Customer Team Member reference: 1060639

## Review: Customer Team Member Opportunity at Co-op - Poole This Customer Team Member role at the Co-op in Upper Parkstone, Poole, presents an engaging opportunity for individuals seeking flexible, part-time work within a community-focused organization. If you're looking to build on your customer service skills and contribute to a company with a strong ethical foundation, this position warrants careful consideration.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Exceptional Benefits Package: Co-op is renowned for its commitment to its colleagues. Beyond the competitive hourly rate of £12.60, this role offers a substantial 31 days of holiday (pro-rata for part-time), a generous pension scheme with up to 10% employer contributions, and invaluable virtual healthcare services for you and your family. Furthermore, a 30% discount on Co-op products is a significant perk for everyday savings.
• Focus on Wellbeing and Support: The description highlights Co-op's dedication to colleague wellbeing, encompassing physical, mental, and financial support. Market-leading policies that assist with significant life events demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee welfare, which can be a considerable factor in long-term career satisfaction.
• Comprehensive Training and Development: You will receive full, paid training, ensuring you are well-equipped for the role. The emphasis on dedicated support for personal development and career progression suggests a pathway for growth within the organization, even in a part-time capacity.
• Flexible Working and Work-Life Balance: While requiring a varied shift pattern, including early mornings, afternoons, late evenings, and weekends, the rotas are shared three weeks in advance and accessible via mobile. This offers a degree of predictability, allowing for better personal planning. The option for regular overtime can also provide additional income opportunities.
• Community Impact: Co-op's long-standing commitment to its members and communities is a core aspect of its identity. This role offers the chance to be part of that, by supporting local activities and events.
• Inclusive Workplace: Co-op actively promotes diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds. They are committed to making reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and are part of the Disability Confident scheme, indicating a supportive environment for all individuals.
• Streamlined Application: The ability to apply via a mobile device without a CV simplifies the initial application process, making it more accessible.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Varied Shift Pattern: The working pattern is described as varied, encompassing early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. While offering flexibility, candidates should be prepared for this dynamic schedule and discuss their availability openly during the interview.
• Part-Time Hours with Overtime Potential: The base contract is for 12 hours per week. While regular overtime is mentioned, candidates should assess if this aligns with their desired work hours and income expectations.
• Physical Demands: The role involves tasks such as re-stocking shelves and cleaning, which may require a degree of physical activity.
• Customer-Facing Role: Success in this position hinges on strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine desire to assist customers. If you thrive on direct interaction and problem-solving in a service environment, this will be an excellent fit.

Career Path Guidance:

This Customer Team Member position is an excellent entry point into the retail sector and a well-established, reputable organization. It offers a fantastic foundation in customer service, stock management, and operational efficiency. For individuals seeking to develop their skills in a supportive environment with clear pathways for learning and growth, this role can be the first step towards various opportunities within Co-op, such as leadership roles within stores or potentially moving into other departments. The emphasis on wellbeing and comprehensive benefits also suggests this could be a long-term, stable career choice.

In summary, this role at Co-op offers a compelling blend of competitive compensation, exceptional benefits, and a commitment to colleague wellbeing. If you possess a passion for customer service and a desire to contribute to a community-oriented business, this opportunity in Poole is certainly worth exploring.