Sales Assistant (Bermondsey, GB)

Explore Your Next Opportunity: Sales Assistant/Driver at AkzoNobel / Dulux Decorating Centres

Are you seeking a versatile role that combines customer engagement, sales support, and practical logistics within a leading global company? The Sales Assistant/Driver position at Dulux Decorating Centres, part of the esteemed AkzoNobel family, presents a compelling opportunity. This comprehensive review is designed to help potential candidates understand the significant advantages and key considerations of this role, guiding them in their career decisions.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Join a Reputable Global Leader: AkzoNobel boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1792, pioneering innovative paints and coatings with world-class brands like Dulux, International, Sikkens, and Interpon. As the UK’s largest paint and decorating merchant, Dulux Decorating Centres offers a stable and respected environment. This affiliation provides a strong platform for professional growth within a company renowned for its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
• Commitment to Employee Development & Recognition: Dulux Decorating Centres is celebrated as a Top 100 Employer and holds the prestigious ‘Investors in People-Gold’ accreditation. This demonstrates a profound dedication to fostering employee success through comprehensive training, ongoing coaching, and robust support for career progression. For individuals passionate about skill enhancement and career advancement, this role offers the tools and culture to thrive.
• A Dynamic and Varied Role: This position offers a unique blend of responsibilities, ensuring a stimulating work experience. You will play a crucial role in delivering a memorable customer experience, from providing informed advice and personalized proposals to contributing to sales growth. Simultaneously, you will manage vital logistics tasks, including customer deliveries and route planning, making this an ideal fit for those who enjoy both engaging customer interactions and practical, on-the-road duties.
• Robust Compensation and Benefits Package: AkzoNobel offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and financial security. Beyond the competitive hourly rate of £13.34, candidates can expect:
  • Generous Leave: 25 days of annual leave, in addition to bank holidays.
  • Comprehensive Support: Income protection, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and Life Assurance.
  • Financial Security: A company pension scheme.
  • Exclusive Discounts: Staff and product discounts across Dulux Decorator Centre stores.
  • Flexible Benefits: Access to a flexible benefits scheme offering options like Gymflex, retail cards, and dental cover.
  This extensive offering highlights the company's commitment to valuing and rewarding its employees.
• Inclusive and Supportive Work Environment: AkzoNobel is a strong proponent of a healthy work-life balance and mental well-being, actively considering flexible working options for its roles. The company is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace, embracing diversity, and actively addressing unconscious bias in its talent acquisition and workplace practices. This cultivates an environment where all employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves and contribute fully.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Versatility is Essential: The role demands a combination of strong customer service skills, sales acumen, and practical driving and logistics capabilities. Candidates should be comfortable transitioning between direct customer engagement, merchandising tasks, and efficient delivery operations.
• Flexible Working Hours: While a full-time 40-hour week, the position involves shifts between 7 am and 5 pm from Monday to Friday, along with rotational Saturday shifts (8 am to 4 pm), with time off in lieu. This requires a degree of flexibility and readiness to work weekends periodically.
• Customer-Centric Focus: A significant aspect of this role is dedicated to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Individuals who genuinely enjoy engaging with both professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts, offering expert advice, and building strong rapport will find this role particularly rewarding.
• Physical Demands: The responsibilities include loading vans, restocking shelves, and making deliveries, indicating that candidates should be comfortable with the physical aspects inherent in retail and logistics work.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideally suited for individuals with proven experience in a customer service or retail role, possessing a valid driving licence, and who thrive in a collaborative environment while remaining calm under pressure. If you demonstrate excellent communication skills, an acute eye for detail, and a genuine desire for continuous learning and career advancement within a supportive, forward-thinking organization, then the Sales Assistant/Driver role at Dulux Decorating Centres could be an excellent next step in your professional journey. AkzoNobel actively encourages applications from those with relevant experience, even if they don't meet every single listed criterion, underscoring their open-minded approach to talent acquisition.

Embark on a path where you can truly paint the future together with AkzoNobel.