At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide excellent customer service and maintain store standards.
- Company: Join Appleby Westward, a leading SPAR wholesaler and retailer in the West of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 10% discount, 5.6 weeks leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a community-focused team making a real difference.
- Why this job: Kickstart your retail career with endless training and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
About Appleby Westward
Appleby Westward is the SPAR Wholesaler and Retailer covering the West of England. Our Retail Distribution Centre and Support Offices are based in Saltash, Cornwall, where we employ around 2,000 colleagues who support our wholesale distribution operations for both our independent retail estate and company‑owned retail stores, as well as work within our SPAR network. Our SPAR retail stores are the leading convenience brand, operating in communities from Chichester in the east, to Land’s End in the west, and to Bristol and Salisbury in the north. In addition to offering convenience goods, groceries, chilled foods, and food‑to‑go, we also provide essential local services at selected locations, including Post Office services, lottery, and online collection and delivery services. We have pride in serving our communities and strive to provide an efficient, quality customer service for all our customers. We also play a big role in local charity and community support and are active in fundraising for local organisations and our main charity partner Marie Curie.
About Southampton
Nestled on the south coast of England, Southampton exudes character with its mix of maritime heritage, medieval architecture, and a bustling port that opens into the Solent. Known as the "Cruise Capital of the UK," Southampton welcomes visitors with a vibrant cultural scene, diverse shopping districts, and the fascinating SeaCity Museum. Whether you’re walking the historic city walls or enjoying the green spaces of Southampton Common, the city captures the essence of a dynamic coastal hub with deep historical roots. Pop in to the SPAR on Foundry Lane and see why it’s a favourite among locals. We are now looking to add talent to our retail store team.
Customer Service Assistant Role
This is not just a job in a shop, it’s a retail career with training, learning and apprenticeship opportunities that are endless. Here is a taster of what you’ll do and what you’ll need to show us:
- Warm Welcomes: greet customers with a smile, provide excellent service, and go the extra mile for our community.
- Store Standards: play a vital role in ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- Customer Satisfaction: use product knowledge, stay updated with promotions, and create eye‑catching displays to delight our customers.
- Transaction Accuracy: maintain attention to detail to process all sales transactions accurately and efficiently, including cash up tills and ensuring company monies are secure.
- Stock Management: take ownership of receiving, replenishing, and displaying stock.
- Cleanliness: help maintain a clean and tidy store environment.
- Legal Compliance and Food Quality: be fully trained to ensure product quality and compliance with labelling and allergen regulations.
- Age‑Related Sales: ensure personal compliance with Age‑Related Sales regulations and Think 25 guidance.
- Health and Safety: understand and follow all Health and Safety guidelines to ensure the safety of colleagues and customers.
Benefits and Growth Opportunities
- 10% discount on all in‑store purchases.
- 5.6 weeks of leave per year, calculated on a pro‑rata basis.
- Employee Assistance Programme: access to Grocery Aid for support with any challenges you might face.
- Company Pension Scheme: available after just 3 months of service.
- Career Progression Opportunities: apprenticeships, tailored learning journeys, and potential to become Store Managers over time.
Applications
If you have a passion for customer service, enjoy working in the community, and can demonstrate how you will contribute to our retail team, apply below and start your journey with us. Together, let’s create a welcoming, efficient, and safe shopping experience for everyone!
Customer Service Assistant - SPAR Fawley Road in Southampton employer: Appleby Westward
Appleby Westward is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Southampton, where you can thrive as a Customer Service Assistant. With a strong commitment to employee growth through training and apprenticeship opportunities, alongside benefits like a generous discount and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, we ensure our team members feel valued and empowered. Join us in making a positive impact in our community while enjoying a fulfilling retail career with endless possibilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Assistant - SPAR Fawley Road in Southampton
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Appleby Westward. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Appleby Westward before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Assistant - SPAR Fawley Road in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Appleby Westward:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Appleby Westward specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Appleby Westward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Appleby Westward
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
