Customer Team Member reference: 1057502

## Opportunity Review: Customer Team Member at Co-op This review provides an in-depth look at the Customer Team Member role at Co-op, highlighting the advantages and key considerations for prospective candidates. We aim to guide you in understanding how this opportunity can fit into your career journey.

The Co-op is seeking dedicated individuals to join their team as Customer Team Members at their Link Road, Blyth location. This is a permanent, part-time position, offering 18 hours per week with the potential for regular overtime, making it an adaptable role for those balancing other commitments.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Co-op offers an impressive array of benefits designed to support employee wellbeing and financial security. This includes 31 days of holiday (pro-rata for part-time colleagues), a pension scheme with a generous up to 10% Co-op contribution, and access to virtual healthcare services for you and your family.
• Employee Discount: A significant perk is the 30% discount on all Co-op products within their stores, along with 10% discounts on other brands. This offers tangible savings on everyday purchases.
• Workforce Support and Wellbeing: Co-op emphasizes a supportive work environment, providing access to resources for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. This includes a 24/7 employee assistance service and innovative financial tools like Wagestream, allowing access to earned pay before payday.
• Career Development: While this role focuses on customer service and store operations, Co-op commits to providing full, paid training and dedicated support for personal development and career progression. This signifies an investment in their employees' future growth.
• Flexible and Predictable Scheduling: Rotas are shared three weeks in advance and are accessible via mobile, providing clarity and enabling better personal planning.
• Inclusive Workplace Culture: Co-op actively promotes diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds. They are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive and offer support through the Disability Confident scheme.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Varied Shift Patterns: The role requires flexibility to work a range of shifts, including early mornings (store opening), afternoons, late evenings (store closing), and weekends. While specific schedules will be discussed at the interview, candidates should be prepared for varied working hours.
• Age Requirement: Due to the operational needs of the store, including potential early morning or late evening work, applicants must be aged 18 or over.
• Application Process: The application is designed to be accessible, allowing candidates to apply via mobile device without needing a CV. However, there are two online assessments required as part of the application, which take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
• Physical Demands: The role involves a range of tasks on the shop floor, including re-stocking shelves, serving customers, and maintaining store cleanliness. Candidates should be prepared for these physical aspects of the job.
• Commitment to Community: A core aspect of the Co-op ethos is community involvement. Candidates who are keen to contribute to local activities and events will find this role particularly rewarding.

Career Path Guidance:

This Customer Team Member position is an excellent entry point into retail and customer-facing roles. It provides foundational experience in customer service, sales, stock management, and operational efficiency. The comprehensive training and supportive environment offered by Co-op can serve as a strong stepping stone for individuals looking to develop skills in:

• Customer Relationship Management: Mastering the art of providing excellent service, understanding customer needs, and building rapport.
• Retail Operations: Gaining hands-on experience in stock control, merchandising, point-of-sale systems, and store presentation.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively within a team to achieve common goals and support colleagues.
• Problem-Solving: Developing the ability to address customer queries and resolve issues efficiently and effectively.

For those with aspirations in retail management, merchandising, or specialized customer service roles, this position offers a solid grounding. The Co-op's commitment to employee development suggests potential pathways for internal progression for dedicated and high-performing individuals.

In summary, the Customer Team Member role at Co-op presents a compelling opportunity for individuals seeking a stable, part-time position with excellent benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to contribute to their local community. It is particularly well-suited for those who are customer-focused, adaptable, and eager to learn and grow within a respected organization.