At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide excellent customer service and assist with retail operations at Snape Maltings.
- Company: Join a vibrant arts charity dedicated to transforming lives through music and culture.
- Benefits: Earn up to £12.71 per hour, flexible hours, and gain valuable experience.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team and make a positive impact in your community.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for customer service and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
About Snape Maltings and Britten Pears Arts. Overlooking the Alde estuary, Snape Maltings is home to our world-famous concert hall and music facilities; it is also a popular visitor destination with independent shops, cafes, a restaurant, event venues and art galleries. The site is now largely owned by Britten Pears Arts, a Music & Arts based charity. Snape Maltings Trading Limited (SMTL) is the commercial arm to Britten Pears Arts. All of the profits that we make through sales at Snape Maltings contribute towards supporting our charitable work in Artist Development, our year-round Performance Programme, Music in the Community and Creative Health and our Living Heritage Museum and Archive at The Red House.
Our mission at Britten Pears Arts is to use Music, Arts & Heritage to transform people’s lives for the better, to bring communities together and effect positive social change. We continue to follow in the footsteps of our founders Britten and Pears, inspired by their goal to make the arts useful and available to all. At our two internationally recognised cultural destinations, Snape Maltings and The Red House, we create vibrant, uplifting and life-enhancing experiences for visitors, customers and audiences alike. We deliver this vision through our remarkable people and brilliant inclusive teams, working together with a sense of purpose.
Our retail Brand Values guide everything that we do:
- Quality – we provide high quality products across a range different price points;
- Customer Lead – we take time to understand our customers and to build loyalty;
- Authentic – to our unique Suffolk location, natural environment and history;
- Enterprising and Open – always looking for ways to improve, adapt and embrace new and different opportunities.
The Role: Based at Snape Maltings, this role is part of the overall retail team, working with all colleagues to ensure that customers have a positive experience when they visit Snape Maltings. A Casual Retail Assistant at Snape is expected to have a good awareness of the main activities on site and to act as an ambassador for the brand. The role is not limited to working in a particular area of the sales floor.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Customer service: Understand all customer-related policies and procedures, be able to explain them clearly to customers and staff. Prioritise customer service at all times, be aware of customers seeking advice and be proactive in offering them assistance. When the shop is quiet, circulate and engage with customers. Respond positively to queries and complaints at all times, if necessary, refer them to an Assistant Retail Sales Manager or the Retail Sales Manager. Respond quickly and accurately to customer requests. Be aware of other activities on site to be able to respond to visitors’ enquiries.
- Till Procedures: Complete daily count of till float. Complete cashing up and ensure correct till transactions/procedures are followed. Report any discrepancies immediately to the immediate manager.
- Product Knowledge: Have good awareness of the store layout including the location of merchandise, promotional areas and new lines. Be able to guide customers to any area of the store. Be able to give customers accurate information about products, or be able to find out information quickly, including information about other businesses on site not least SMTL’s own businesses (catering, holidays). Take personal responsibility for keeping up to date with new lines, seasonal stock and promotions. Be able to make appropriate recommendations and product options to customers.
- Merchandising: Complete daily stock checks and replenish stock levels as necessary. Maintain standards of presentation, stock rotation, date checks etc. at all times. Keep the sales floor and till areas clean, safe and rubbish-free at all times. Recycle and dispose of packaging. Complete end of day “recovery” ready for the following day’s trading.
- Stock Control and Accuracy: Record all damaged/broken stock accurately. Miscellaneous sales – ensure that data is corrected. Assist with regular and ad-hoc stock takes and counting. Work with stockroom during quieter periods of trading, helping to price up / label stock at till points ready for them to be merchandised onto the shop floor.
- Health & Safety: Know and understand all of the company’s Health & Safety procedures and policies, adhere to them at all times. Co-operate with the management team to ensure that all areas are safe places to occupy – report any hazards, incidents, accidents or near-misses as soon as they are known.
- Security: Be vigilant at all times eg: for potential theft, breaches of security. Report any suspicious behaviour to an Assistant Retail Sales Manager or Retail Sales Manager. Follow the company’s security procedures at all times.
