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- Tasks: Assist customers, manage sales, and support events in a vibrant retail environment.
- Company: Join Bristol SU, a fun and inclusive community supporting over 26,000 students.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous holiday, and professional training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference while gaining valuable experience in a supportive and diverse workplace.
- Qualifications: Customer service or retail experience is a plus; enthusiasm and teamwork are essential.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview schemes for underrepresented backgrounds to promote diversity.
The predicted salary is between 17400 - 19600 £ per year.
We are looking for an energetic and customer-focused Merchandise Assistant to join our on-campus SU shop at The Richmond Building. Reporting to the Senior Merchandise Coordinator, you will provide excellent customer service, assist with sales and merchandising, process online and bespoke orders, and support promotional events across campus including Graduation and Welcome Week. This role is perfect for someone outgoing, proactive, and a great team player who enjoys working in a fast-paced retail environment. Previous experience in retail or customer service is a plus, but full training will be provided. If you are passionate about delivering a great shopping experience and want to be part of a dynamic team, apply now!
What’s the job?
- Role: Merchandise Assistant
- Hours: 21 hours per week in person
- Salary: £14,700 (pro-rata at 0.6) starting salary (£24,500 at 1.0 FTE). The grade range for this role is £24,500 to £25,603 FTE and pay can progress annually through the band in line with our pay and reward policy
- Contract: 12 months Fixed Term
- Closing date: 11 April 2025, 5pm
Who are we?
Part business, part charity, part membership body – Bristol SU is a seriously fun place to work. Our professional staff do something extraordinary every day: we support student leaders to give people a voice in their education, help people get the most out of their student experience and help people make the change they want in the world. We have over 26,000 members, 400 clubs and societies, a diverse range of professional services, and an innovative strategy that will help to create an inclusive and supportive University community.
What will you bring?
You will have experience in customer service, retail, or hospitality, with a passion for creating a great shopping experience. You will be able to engage confidently with customers, work well in a team, and handle busy environments with a positive attitude. You know how to manage transactions, assist customers with queries, and keep the store looking its best. You are a skilled communicator, problem-solver, and multitasker who thrives in a fast-paced setting.
Why apply?
Because you are excited to make a difference! We offer lots of great benefits including enhanced pay for parents taking maternity, adoption or shared parental leave, a competitive salary for the non-profit sector, a generous pension scheme and at least 40 days’ holiday. We are committed to helping you achieve a healthy work-life balance through flexible working and are open to considering requests for part-time working. We provide professional training so that whatever your chosen field of work, with the right mix of challenge and support, you will gain fantastic experience, and room to develop and advance your career. We are proud to have been recognised through numerous accreditations and awards that demonstrate our commitment to creating a positive and supportive culture. We have appeared in the Inclusive Companies top 100 list and have won a number of awards for our commitment to diversity, including best Students' Union. We also won a Third Sector Excellence Award at the 2018 Investors in People Awards. No wonder 87% of our employees would recommend Bristol SU as a great place to work!
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to life at Bristol SU. We approach our work with positivity and celebrate our diverse and unique communities. Our people are proud of our values and care about creating diverse and supportive communities that are inclusive of age, disability, gender, identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and experience. Bristol SU strives to have an inclusive culture and an environment for all, underpinned by respect and compassion, where everyone feels welcomed, included, supported, valued and safe. Bristol SU recognises that candidates from some backgrounds/identities may face additional barriers throughout their careers and when applying for new roles across the sector. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team by offering two guaranteed interview schemes – a scheme for people of colour and a scheme for disabled people. Be yourself, be proud of the work you do and build a career in a place that knows different is good.
Key dates
- Closing Date: 11 April 2025, 5pm
Please visit our website to download our Applicant pack for more information before submitting your application. For general enquiries, please contact us at bristolsu-people@bristol.ac.uk.
Merchandise Assistant, Bristol employer: Bristol Student Union
Contact Detail:
Bristol Student Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Assistant, Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Bristol SU's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to diversity and inclusion will help you align your responses during any interviews, showcasing that you share their passion for creating a supportive community.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the local student community before applying. Attend events or visit the SU shop to get a feel for the environment and the type of customer interactions you might encounter. This will give you real-life examples to discuss in your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your customer service skills through role-play scenarios. Think about how you would handle various situations in a retail setting, such as dealing with difficult customers or managing busy periods, as these are likely to come up in discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Bristol SU if possible. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when tailoring your approach to the role and preparing for potential interview questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Assistant, Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Merchandise Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in customer service, retail, or hospitality. Use bullet points to make it easy to read and focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention specific examples of how you have provided excellent customer service in the past and how you can contribute to creating a great shopping experience at Bristol SU.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and presented professionally.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol Student Union
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a Merchandise Assistant, you'll be interacting with customers regularly. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, whether in retail or hospitality. Highlight your ability to engage confidently and positively with customers.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
This role requires a great team player. Think of instances where you've successfully worked as part of a team, especially in fast-paced environments. Be ready to discuss how you contribute to team dynamics and support your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Given the busy nature of the shop, be prepared to discuss how you handle pressure and multitask effectively. Consider sharing specific examples of times when you've managed multiple responsibilities simultaneously while maintaining a positive attitude.
✨Express Your Passion for Retail
Show your enthusiasm for creating a great shopping experience. Research Bristol SU and its values, and be ready to explain why you're excited about this opportunity and how you align with their mission to support students and create an inclusive community.
