This review offers an in-depth look at the Customer Team Member opportunity at Co-op, located at 74 Newbold Village, Chesterfield, S41 8RJ. We aim to provide potential candidates with a clear understanding of this role, highlighting its advantages and key considerations for career development.
This is a part-time permanent position, offering 16 hours per week with the potential for regular overtime. The role operates on a consistent early morning shift pattern from 6 am to 10 am, four days a week, including weekends. This predictable schedule can be highly advantageous for individuals seeking to balance work with other commitments, such as education, family responsibilities, or personal pursuits. The specific shifts will be discussed during the interview, offering a degree of flexibility.
Key Advantages for Candidates:
- Competitive Pay and Benefits: With an hourly rate of £12.60, this role offers a solid foundation. Beyond the salary, Co-op provides an impressive benefits package that truly sets it apart. This includes:
- Generous Holiday Allowance: 31 days of holiday per year (pro-rata for part-time colleagues), offering excellent work-life balance.
- Comprehensive Pension Scheme: Co-op offers up to a 10% employer contribution to your pension, a significant advantage for long-term financial planning.
- Exceptional Product Discount: A substantial 30% discount on all Co-op products in-store, plus an additional 10% on other brands, presents significant savings for employees.
- Holistic Wellbeing Support: Access to virtual healthcare services for you and your family, including GP appointments, mental health support, and fitness consultations, demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing. A 24/7 employee assistance service further enhances this support.
- Financial Wellbeing Tools: The Stream app allows access to a percentage of your earned pay before payday, offering valuable financial flexibility.
- Comprehensive Training and Development: Co-op invests in its employees by providing full, paid training. This ensures you are well-equipped for the role and offers a clear path for personal development and career progression. The commitment to sharing rotas three weeks in advance, accessible via mobile, also aids in planning.
- Positive Work Environment and Culture: Co-op emphasizes a friendly and supportive team environment. The role involves genuine interaction with customers and colleagues, fostering strong working relationships. Their long-standing commitment to fairness and community support creates a meaningful work experience.
- Varied Responsibilities: As a Customer Team Member, your duties will extend beyond traditional till operations. You will be involved in providing excellent customer service, working in the in-store bakery, restocking shelves, maintaining store cleanliness, and contributing to the introduction of new products. This variety can lead to a more engaging and dynamic work experience.
- Inclusivity and Support: Co-op is dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. They are a Disability Confident employer, and support is available for any adjustments needed during the recruitment process.
Key Considerations for Candidates:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be aged 18 or over due to potential early morning or late-night working, or other business-related needs.
- Shift Pattern: The requirement to work early mornings (6 am-10 am) four days a week, including weekends, is a crucial consideration. Candidates must be comfortable and able to commit to this specific schedule.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: While the shifts are defined, the role requires a positive approach to change and problem-solving. The ability to work effectively within a team and adapt to varying tasks is essential.
- Application Process: The application involves completing two online assessments, taking approximately 20 minutes. While no CV is needed initially, candidates should be prepared for this digital assessment.
- Commitment to the Community: The role encourages involvement in local community activities, which aligns with Co-op's core values. Candidates who are community-minded will find this particularly rewarding.
In summary, this Customer Team Member position at Co-op offers a compelling opportunity for individuals seeking a stable, part-time role with excellent benefits, a supportive work culture, and clear avenues for personal growth. The early morning shift pattern and weekend work are key factors to consider, but for those who can embrace them, this role presents a fantastic chance to contribute to a respected community-focused organization.