At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers at the trade counter and manage deliveries with a company vehicle.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a growing trade counter in Reading.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 33 days holiday, employee discounts, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Fun, family-like work culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a real impact in customer service.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and experience in retail or warehouse environments preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location: Reading
Salary: 14.39ph
Hours: 41.5 per week - 1 in 2 Saturdays
Exciting opportunity alert! We are thrilled to announce a fantastic job opening for a Trade Counter Assistant at our bustling Trade Counter in Reading! If you enjoy staying active and thrive on assisting customers, this role is tailor-made for you! Join our busy team as a Trade Counter Assistant/Driver supporting daily trade counter operations and deliveries. You will provide excellent customer service in-person and by phone, manage stock and orders, and ensure safe, timely transportation of goods. This role is ideal for an organised, reliable individual with a full UK driving licence and experience in customer-facing retail or warehouse environments.
Key responsibilities - trade counter assistant and driver
- Serve trade and retail customers at the trade counter, including processing sales, providing product advice and checking stock availability.
- Receive and unpack deliveries, label and store stock correctly, and rotate inventory to maintain stock integrity.
- Prepare customer orders and pick lists accurately for collection and delivery.
- Carry out local deliveries and collections safely using company vehicles; load and unload goods and secure loads appropriately.
- Operate point-of-sale (POS) systems and process cash, card and account transactions following company procedures.
- Maintain a clean, safe and organised counter and yard area including basic housekeeping and waste disposal.
- Support stocktakes and regular cycle counts, reporting discrepancies to management.
- Provide phone and email support for customer enquiries, order tracking and basic product specification queries.
- Adhere to health and safety policies, manual handling procedures and vehicle checks before each shift.
Essential skills and experience - trade counter and driving
- Full UK manual driving licence with no more than 6 points; experience driving vans or light goods vehicles is preferred.
- Previous experience working at a trade counter, in retail, warehouse or distribution is desirable.
- Strong customer service skills with clear verbal communication and a professional manner.
- Basic numeracy skills for handling cash transactions and counting stock.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small team, prioritising tasks during busy periods.
- Physically fit and able to lift and carry heavy items in line with manual handling guidance.
- Proficient with basic IT systems, email and stock control/POS software.
- Good attention to detail and commitment to delivering accurate orders and paperwork.
- Most importantly, a can-do attitude and a desire to learn!
Working hours, pay and benefits - trade counter assistant role
- Christmas shutdown
- Industry leading salary with open-ended bonus
- 33 days holiday (inc B/H)
- Excellent opportunities to develop and grow your career
- Free life assurance
- Employee discounts
We are an equal-opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are essential to us and we encourage a culture where everyone can be themselves at work. We value and actively seek out a richly diverse range of talent. Our policies ensure that every job applicant and employee is treated fairly and with equal opportunity to succeed. Our recruitment process is fair and equitable to ensure that all candidates are duly considered and supported. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our Recruitment Team via recruitment@gaptrade.com. If you possess the necessary skills, experience, and personal qualities to join us, please submit your CV for immediate consideration.
Trade Counter Assistant/Driver in Reading employer: General All-Purpose Plastics (GAP) Ltd
General All-Purpose Plastics (Gap) Ltd is an excellent employer located in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, offering a dynamic work environment where customer service and teamwork are at the forefront. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that encourages personal growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and flexible working arrangements. With opportunities to engage directly with customers and contribute to the success of the business, this role promises a rewarding experience for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
General All-Purpose Plastics (GAP) Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Counter Assistant/Driver in Reading
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like General All-Purpose Plastics (GAP) Ltd, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like General All-Purpose Plastics (GAP) Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Counter Assistant/Driver in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at General All-Purpose Plastics (GAP) Ltd, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at General All-Purpose Plastics (GAP) Ltd and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show General All-Purpose Plastics (GAP) Ltd that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at General All-Purpose Plastics (GAP) Ltd
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
