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- Tasks: Deliver excellent customer service and create a welcoming environment for visitors.
- Company: Join the Bodleian Libraries' friendly retail team during an exciting growth phase.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team and make a positive impact on visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or visitor-facing roles with strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Permanent positions available with flexible part-time hours.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 14 £ per hour.
The Retail Operations department generates income for the Bodleian Libraries through its on-site shops, online store and wholesale business. Bodleian Retail is in an exciting period of growth and development, and they are seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join their friendly retail team.
You will deliver a world-class experience for visitors by providing excellent customer service, using product knowledge to inspire customers and maximise sales. You will act as an ambassador for the Bodleian Libraries, creating a welcoming environment for visitors from a wide range of backgrounds. You will follow operating procedures and cash handling regulations to ensure shop security, support stock movements and replenishment, receive deliveries, and assist with preparing and dispatching online orders. Routine housekeeping duties will ensure the shop is presented to a high standard and ready for trading.
This is a permanent post, with three part-time vacancies available:
- Post 1: 15 hours per week (0.41 FTE) worked across Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Post 2: 17 hours per week (0.47 FTE) worked across Monday, Thursday and Saturday
- Post 3: 28 hours per week (0.77 FTE) worked across Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
About You
You will have experience in a visitor-facing or retail environment and enjoy working as part of a team in a busy setting. You will be confident, approachable and committed to delivering excellent customer service, taking pride in creating positive experiences for all visitors. You will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, a proactive approach to resolving problems, and good attention to detail, particularly in relation to safety, security and operational standards. You will be willing to learn and develop your knowledge of the Bodleian Libraries and the University of Oxford to support the delivery of a consistently high-quality visitor experience.
Benefits
As an employer, the University of Oxford genuinely cares about employees' wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that they offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Diversity
The University of Oxford's staff and students come from all over the world, and they proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave. The University of Oxford is committed to ensuring that their recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible.
How To Apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered. Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Monday 23 February 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on 6 and 12 March 2026.
Retail Assistant in Kidlington employer: Experience Oxfordshire
Contact Detail:
Experience Oxfordshire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant in Kidlington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Bodleian Libraries and their mission. When you walk into that interview, show us that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about creating a welcoming environment for visitors.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might need to resolve a problem or assist a visitor. We want to see how you handle real-life situations, so be ready to share examples during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, especially in retail. Show us that you take pride in your appearance and understand the importance of representing the Bodleian Libraries as an ambassador.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our exciting growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistant in Kidlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Retail Assistant role. Highlight your experience in customer service and retail environments, and don’t forget to mention any specific skills that match the job description!
Supporting Evidence Form is Key: This isn’t just a formality! Use the Supporting Evidence Form to clearly demonstrate how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria. Be specific and give examples – we want to see your personality shine through!
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for providing excellent customer service come through in your application. We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals who can create a welcoming environment, so make sure to express why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Apply Online: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application, and it ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and the Bodleian Libraries!
How to prepare for a job interview at Experience Oxfordshire
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the Bodleian Libraries and their offerings. Being able to discuss specific products or services will show your enthusiasm and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Think about how you resolved issues or created positive experiences for customers, as this is key for a Retail Assistant role.
✨Dress the Part
Make sure to dress smartly and appropriately for the interview. A professional appearance can make a great first impression and shows that you take the opportunity seriously.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team culture, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. It shows your interest and helps you gauge if the job is right for you.