- Teamwork: Be flexible – willing and able to work in area of the store including the stockroom. Support and collaborate with colleagues where they need assistance. Represent the brand positively and professionally at all times. Be aware of what else is happening on site to be able to inform and guide visitors. Help to train and guide new and less experienced colleagues - set an example to others. Make a positive contribution to the success of the team. Attend meetings and training sessions as required. Follow the dress code and maintain a smart appearance.
What helps us get the most from your application:
- A CV that shares your experience, skills and what you’ve been involved in.
- A cover letter giving us a sense of who you are, what interests you about the role, and what you would bring to it.
- Applying via our website where possible, so your application comes through clearly and can be reviewed in full.
We understand there’s no single “right” way to apply, and that people bring different experiences and styles. If there’s anything we can do to support you in the process or make adjustments, please feel free to get in touch—we’d be very happy to help. We are an equal opportunities employer and believe that diversity strengthens and enriches us. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates of all ages and from all backgrounds, in particular from global majority backgrounds and disabled candidates who are currently under-represented at Britten Pears Arts and Snape Maltings Trading Limited. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer sponsorship for roles at Britten Pears Arts.
Closing Date: Tuesday 4 August. Salary: Up to £12.71ph depending on age.
Casual Retail Assistant in Saxmundham employer: Britten Pears Arts
At Snape Maltings, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and community engagement. As a Catering Team Leader, you will not only lead a dedicated team in delivering outstanding customer experiences but also contribute to our mission of using arts to transform lives. With opportunities for personal growth, a supportive environment, and the unique advantage of working in a stunning location overlooking the Alde estuary, joining us means being part of something truly meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Retail Assistant in Saxmundham
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
Retail is all about community, so don't underestimate the power of local connections. Pop into shops you're interested in, chat with staff, and ask if they have any openings. This personal touch could land you a part-time gig with ease!
✨Show Off Your Personality
Retail is a people business, and employers love genuine, enthusiastic candidates. When you're applying for part-time roles, showcase your customer service skills and personality during interviews. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share your love for the products!
✨Utilise College or University Resources
If you're a student, check out your university’s career services. They often have links with local retailers looking for part-time staff. It's a great way to find positions that work around your studies while also building your CV!
✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often sees a surge during peak seasons like Christmas or summer sales. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary part-time roles during these times. Many companies, including Britten Pears Arts, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Retail Assistant in Saxmundham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, we know that customer service is king! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got with face-to-face interactions. Include specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer—this shows potential employers like Britten Pears Arts that you're all about creating great shopping experiences.
Flexibility is Key!:For a part-time role, showcasing your availability is crucial. Make it clear in your application when you can work, especially if you have weekday and weekend flexibility. Retail can demand odd hours, so we want to see that you're ready to jump in when needed!
Forget the Fancy Formatting:While you want your CV to look good, in retail, clarity is more important than flashiness. Use simple formatting and bullet points to make your experiences stand out. Retail managers at Britten Pears Arts will appreciate a straightforward CV that’s easy to skim through.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:When applying for a part-time retail position, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about Britten Pears Arts and what you can bring to their team. Maybe you love their products or admire their customer service philosophy—let that passion come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Britten Pears Arts
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Britten Pears Arts, it’s super crucial to know their brand inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, customer service approach, and any current promotions. This way, you can engage genuinely in conversations and show that you’re already invested in their vibe.
✨Excellent Customer Scenarios
Prepare for customer service scenarios! Retail interviews often include role-play or situational questions. Think about how you'd handle different customer situations, from dealing with complaints to upselling products. We want to hear how you can keep your cool and keep the customer happy!
✨Tailoring Your Availability
Being part-time means flexibility is key! Be ready to discuss your availability honestly. Employers in retail love candidates who can adapt their schedules to peak hours. Show that you're keen to work evenings or weekends if it helps them out.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is essential in retail. Bring up experiences where you worked effectively in a team, whether it’s in previous jobs, school projects, or volunteering. We want to know how you can contribute to a positive team environment at Britten Pears Arts!
