At a Glance
- Tasks: Solve customer challenges and improve processes in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: Join Arla, a global leader in the dairy industry with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, flexible benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team focused on continuous improvement and employee engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on customer service and operational performance while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and experience with digital tools.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
Do you enjoy solving customer challenges, improving processes and working across multiple business functions to deliver exceptional service? Join our Customer Service Specialists team at our Leeds Head Office and play a key role in ensuring a seamless experience for some of our most important customers. As part of a collaborative, multifunctional team, you will work closely with colleagues across Logistics, Sales, Production and Supply Chain to manage customer relationships, resolve complex issues and drive continuous improvement.
You'll have the opportunity to take ownership, influence positive change and make a real impact on operational performance while supporting the delivery of high-quality service across the business. This is a full time position working 40 hours per week, covering a 7 day working pattern which will include weekend working 1 out of every 5 weekends. The standard work hours are 08:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 - 15:00 on a weekend. Bank holiday working is required, which is shared amongst the team covering an average of 2 per annum.
How you will make an impact
- As a Customer Services Specialist, you will be at the centre of customer operations, ensuring issues are resolved quickly, professionally and with a strong customer focus.
- Working closely with both customers and internal stakeholders, you will help strengthen service performance while identifying opportunities to improve processes and efficiency.
- Manage complex customer enquiries and escalations relating to product availability, pricing, deliveries, order status and supply shortages, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
- Act as the primary contact for Level 3 escalations, coordinating communication and incident management between customers, Global Shared Services and internal stakeholders.
- Build strong relationships with strategically important customers, providing end-to-end customer care and ensuring service excellence.
- Partner with IT/IBM teams to support testing, implementation and continuous improvement of systems and processes.
- Analyse KPIs and operational performance data to identify improvement opportunities that enhance customer experience and business efficiency.
What will make you successful
- You are a customer-focused professional who enjoys taking ownership, building relationships and solving problems in a fast-paced environment.
- You are confident working with multiple stakeholders and can balance competing priorities while maintaining high service standards.
- To succeed in this role, you will bring strong communication and stakeholder management skills, along with the ability to manage customer issues and escalations through a Customer Service Management inbox.
- You will also have strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with experience using digital tools and data to support decision-making.
- Experience with SAP and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, would be advantageous.
- Personally, you are proactive, organised and motivated by continuous improvement.
- You enjoy working collaboratively, take pride in delivering excellent customer service and are always looking for ways to improve processes and performance.
What do we offer?
At Arla, you'll join a supportive and collaborative team with a strong focus on customer excellence and continuous improvement. We are proud of our positive working culture, high levels of employee engagement and commitment to helping colleagues develop and grow. Alongside a competitive salary, matched pension contributions of up to 6%, access to flexible benefits, free on-site parking and a discounted on-site shop. You'll also have the opportunity to build valuable cross-functional relationships and develop your career within a global market-leading organisation.
Would you like to join us?
Please apply prior to the 25th August, we will process applications on a continuous basis. For additional information, please contact Liam Gunning (Talent Acquisition team at Arla Foods). ext_liagu@arlafoods.com
Please note we are not partnered with any recruitment agencies for this role. We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not submit CVs on behalf of candidates for this role, as these CVs will not be considered under the agency ownership and if Arla does progress with any such candidate, this will not amount to acceptance of the agency's terms. We encourage interested individuals to apply directly through our official channels.
Shape the Future of Dairy
Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with natural, sustainable nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.
Customer Services Specialist, Arla - Leeds Head Office employer: Arla
Arla Lockerbie is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment, where continuous improvement and operational excellence are at the forefront. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. With a commitment to sustainability and a culture that values every team member, Arla is dedicated to helping you thrive in your career while shaping the future of dairy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Services Specialist, Arla - Leeds Head Office
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Arla. 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 Arla 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 Services Specialist, Arla - Leeds Head Office
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 Arla:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Arla 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 Arla!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arla
✨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.
