Customer Team Member reference: 1060470

This review provides insights into the Customer Team Member position at Co-op, located at 8 McDonald Road, Edinburgh. It aims to guide potential candidates by highlighting the advantages and key considerations for their career development.

Opportunity Overview:

The Customer Team Member role is a permanent, part-time position offering 24 hours per week with the potential for regular overtime. The role is situated within a Co-op store and specifically includes working in the in-store bakery, adding a unique dimension to the customer service experience.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Co-op offers an impressive array of benefits that support employee wellbeing. This includes 31 days of holiday (pro-rata), a pension scheme with a significant employer contribution of up to 10%, and access to virtual healthcare services covering general, mental, and specialist health needs for both the employee and their family.
• Significant Staff Discount: A notable perk is the 30% discount on all Co-op products in-store, alongside a 10% discount on other brands, offering substantial savings.
• Financial Wellbeing Support: The introduction of 'Stream' provides employees with access to a percentage of their earned pay before payday, aiding in immediate financial management.
• Dedicated Training and Development: Co-op provides full, paid training, ensuring all new team members are well-equipped. Furthermore, there is a commitment to ongoing personal development and career progression support, indicating a pathway for growth within the organization.
• Flexible Working and Predictable Rotas: While shifts are varied (including early mornings and afternoons, and weekends), rotas are shared three weeks in advance and accessible via mobile, allowing for better personal planning.
• Employee Support and Wellbeing: Beyond standard benefits, Co-op emphasizes a supportive work environment, offering resources for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Market-leading policies for life events demonstrate a commitment to taking care of their colleagues through significant personal challenges.
• Community Focus: The role offers opportunities to get involved in local community activities and events, fostering a sense of purpose and connection.
• Inclusive Workplace: Co-op actively promotes diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and offering support and reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities through the Disability Confident scheme.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be aged 18 or over due to the potential for working before 6 am or after 10 pm.
• Shift Flexibility: The working pattern involves varied shifts, including weekends and early mornings/afternoons. While rotas are shared in advance, a degree of flexibility and willingness to work these varied hours is essential. This will be discussed further at the interview.
• Job Responsibilities: The role extends beyond traditional customer service to include tasks such as working in the in-store bakery, re-stocking shelves, ensuring stock rotation and pricing accuracy, and maintaining store cleanliness. A proactive and adaptable approach is beneficial.
• Application Process: The application process is streamlined, allowing for mobile applications without the need for a CV. However, it does involve completing two online assessments which take approximately 20 minutes.
• Customer-Centric Approach: A genuine care for customer needs, strong interpersonal skills, and a positive attitude towards problem-solving and change are highly valued qualities for success in this role.

Career Path Guidance:

This Customer Team Member position offers a solid entry point into the retail sector with a company that demonstrably invests in its employees. The provided training, emphasis on wellbeing, and career progression support suggest opportunities for individuals to develop valuable skills in customer service, team collaboration, and operational efficiency. For those looking to start or continue a career in a supportive and community-focused environment, this role provides a strong foundation and a chance to contribute meaningfully while benefiting from an excellent employment package.