Reuse Shop Assistant (Zero-Hour Contract)

Reuse Shop Assistant (Zero-Hour Contract)

Temporary 13.45 - 13.45 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
Bristol Waste Company

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in running our Reuse Shops, providing top-notch customer service and maintaining a welcoming environment.
  • Company: Join Bristol Waste Company, committed to sustainability and community support.
  • Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour with flexible shifts, 25 days leave, and health benefits.
  • Other info: Enjoy learning opportunities and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
  • Why this job: Make a positive impact on the environment while earning extra income on your schedule.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for customer service are essential.

The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.

Location: Avonmouth/Hartcliffe/Days Road, Bristol

Salary: £13.45 per hour

Looking for a flexible way to boost your income? Join our team in a zero-hour role that offers occasional shifts throughout the year, covering planned and ad hoc absences within our existing team. Typical shift times are 09:30–16:30, with schedules agreed in advance to fit business needs. Shifts may be available on both weekdays and weekends, so we're looking for someone with flexibility across both. It's a great opportunity to earn extra income while maintaining the freedom to work around your other commitments.

About Bristol Waste Company

At Bristol Waste Company, what we do matters. We keep Bristol and the surrounding areas clean, safe and moving. Working in partnership with the council, we support the city’s sustainability goals while delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑money services. Our commercial operations are growing, and we’re looking for people who share our values and want to grow with us.

The Purpose of the Role

To support the day-to-day operation of Bristol Waste Company's Reuse Shops by delivering excellent customer service, assisting with the sale and presentation of reusable items, and maintaining a safe, clean and welcoming environment for customers, volunteers and colleagues. The role contributes to increasing reuse, reducing waste and supporting the Company's environmental objectives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide a welcoming, inclusive and professional experience, delivering excellent customer service to customers, volunteers and visitors.
  • Operate the till and point-of-sale system accurately, handling cash and card transactions in line with company procedures.
  • Prepare donated items for sale by checking, cleaning, pricing and merchandising stock, while supporting effective stock rotation and recycling unsuitable items.
  • Maintain high standards of shop presentation, cleanliness and safety, ensuring compliance with health and safety procedures and reporting any hazards or incidents.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers, supporting day-to-day operations and adhering to Bristol Waste Company policies, values and continuous improvement practices.

What We’re Looking For

  • Strong customer service and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with customers, volunteers and colleagues.
  • Good numeracy, literacy and cash-handling skills, including experience operating a till or point-of-sale system.
  • Well organised, reliable and detail-oriented, with effective time management and attendance.
  • Ability to follow instructions, work independently with minimal supervision and contribute effectively as part of a team.
  • Understanding of customer service principles, health and safety requirements, and basic manual handling practices within a retail environment.
  • Experience maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation, with an awareness of reuse, recycling and environmental sustainability.

Our Benefits

  • 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays
  • 5% employer pension contribution
  • Free BUPA Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
  • Onsite physiotherapist and Cycle to Work scheme
  • £200 employee referral bonus
  • Learning and development opportunities with clear progression routes
  • Reward Gateway discounts at 900+ retailers
  • Employee recognition awards and long service awards
  • Electric Car Scheme

Everyone Belongs

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We value diversity and ensure fair and equal consideration for all candidates.

Contact

Talent Acquisition Team
Email: recruitment@bristolwastecompany.co.uk
Phone: 0117 440 6676

Reuse Shop Assistant (Zero-Hour Contract) employer: Bristol Waste Company

Bristol Waste Company is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture, perfect for those looking to thrive in a fast-paced B2B sales environment. With a focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive career development opportunities alongside attractive benefits such as generous annual leave and health cash plans, making it a rewarding place to build your career in Bristol.

Bristol Waste Company

Contact Details:

Bristol Waste Company Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Reuse Shop Assistant (Zero-Hour Contract)

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 Reuse Shop Assistant (Zero-Hour Contract)

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

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 Bristol Waste Company:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Bristol Waste Company! 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 Bristol Waste Company

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 Bristol Waste Company 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 Bristol Waste Company and contribute positively during your temporary stint.