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- Tasks: Assist customers and ensure a great shopping experience in our Pets and Aquatics section.
- Company: Join Squire's, a family-owned garden centre group dedicated to customer happiness since 1936.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% restaurant discounts, generous holiday, bonuses, and a pension plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team focused on excellent customer service and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Looking for friendly, approachable individuals with good interpersonal skills and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Maternity cover role with flexible hours; perfect for students seeking part-time work.
Your primary responsibility will be to provide professional support to our customers. Working closely with the Garden Centre Manager to help the business to succeed. Maternity Cover: Until end July 2026. Rota: Every Tuesday and Wednesday 11:30-18:00 and Sunday 11:00-17:30.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Provide an enjoyable shopping experience for everyone by ensuring all customers are greeted and offered assistance.
- Handling customer queries courteously and efficiently.
- Identifying customer needs through interaction, and taking appropriate action.
- Excellent standards of merchandising and housekeeping are established and maintained in accordance with company guidelines.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for people with a good friendly manner, good interpersonal skills, and a willingness to learn.
Squire’s is a family-owned group of 17 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, and Berkshire. Since 1936 the purpose of our business has been the happiness of those who work in it. We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in horticulture, catering, and retail. We want our staff to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic customer-focused environment.
Rewards & Benefits:
- Employee Discount – 50% in Restaurants and 20% in Garden Centre on joining, increasing to 25% after 2 years’ service and 30% after 5 years’ service.
- Holiday (including bank holidays) – 5.6 weeks on joining increasing to 6.2 weeks after 2 years’ service and 6.6 weeks after 5 years’ service.
- Bonus – We reward our employees with a non-contractual bonus at Christmas, based on the profit of the company in any financial year.
- Pension – We offer a Defined Contribution Pension Plan to new employees.
- Attendance – After one year's service, if you have worked for a full financial year and have 100% attendance, one day holiday (pro-rata) will be added to your holiday grant as a 'Thank you'.
- Made A Difference Scheme (M.A.D) – A reward scheme for team members who make a difference to our business through outstanding customer service.
- Learning & Development – You can look forward to a wealth of learning opportunities with us that will enhance and develop you.
- Birthday – After 6 months service if your birthday falls on your contracted day to work, you can leave work early.
- Cycle2work scheme – After 1 year's service, a government initiative which offers savings on new cycling equipment.
- Child's first day at school – After 1 year's service come in late and go home early on your child's first day of school life.
- RHS Membership or a Tree / Shrub – After 1 year's service Squire's employees can choose either one tree or shrub to plant each year.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – After 2 years service employees are eligible to join an EAP.
- Retirement – After 15 years service if you are retiring, your contracted hours will be reduced by a fifth but your pay will remain the same for your final 3 months.
- Free Parking – Available to all employees in the designated parking areas on our site.
Contact Detail:
Squire's Garden Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pets and Aquatics - Sales Assistant - Maternity Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the products and services offered in the Pets and Aquatics section. Being knowledgeable about different pet care items and aquatic supplies will help you engage with customers and answer their queries effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your interpersonal skills during any interactions, whether in person or over the phone. A friendly and approachable manner can make a significant difference in how customers perceive their shopping experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your willingness to learn by asking questions about the role and the company during your conversations. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and your commitment to providing excellent customer service.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've provided outstanding customer service in the past. Sharing specific instances where you've gone above and beyond can highlight your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Pets and Aquatics - Sales Assistant - Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in customer service and sales, particularly in a retail environment. Emphasise any previous roles where you provided excellent customer support or worked with pets and aquatics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your friendly manner and interpersonal skills. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully assisted customers in the past and express your enthusiasm for working in a garden centre environment.
Highlight Your Willingness to Learn: In your application, emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Mention any relevant training or courses you've completed, especially those related to customer service or retail.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since the role involves working closely with the Garden Centre Manager and other team members, highlight your ability to work well in a team. Provide examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment in previous jobs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Squire's Garden Centres
✨Show Your Passion for Pets
Make sure to express your love for animals during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have with pets or aquatics, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role focuses on providing an enjoyable shopping experience, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've handled customer queries in the past. Highlight your ability to remain courteous and efficient, even in challenging situations.
✨Research the Company
Familiarise yourself with Squire's values and history. Understanding their commitment to customer service and employee satisfaction will allow you to tailor your answers and show that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about training opportunities or how the team collaborates to enhance customer experiences. It shows your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
