## Opportunity Spotlight: Customer Team Member at Co-op (Norden, Rochdale) This is an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking a dynamic and customer-focused role within a well-established and community-oriented organization. The Customer Team Member position at Co-op in Norden, Rochdale, offers a pathway into retail operations with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and career development. ### Key Advantages for Aspiring Candidates: * **Comprehensive Training and Support:** Co-op provides **full, paid training**, ensuring you're equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your role. This is a significant advantage for those new to retail or looking to refresh their skill set, demonstrating a commitment to your professional growth from day one. * **Attractive Employee Benefits:** Beyond the competitive hourly rate of £12.60, joining Co-op comes with a suite of impressive benefits. These include: * **Generous Holiday Allowance:** 31 days of holiday (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) offer excellent work-life balance. * **Robust Pension Scheme:** With up to 10% Co-op contribution, this is a valuable long-term financial benefit. * **Health and Wellbeing Focus:** Access to virtual healthcare services for you and your family, including GP appointments, mental health support, and more, underscores Co-op's commitment to your overall wellbeing. A 24/7 employee assistance service further solidifies this support. * **Exclusive Co-op Discount:** Enjoy a substantial **30% discount on all Co-op products** in-store, plus 10% off other brands. This is a fantastic perk for everyday savings. * **Financial Wellbeing Tool:** Wagestream provides access to a percentage of your earned pay, offering flexibility and support for your financial management. * **Community-Centric Environment:** Co-op's 175-year legacy of focusing on fairness for members and communities is a powerful draw. As a Customer Team Member, you'll actively contribute to supporting your local community through various activities and events, fostering a sense of purpose beyond the daily tasks. * **Career Development Opportunities:** Co-op explicitly promises to take care of its colleagues, offering support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Market-leading policies for life events and dedicated support for personal development and career progression suggest a company that invests in its people's long-term futures. * **Flexible Working & Predictability:** While requiring varied shifts, the role offers **regular overtime opportunities** and rotas shared **three weeks in advance**, accessible via mobile. This provides a good balance of flexibility and planning for your personal life. * **Inclusive Workplace:** Co-op actively champions diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds. Their commitment to the Disability Confident scheme ensures a supportive recruitment process for candidates with disabilities. ### Key Considerations for Potential Candidates: * **Shift Flexibility is Essential:** The role requires a willingness to work **varied shifts**, including early mornings, afternoons, late evenings, and weekends. Candidates must be comfortable with this flexibility, as specific patterns will be discussed at the interview stage. * **Varied Responsibilities:** Beyond direct customer service at the tills, you'll be involved in a range of operational tasks. This includes **re-stocking shelves, ensuring product availability, maintaining store standards, and cleaning**. A proactive and adaptable approach to these duties is key. * **Customer Focus is Paramount:** The core of this role is providing **friendly and thoughtful service**. Candidates should possess a genuine care for customer needs, excellent people skills, and a positive attitude towards problem-solving and building relationships. * **Application Process:** The application involves **two online assessments** that take approximately 20 minutes. The description also highlights the ability to apply via mobile device without a CV, simplifying the initial application for many. * **Part-Time Hours with Overtime Potential:** This is a **part-time contract (15 hours per week)**, but with the prospect of **regular overtime**. Candidates should consider if this aligns with their desired working hours and career progression goals. This Customer Team Member role presents a compelling opportunity for individuals looking to enter or advance their careers in retail within an organization that prioritizes its people and communities. If you're adaptable, customer-oriented, and value a supportive and inclusive work environment, this position at Co-op could be an excellent next step in your career journey.