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- Tasks: Assist customers in a busy hospital café, providing friendly service and maintaining cleanliness.
- Company: Join Royal Voluntary Service, a vital part of the NHS, making a difference in communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days holiday, and access to exclusive discounts and support services.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, develop new skills, and make a positive impact on people's lives.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with opportunities for paid overtime during busy periods.
Royal Voluntary Service has an opportunity available for a Retail Customer Assistant to join our team at Royal Sussex County Hospital Services, RVS Coffee Shop, Lower Ground Floor, Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5BF. You will join us on a part-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £12.43 per hour (FTE £22,638 per annum).
About the Retail Customer Assistant role:
Royal Voluntary Service hospital cafes, shops and trolleys are part of the fabric of the NHS and a real asset in their own right. Staffed by employees and volunteers, we provide an outstanding range of beverages and healthy food choices. Our customers love the fact that the money they spend with us pays for volunteer action in hospitals and the community.
Working alongside a friendly team of employees and volunteers, you will participate in the day-to-day running of our busy retail Shop and Cafe, in Royal Sussex County Hospital. In this role, you will be responsible for:
- Providing friendly, helpful and efficient service at all times
- Welcoming customers, informing them about specials or new products, answering questions and accepting orders and payments
- Operating the till and cashing up
- Maintaining a high level of cleanliness complying with Health and Safety and food hygiene standards and ensuring all areas of the site remain tidy
- Ensuring that all stock and displays are replenished regularly and ordering supplies if required
Hours: 142 x 4hr on weekdays, 1 x 6hr on Weekends. 3 days out of 7 mixed shifts on a Rota basis. Shifts usually are 08:00-12:00, 12:00-16:00, 16:00-20:00. Our retail sites are open on weekends and bank holidays. There may also be opportunities for paid overtime in busy periods or to cover absence.
Benefits:
- Salary of £12.43 per hour (FTE £22,638 per annum)
- 26 days’ holiday (pro rata) plus paid statutory Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Ten weeks’ company sick pay following successful completion of probation
- A great pension scheme
- 2 x Salary Death in Service Benefit, subject to qualification
- Enhanced Family Leave schemes
- An employee benefits package that gives access to an exclusive rewards website to get discounts and cashback online
- A 24-hour doctor line, financial support with dental/optical and other therapies
- A free and confidential employee assistance programme with up to six face-to-face counselling sessions included
- Extensive online and on the job training to ensure you will succeed in your role
- Opportunities to discuss flexible working
- Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
- The chance to make a positive, lasting impact that changes lives, communities and society
What you’ll bring as our Retail Customer Assistant:
Working in a hospital requires a special kind of customer service. Your ability to communicate with a variety of people in a friendly and cheerful way will make a real difference to someone’s day. The key is to adapt your approach to each person to ensure their needs are met.
Previous experience in a retail or cafe environment would be an advantage but training will be given - just make sure you have a positive attitude and can-do mindset along with a willingness to work and we’ll teach you the rest. Knowledge of EPOS / till systems would be advantageous. Having knowledge and experience in general administrative processes would be beneficial. A willingness to engage in training and ongoing professional development. The ability to deliver outstanding customer service. Great communication skills. Excellent organisational skills. Familiarity with email and internet is required. Good literacy and numeracy skills. A flexible approach towards working hours. Enjoying working within a passionate team of employees and volunteers, as well as working on your own on occasions.
Please read the role profile that accompanies this vacancy for full details of this great opportunity. If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Retail Customer Assistant please click ‘apply’ today, we’d love to hear from you!
The closing date for this role is 6 June 2025. However, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
At Royal Voluntary Service our goal is to welcome everyone and build inclusive and diverse teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work. To find out more about our commitment to EDI, visit our website.
Join Royal Voluntary Service and together we can change lives, change communities and change society.
Retail Customer Assistant employer: Royal Voluntary Service
Contact Detail:
Royal Voluntary Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Customer Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Voluntary Service and its mission. Understanding their commitment to community service and how your role as a Retail Customer Assistant contributes to this can help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills in various scenarios. Since you'll be interacting with a diverse range of people, being able to demonstrate your adaptability and communication skills will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 3
Get comfortable with EPOS systems or similar technology. If you have prior experience, be ready to discuss it; if not, consider familiarising yourself with basic till operations to show your willingness to learn.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility regarding shifts. The role requires working on weekends and bank holidays, so showing that you're open to varied hours can make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Customer Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail or customer service. Emphasise any previous roles where you provided excellent customer service, as this is crucial for the Retail Customer Assistant position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the Royal Voluntary Service. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, such as communication skills and a positive attitude.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills mentioned in the job description, like organisational skills, familiarity with EPOS systems, and a willingness to engage in training. Use examples from past experiences to illustrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Voluntary Service
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a Retail Customer Assistant, your ability to provide friendly and efficient service is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled customer queries or complaints, showcasing your communication skills and positive attitude.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Role
Read up on the specific duties of a Retail Customer Assistant at Royal Voluntary Service. Understanding the importance of cleanliness, health and safety standards, and stock management will help you demonstrate your readiness for the role during the interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
This role involves working alongside a team of employees and volunteers. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in team settings, emphasising your ability to collaborate and support others, which is essential in a busy retail environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquiring about training opportunities, team dynamics, or how success is measured can show your genuine interest in the position and help you stand out as a candidate.
