Customer Team Member reference: 1060013

Opportunity Review: Customer Team Member at Co-op (Stanley Court, Olney)

This role presents an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking a part-time, permanent position within a well-established and community-focused organization. The Customer Team Member role at Co-op in Stanley Court, Olney, offers a blend of customer service, operational tasks, and the chance to be part of a supportive team with strong ethical values. For aspiring retail professionals, this position can serve as a valuable stepping stone, providing hands-on experience and exposure to various aspects of store operations.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Co-op offers a compelling array of benefits that extend beyond typical retail compensation. This includes a generous 31 days of holiday (pro-rata for part-time), a competitive pension scheme with up to 10% employer contributions, and access to virtual healthcare services for employees and their families. The substantial 30% discount on Co-op products is a significant perk.
• Focus on Employee Wellbeing: Co-op demonstrates a strong commitment to the wellbeing of its colleagues. The provision of virtual healthcare, a 24/7 employee assistance service, and market-leading policies addressing various life events underscore their dedication to supporting employees' physical, mental, and financial health. The inclusion of Wagestream, a money management app, further empowers employees with financial control.
• Structured Training and Development: Full, paid training is provided, ensuring that all new team members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel. The emphasis on dedicated support for personal development and career progression indicates Co-op's investment in its employees' long-term growth.
• Flexible Working with Predictability: While the role involves early starts and weekend work, the part-time contract of 18 hours per week, with regular overtime opportunities, offers a degree of flexibility. Crucially, rotas are shared three weeks in advance and accessible via mobile, providing a predictable schedule that aids in work-life balance.
• Community Engagement: For those who value making a positive impact, this role offers opportunities to get involved in local community activities and events, aligning with Co-op's core mission of serving its communities.
• Inclusive Workplace Culture: Co-op actively fosters an inclusive environment, celebrating diversity and welcoming applications from all backgrounds. Their commitment to the Disability Confident scheme highlights their dedication to providing equal opportunities and making reasonable adjustments where needed.
• Simplified Application Process: The ability to apply using a mobile device without needing a CV streamlines the initial application, making the opportunity accessible to a wider range of candidates.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Shift Patterns and Weekend Availability: The working pattern involves three shifts per week, with hours from 5:45 am to 12 pm. This includes weekend work, necessitating flexibility in scheduling. Potential candidates should carefully consider if these early morning and weekend commitments align with their personal circumstances. Discussions about specific shift patterns will occur at the interview stage.
• Physical Demands of the Role: The role involves a variety of tasks, including serving customers at tills, working in an in-store bakery, restocking shelves, and cleaning. Candidates should be comfortable with physical activity and performing a range of operational duties throughout their shift.
• Age Requirement: Due to the nature of the working hours (potentially before 6 am or after 10 pm), applicants must be aged 18 or over to be considered for this role.
• Application Assessments: The application process includes two online assessments, estimated to take around 20 minutes to complete. Candidates should allocate time to undertake these assessments as part of their application.

Career Path Guidance: This Customer Team Member position is an excellent entry point into the retail sector, particularly within a values-driven organization like Co-op. The comprehensive training and emphasis on personal development can equip individuals with transferable skills in customer service, problem-solving, and operational efficiency. For those seeking to advance within Co-op, this role can pave the way for opportunities in team leadership, management, or specialized areas such as merchandising or stock control, depending on individual aptitude and further development.