At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve customers face-to-face and over the phone, providing product advice and processing orders.
- Company: Join Howarth Timber, a trusted name in timber and building materials for over 185 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 31 days holiday, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Great training opportunities and a supportive team environment await you.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of customer service and make a real difference in people's projects.
- Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills and a flexible attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 26400 £ per year.
Location: Malton
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Closing Date: 06/08/2026
A Counter Sales Assistant at our busy timber and builders merchant in Malton will be right at the heart of the action — serving customers face‑to‑face, offering practical product advice, processing orders quickly and keeping things moving during peak trade hours. It’s a hands‑on role that blends customer service with product knowledge, multitasking and problem‑solving, making sure tradespeople and DIY customers get exactly what they need to crack on with the job.
Putting people at the heart of what we do
With more than 185 years’ trading experience, the Howarth Timber Group has grown to provide not only the widest range of products, but expertise, service and knowledge you can rely on. With a nationwide network of branches supplying timber and building materials, kitchens and a dedicated manufacturing division supplying timber engineering services, the Howarth Timber Group is focused on providing market leading choice, quality, service and value. Built on a passion for service and people, we strive to set the highest standards in the quality of our products, in the continuity of supply and in every aspect of customer service and support. Quality products and processes are what drive our passion, but people are central to everything we do and it’s thanks to our loyal workforce that we’ve built a strong and successful business.
Key Responsibilities
- Serving customers both over the phone and face‑to‑face and building relationships, repeat business and add‑on sales
- Handling incoming telephone calls/emails and dealing with a wide range of customer enquiries
- Maintaining a well‑stocked, clean, tidy and safe working environment, adhering to the Company’s health and safety policy and procedure at all times
- Working closely and effectively with colleagues as part of the overall Branch sales team with enquiries and order processing
- Maintaining accurate stock management
- Maintaining core stock levels and managing obsolete stock
What are the requirements to become part of our team?
- Excellent customer service skills and experience; knowing what great service feels like to our customers is really important to us
- Strong telephone experience and excellent face‑to‑face communication skills
- Previous sales experience with a commercially‑driven attitude
- Product knowledge relevant to our industry sector would be preferable, although full training can be given to the right applicant
- A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- A flexible attitude
- Availability to work 20 hours per week (Tuesday to Saturday inclusive: 0800‑1200).
Benefits
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- 31 days’ holiday, inclusive of Statutory Bank Holidays
- Opportunity to buy up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave or sell up to 3 days’ annual leave
- Length of service awards
- Cycle to work scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Death in service benefit
- Company sick pay
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Online Benefits Hub (including discounts on gift cards, travel, cinema tickets, to name a few)
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 helpline, counselling sessions, legal, debt and life management advice line)
- Generous colleague Merchant Branch discount
- Opportunity to participate in a volunteering role for one working day per year – fully paid by the Company
- Excellent training and development opportunities
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
MALTON: Counter Sales Assistant (Part-time) employer: Howarth Timber Group
At Howarth Timber Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment for our Yard Operative team. With competitive pay, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee development, we ensure that our staff have the opportunity to grow and thrive in their careers. Our commitment to quality service and teamwork, combined with unique benefits like a cycle to work scheme and a volunteering day, makes us a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land MALTON: Counter Sales Assistant (Part-time)
✨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 Howarth Timber Group, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace MALTON: Counter Sales Assistant (Part-time)
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 Howarth Timber Group 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 Howarth Timber Group 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 Howarth Timber Group 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 Howarth Timber Group
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Howarth Timber Group, 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 Howarth Timber Group!
