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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve customers and ensure a seamless, personalised experience in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group, supporting Defence, Government, and Energy sectors across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy full-time hours, opportunities for progression, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be the face of our business, delivering exceptional service while celebrating individuality and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service, great communication skills, and ability to work under pressure.
- Other info: Work 37.5 hours per week with flexible shift patterns, contracted for 49 weeks a year.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Retail Assistant role at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services.
Are you a team player with a passion for food and people? Do you thrive in a busy environment? If so, we are looking for someone just like you to help us deliver exceptional customer experience for Defence on a full‑time basis, contracted to 37.5 hours per week.
As a retail assistant, you will contribute to a passionate and friendly team working in a fast‑paced environment. You\’ll be given every opportunity to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate. Please note: This role is contracted to 49.2 weeks per year.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing delicious, high‑quality food that delights our clients and customers.
- Creating attractive food and counter displays.
- Representing Defence and maintaining a positive brand image.
- Handling cash and operating the cash register.
- Complying with Food Handling & Hygiene standards.
- Complying with Health & Safety regulations.
Ideal Candidate
- Have an enthusiastic can‑do attitude.
- Display passion for delivering excellent customer service.
- Be an excellent team player.
- Arrive equipped with a desire to succeed in your role.
- Thrive working under pressure.
- Demonstrate outstanding timekeeping and reliability.
- Have a safety‑first mindset.
- Have experience within a similar catering‑related role (not essential).
Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high‑profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.
Job Reference: com/3012/95522001/52243562/R/BU #Defence
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Sales and Business Development
Industries
Food and Beverage Services
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Retail Assistant employer: ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
Contact Detail:
ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Defence sector and the specific services provided by ESS. Understanding the context in which you'll be working can help you engage more effectively during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills in real-life scenarios. Whether it's volunteering or part-time work, gaining experience in a fast-paced environment will prepare you for the demands of the Retail Assistant role and show your commitment to excellent service.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of ESS or similar organisations. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying and interviewing.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your teamwork abilities by sharing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to thrive under pressure will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Retail Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for customer service and your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Mention specific examples of how you've delivered exceptional service in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous retail or customer service experience. Use bullet points to clearly outline your responsibilities and achievements, focusing on teamwork, communication skills, and reliability.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a customer-facing role.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for delivering outstanding customer service during the interview. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with what the company values.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in a retail environment, be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams. Highlight instances where you collaborated effectively with colleagues to achieve common goals or improve customer experiences.
✨Prepare for Situational Questions
Expect questions that assess how you handle pressure and make decisions. Think of scenarios where you had to think on your feet or resolve conflicts, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Know the Company and Its Values
Research ESS and understand their commitment to customer service and employee development. Being able to articulate why you want to work for them and how you align with their values will show your genuine interest in the role.
