At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the manager in running a busy store and deliver excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Barnardo's, a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, pension contributions, and discounts at major retailers.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a willingness to learn and lead.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 25000 £ per year.
About this role Can you inspire and be inspired? Can you deliver great customer service? Are you looking for a chance to shine? We have fantastic opportunities for progression and development and the freedom to nurture ideas and flair within a framework of support to develop you. At Barnardo's we believe in children, the funds raised in store support the most vulnerable children and young people in the UK and now's your chance to play your part in this vital work. As a Store Associate you will support the manager with all aspects of running a busy store, maximise sales and profit, and ensure the very highest standards of presentation and customer service. Your aim will be to make your store the best in town for customers to visit and for your colleagues to work in.
Responsibilities
- You will be well-organised with great communication skills and ready to learn how to lead your team of colleagues in store to maximise sales, profit and meet your store’s targets.
- In this role you support the manager, maintain store appearance, handle sales transactions, manage stock and fulfil customer queries.
Benefits & Salary
- As part of Barnardo's ongoing commitment to safeguarding, successful candidates will be asked to consent to a Basic criminal records check.
- Full training and development package
- Promotion prospects
- Pension and benefits
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing after 5 years service
- Ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via HolidayPlus scheme
- A host of family-friendly leave options including company Maternity, Paternity and Adoption pay; plus all additional family leave options
- Service related sick pay from day 1
- Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's, with salary sacrifice option
- Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to the Group Personal Pension
- Cycle2Work scheme
- Interest free season ticket loans
- Discounts and cashback from high-street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and more via the Benefit Portal
- Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan for dental, glasses, therapy etc
- Free access to round-the-clock employee assistance programme for advice and support
- Access to Barnardo's Corporate University
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We particularly encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnic Communities, candidates who are LGBT+ and Disabled candidates. Barnardo's believes in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance, offering flexible working arrangements.
Store Associate in Southend-on-Sea employer: BARNARDOS
At Barnardo's, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions personal growth and development within a supportive environment. As a Store Associate, you will not only contribute to vital work supporting vulnerable children and young people in the UK but also enjoy a range of benefits including generous annual leave, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for progression. Our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to build your career while making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Associate in Southend-on-Sea
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like BARNARDOS, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like BARNARDOS!
We think you need these skills to ace Store Associate in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at BARNARDOS, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at BARNARDOS and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show BARNARDOS that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at BARNARDOS
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
