefits Package: Co-op offers a truly impressive range of benefits. This includes a generous 31 days of holiday (pro-rata), a robust pension scheme with up to a 10% employer contribution, and access to virtual healthcare services for you and your family, encompassing GP appointments, mental health support, and more. This demonstrates a strong commitment to employee well-being.
• Financial Wellbeing Support: The inclusion of Wagestream, a money management app that allows access to earned pay before payday, is a significant advantage. This, combined with the excellent pension scheme, positions Co-op as an employer prioritizing financial health.
• Employee Discount: A substantial 30% discount on all Co-op products in-store, along with 10% off other brands, offers significant savings for employees.
• Comprehensive Training and Development: Co-op provides full, paid training, ensuring you have the necessary skills to excel. Beyond initial training, there's a clear commitment to personal development and career progression, supported by dedicated resources.
• Supportive and Inclusive Culture: Co-op emphasizes its long-standing commitment to fairness and community. As a colleague, you'll experience support for your physical, mental, and financial well-being, with market-leading policies designed to assist during life events. The company actively fosters an inclusive workplace, celebrating diversity and ensuring all colleagues can reach their full potential.
• Work-Life Balance Opportunities: The part-time nature of the role, coupled with the potential for overtime, allows for flexibility. Rotas are shared three weeks in advance and are accessible via mobile, aiding in personal planning.
• Community Engagement: The role offers opportunities to support the local community, providing a sense of purpose beyond day-to-day tasks.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Shift Flexibility: The working pattern involves varied shifts, including afternoons, late evenings (store closing), and weekends. While the exact schedule will be discussed at the interview, candidates should be prepared for a flexible approach to their working hours.
• Nature of the Role: As a Customer Team Member, you'll be the face of Co-op, providing excellent customer service, operating tills, and maintaining the shop floor. This includes tasks such as restocking shelves and handling spillages. A proactive and adaptable attitude is essential.
• Application Process: The application process is streamlined, allowing you to apply via mobile device without needing a CV. It does include two online assessments that take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
• Commitment to Inclusion: Co-op is committed to building diverse teams and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. They are a Disability Confident employer, offering interviews to disabled candidates who meet minimum criteria and will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process as needed.

Career Path Guidance:

This Customer Team Member role serves as an excellent entry point into the retail sector and a forward-thinking organization like Co-op. The comprehensive training provided equips individuals with transferable skills in customer service, stock management, and operational efficiency. For those who demonstrate initiative and a strong work ethic, Co-op's commitment to personal development and career progression suggests opportunities for growth within the company. This could potentially lead to roles with increased responsibility, such as supervisor or management positions, within their extensive network of stores. The emphasis on community and well-being also makes Co-op an attractive place for individuals seeking a supportive and value-driven work environment.

In summary, the Customer Team Member position at Co-op offers a compelling blend of competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and a supportive work culture. It is an ideal opportunity for individuals seeking a stable part-time role with genuine potential for personal and professional development within a company deeply rooted in its community.