Retail Assistant (Fixed Term)

Retail Assistant (Fixed Term)

Temporary 9.9 - 12.1 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team as a Retail Assistant and deliver exceptional customer service.
  • Company: Bettys & Taylors Group, a family business with iconic Yorkshire brands.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, profit-share bonus, health benefits, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Fixed term until December 2026 with opportunities for career development.
  • Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a supportive environment while working with great people.
  • Qualifications: Passion for customer service; previous experience is a plus but not essential.

The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.

An opportunity has arisen in our Retail team and we are looking for X3 Retail Assistants to join us on a temporary basis as part of our team at Bettys Cafe Tearooms in York.

Working pattern

These roles will be Part Time working either 16 hours over 2 days or 18 hours over 3 days. We have a variety of shift patterns with start and finish times staggered throughout the day which is dependent on the opening hours of the branch. These shifts may include early mornings or evening shifts up to 11pm. You will be required to work at least one day at the weekend every week. These roles will be fixed term until 31st December 2026. If you would like to discuss working patterns please provide more details in your application.

About you

You will have a keen interest in customer service and the ability to work at pace. You will have good communication skills and the ability to work well with others as we rely on our strong team ethic to deliver the highest levels of quality and customer service. You will have the desire to learn all about our products and be able to confidently share your knowledge and enthusiasm with our customers. Previous experience working in a customer facing environment and knowledge of food safety and health and safety procedures is desirable but not essential as full training is provided.

About us

We are Bettys & Taylors Group. Our family business is home to three iconic Yorkshire brands – Yorkshire Tea, Bettys, and Taylors of Harrogate. Together we share a passion for quality, delighting customers, and doing things properly. We are driven by our purpose and values, and we know our talented people set us apart. We are committed to offering a respectful, inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and we welcome applications from all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Don’t worry if you do not meet 100% of the job requirements listed above – if you fulfil most of the skills and experiences we're looking for, please apply as we would love to hear from you.

What we offer you

  • You’ll receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial and overall wellbeing. On top of a competitive salary, we offer:
  • Discretionary profit-share bonus scheme paid quarterly (11.9% average over the last three years).
  • Breakfast and a freshly cooked hot meal option.
  • A generous, flexible and inclusive range of family-friendly benefits to support you through every stage of life. These include enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave arrangements, flexible working options, paid time off for caring responsibilities, and emergency family leave.
  • Discounts on Bettys & Taylors products.
  • A range of health benefits, including a health cash plan, health assessments, flu jabs and more.
  • Wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme (free and independent service offering free counselling and health and wellbeing resources).
  • Holiday allowance with the option to buy and (in some cases) sell additional days.
  • Pension schemes and life assurance.
  • And more.

We also offer a range of development opportunities no matter your role and ambitions. We encourage everyone to take control of their career and make the most of:

  • On-the-job learning
  • External training programmes
  • Apprenticeship opportunities
  • Internal 1:1 coaching schemes

Find out more about working here on our website.

Application and Interview Process

There will be one interview for this role, and this will consist of competency-based questions. Please don’t hesitate to let us know of any reasonable adjustments which you feel you’d benefit from, at any stage of the recruitment process. The hiring manager will pick up any information provided in your application and get in touch with you to talk about what could support you. If you have any queries about this vacancy, please contact the hiring manager on victoria.lee@bettysandtaylors.co.uk. The closing date for this vacancy will be 4th September 2026.

Retail Assistant (Fixed Term) employer: Bettys & Taylors

At Bettys & Taylors Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values every team member. Located in the heart of York, our Retail Assistants benefit from a comprehensive benefits package, including a discretionary profit-share bonus, flexible working options, and extensive development opportunities to help you grow your career. Join us to be part of a family business that is passionate about quality and customer service, where your contributions truly matter.

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Contact Details:

Bettys & Taylors Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant (Fixed Term)

Get Your Foot in the Door Early

In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!

Utilise Local Connections

Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!

Show Off Your Availability

Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!

Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews

When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!

We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistant (Fixed Term)

Communication Skills
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.

Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!

Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.

Tailor Your Application to Bettys & Taylors:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Bettys & Taylors! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.

How to prepare for a job interview at Bettys & Taylors

Show Off Your Customer Service Skills

In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.

Brush Up on Product Knowledge

Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Bettys & Taylors offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.

Flexibility is Key

Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.

Demonstrate Team Spirit

Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Bettys & Taylors and contribute positively during your temporary stint.