At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with visitors, manage the gift shop, and exceed sales targets.
- Company: Join the National Trust for Scotland, a guardian of Scotland's rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant work environment with opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that creates memorable experiences while preserving history.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and retail experience are essential; training provided.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a chance to work in a stunning castle setting.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 ÂŁ per year.
Organisation: The National Trust for Scotland
Location: Culzean Castle, Maybole, KA19 8LE
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
A Visitor Services Assistant is crucial to our visitors’ “first impression” of the property and in establishing and maintaining the Trust’s reputation as a guardian of Scotland’s heritage and as the organisation that actively wants people to engage with and enjoy the properties it cares for. As you will be working in a customer-facing role, this means you will directly engage with visitors so excellent customer and selling skills are imperative. The Visitor Services Assistant is expected to meet (if not exceed) sales targets.
You will ensure that the Gift Shop is presented to the highest standard and you are knowledgeable about the products sold within the Gift Shop.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Cash handling/reconciliation
• Housekeeping duties at the start and end of every shift as well as throughout the day as required
• To support the Visitor Services Supervisor in creative merchandising of shop displays and ensuring shop displays are consistently delivered to the highest standard.
• Delivering a high level of customer service
• Delivering and completing stock counts accurately
• A passion for product knowledge and upselling
• Supporting all aspects of stock management: ordering, receipting deliveries, and dealing with delivery discrepancies.
• Occasional ticket / membership sales and admissions
• Ensuring health and welfare of property staff, volunteers and visitors by adhering to the Trust’s Health, Safety and Environment policies and guidelines. This includes working within the property’s “Safe System of Work” (the system for managing Health & Safety).
The current duties of this job do not require a criminal records (Disclosure Scotland) check to be carried out.
SCOPE OF JOB
People Management
• Will work closely with other property colleagues, and will also have regular contact with specialist advisory colleagues based in other locations and departments (e.g. Visitor Services Manager, Operations Manager and the Central Retail Team)
• Will have regular (daily) interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities
Finance Management
• Share Till Reconciliation Duties with other staff.
• Assist the Visitor Services Supervisor with stocktaking and delivery discrepancies
• To assist the Visitor Services Manager & VSS with accurate stock control procedures (write-off/wastage etc.)
REQUIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
The above outlines the key skills the job holder will need to possess and exercise. In addition, either knowledge of or experience in the following is required:
• Ability to work within a team or independently, with minimal supervision to a high and safe standard.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a busy and diverse environment with a focus on customer service
• Previous experience in a busy retail environment
• Experience of merchandising retail displays, or willingness to undertake training
• Ability to be flexible, to adapt working patterns and tasks to meet day-to-day variations in retail and property needs.
• Genuine belief in the value of good customer service.
• Demonstrable excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise.
• Ability to be proactive and to take the initiative.
• Ability to take responsibility for own personal development
• Competent user of Microsoft Office Products.
Desirable:
• Experience with cash handling/working with financial data.
• Personal License
• Epos Experience
The Key Responsibilities, Scope of Job, and Required Qualifications, Skills, Experience & Knowledge reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.
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Visitor Services Assistant – Retail employer: ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
Contact Detail:
ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Services Assistant – Retail
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Trust for Scotland and its mission. Understanding their values and heritage will help you connect with visitors and demonstrate your passion for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills by practising scenarios where you handle difficult situations or upsell products. This will prepare you for the customer-facing nature of the job and show your commitment to excellent service.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain some experience in retail merchandising, even if it's just through volunteering or part-time work. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with shop displays will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of the National Trust for Scotland. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Services Assistant – Retail
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in customer service and retail. Emphasise any previous roles where you engaged with customers, handled cash, or managed stock.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for heritage and customer service. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, such as merchandising experience or teamwork abilities.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully interacted with customers in the past. Highlight any achievements related to sales targets or customer satisfaction.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Visitor Services Assistant, you'll be engaging directly with visitors. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, and be ready to discuss how you would handle various customer scenarios.
✨Demonstrate Product Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the types of products sold in the Gift Shop. Be prepared to discuss your approach to upselling and how you would engage customers with your product knowledge.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Flexibility
This role requires working closely with colleagues and adapting to changing needs. Share experiences where you've successfully worked as part of a team and how you've adapted to new challenges in a busy environment.
✨Prepare for Cash Handling Questions
Since cash handling is part of the job, be ready to discuss any previous experience you have with financial transactions. If you lack direct experience, think about how your attention to detail and trustworthiness can apply to this responsibility.