At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for customers, handling enquiries and providing excellent service.
- Company: Join Cottsway, the largest affordable housing provider in West Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and a fantastic benefits package.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to quality homes and thriving communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your customer service skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service or call centre environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
About Us
Cottsway is a registered housing provider working in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. We are the largest affordable housing provider in the district of West Oxfordshire. We own and manage over 6,000 homes ranging from flats and bungalows to family homes, for rent and Low‑Cost Home Ownership (LCHO). We have over 13,000 customers.
We have some of the strongest financial and governance ratings in the sector and we are committed to doing more to help people in housing need, with a robust development programme.
We are proud to:
- Reinvest our profits every year, not only to create more homes, but also to ensure our existing customer’s homes are kept in great shape, with an in‑house team of skilled tradespeople who carry out this work.
- Put our customers at the heart of everything we do, with a dedicated team of housing, neighbourhood, financial and welfare officers to provide support where needed.
- Be active in and bring social value to our local communities.
Working for us
Cottsway is a great place to work with a friendly, supportive and enthusiastic team dedicated to providing quality homes in thriving communities. We support and develop our people because we know that it is through them that we deliver the high standards of service that our customers say we provide.
Based in the market town of Witney, we:
- Offer competitive salaries and a range of benefits.
- Support agile working.
- Guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. We are signed up to the Disability Confident Committed scheme.
- Value people from a wide range of backgrounds and experience – whether you are an experienced housing professional or simply have an interest in working in our sector.
About the role
We are looking for two Customer Service Advisors to join our busy Customer Services Team following internal recruitment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a customer‑focused organisation and play a key role in delivering outstanding service to our customers.
As a Customer Service Advisor, you will be the first point of contact for our customers, handling a high volume of enquiries and providing an excellent customer experience every time. The role involves responding to customer enquiries, mainly by telephone, as well as through email, letters, our website and occasionally face‑to‑face. You will also be responsible for managing customer feedback, investigating complaints and working towards positive resolutions.
To be successful in this role, you will have experience working within a call centre or customer service environment and be able to demonstrate exceptional customer service skills while managing a busy workload.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has previous experience working in a call centre or customer service environment.
- Is passionate about delivering excellent customer service.
- Has outstanding communication skills and a professional telephone manner.
- Can remain calm and professional while handling a high volume of customer enquiries.
- Is confident investigating issues and resolving customer concerns.
- Works well as part of a team and has a positive, proactive attitude.
A DBS check will be required for the successful applicants as part of our pre‑employment screening process.
What we offer
In return, we provide an excellent benefits package:
- A pension scheme with a minimum employee contribution of 3%, matched by a generous employer contribution of up to 10%.
- Holiday entitlement starting at 25 days rising to 28 days after 2 years, plus bank holidays.
- A flexible working policy to support agile working.
- A discounted corporate gym and swimming membership.
- Electric vehicle lease scheme and Costco membership.
Interested? For an informal chat about this role please contact Gemma Heritage, Interim Customer Services Manager.
Interviews will take place on 11 & 12 August 2026.
Customer Service Advisor in Witney employer: Cottsway
Cottsway is an excellent employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture in the heart of Witney. With a focus on professional development, employees have access to growth opportunities and training in key areas such as Insurance and Data Protection, ensuring a meaningful and rewarding career path. The hybrid working model, including Fridays off-site, promotes a healthy work-life balance, making Cottsway an attractive place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Advisor in Witney
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Cottsway. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Cottsway before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Advisor in Witney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Cottsway:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Cottsway specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Cottsway!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cottsway
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
