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- Tasks: Assist customers on trains, ensuring a fantastic experience and managing catering services.
- Company: Join Grand Central, a community-focused train operator connecting the North East and London since 2007.
- Benefits: Enjoy unlimited free travel for you and your family, plus a contributory pension scheme and wellness packages.
- Why this job: Experience a dynamic role with diverse interactions and opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and the ability to work under pressure; food hygiene certification is a plus.
- Other info: This is a talent pool opportunity for future vacancies, requiring flexibility across various shifts.
The predicted salary is between 21840 - 26071 £ per year.
Join the Grand Central Team as a Customer Service Assistant!
Organisation; Grand Central
Location: Sunderland
Salary: £21,840 – £26,071
Vacancies: please note this is for a talent pool vacancy for when positions become available in the future
About Us
We are an open-access train operator linking the North East and West Yorkshire with London, which means we don\’t get any sort of help from the government and our only loyalty is to our customers – it\’s in our interest to give you the best journey possible. We\’ve been connecting London Kings Cross, Yorkshire and the North East since 2007. Calling at the smaller stations means we\’re always looking to be active in the local community, through our various social responsibility programs and helping local organisations.
The Role
To be successful in the role, you will need to have a passion for customer service, be able to use your initiative and adapt to changing scenarios day to day. In return we can promise you an exciting role where no two days are the same, offer excellent training & support through the onboarding process and further career opportunities for the right candidate.
Grand Central run services from 6am to 11pm, 7 days a week, so an ability to work a variety of shifts across all seven days is crucial.
Contract; this is a talent pool opportunity for future vacancies and this position covers a variety of shifts across a 7 day period, so flexibility is essential for the role.
What will I be doing as a Customer Service Assistant?
Requirements
This role will support the Senior Conductor in all customer service requirements with an emphasis on the provision of catering services. Duties will include:
- Deliver an excellent customer experience in all areas on-train for both our First and Standard Class passengers.
- Provision and management of on-board catering retail.
- Undertake all associated stock, storage and waste management requirements.
- Ensure personal safety and that of others at all times.
- This role will suit someone who loves interacting with a variety of different people on a day-to-day basis, and someone who thrives on the challenges of unexpected events.
What will I need to be successful as a Customer Service Assistant?
Essential
- Strong customer service skills
- Ability to work safely under pressure
- Be able to use your initiative
- Great communication skills
- Be able to work as part of a team
- Confident and able to make decisions
- Be able to pass a rail safety medical including drug and alcohol testing
Desirable
- Basic food hygiene certification
This role is subject to a telephone medical if successful and must meet industry medical requirements.
Grand Central Benefits
- Contributory Pension Scheme: Arriva Workplace Pension Plan (AWPP) provided by Standard Life
- Unlimited Free Travel for you and your immediate family on all Grand Central services. In addition, we currently offer concessionary travel on other Arriva Trains UK franchises.
- Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured: free, confidential 24-hour telephone counselling and information services.
Benefits Available Upon Completion Of Probation Period (3-6 Months)
- Friends & Family Passes pro-rata allocation of return standard class journeys (terms & conditions apply)
- Company Medical Insurance provided by AXA PPP Healthcare (taxable benefit)
- Company Wellness Package (including dental/optical treatment) provided by WPA (taxable benefit).
- Child Care Vouchers Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Arriva Village employee rewards and benefits scheme
At Arriva we acknowledge the importance of our people\’s diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Customer Service Assistant employer: Arriva Group
Contact Detail:
Arriva Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Grand Central's services and values. Understanding their commitment to customer service and community engagement will help you align your responses during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your flexibility in working hours. Since the role requires shifts across all seven days, emphasising your availability and willingness to adapt to different schedules can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions that assess your customer service skills. Think of examples where you've successfully handled unexpected challenges or provided excellent service, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Grand Central. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Customer Service Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these aspects.
Highlight Customer Service Skills: Since this role emphasises strong customer service skills, make sure to provide specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to deliver excellent service and handle unexpected situations.
Show Flexibility: The job requires flexibility in working hours. In your application, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, as this is crucial for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about working for Grand Central and how you can contribute to their mission of providing excellent customer journeys.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for customer service during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your commitment to providing an excellent experience.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires working various shifts across all seven days, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to changing schedules. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully managed flexible work hours.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle unexpected situations. Think of examples from your past where you had to think on your feet or resolve a challenging customer issue, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
As a Customer Service Assistant, you'll need to work closely with others. Be sure to highlight your teamwork experiences and effective communication skills. Share instances where collaboration led to a positive outcome for customers or your team.