At a Glance
- Tasks: Support over 950 depots with top-notch customer service and coordinate stock movements.
- Company: Join a fast-paced team at Howdens, a leader in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, pension plan, and free lunch.
- Other info: Friendly atmosphere with great recognition and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by delivering excellent customer service in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Customer Service Co‑ordinator (internally known as an RTM Operator) to join our established and fast‑paced Route to Market team at our site in Howden, East Yorkshire. In this role, you will deliver a first‑class support service to over 950 Howdens depots across the UK and France.
Location: Howden
Contract Type: 12‑Month FTC
Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday (9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Hiring Manager: RTM Depot Service Team Leader
Key Responsibilities
- As part of a team of 16, you will liaise with our internal customers, our depots via email and telephone, supporting the execution of the central reorder point system.
- You will also work cross‑functionally with Supply Chain, Marketing and Design to coordinate internal stock movements across sites.
To be successful, you will have experience in a solution‑focused customer service role, with the ability to understand the urgency and importance of customer requests. You’ll confidently provide effective solutions through direct action or informed advice, whilst escalating supply chain queries where required. A genuine passion for delivering excellent customer service and resolving issues in a timely manner is key.
Qualifications
- Demonstrable experience within a customer service environment
- Supply chain experience in a customer service setting is desirable
- GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above)
- Strong working knowledge of Excel and database systems
- A solution‑focused individual who takes ownership and accountability
- Excellent communication skills
- Able to prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment
Benefits
- Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package
- Pension plan with a company contribution of up to 12%
- Free on‑site parking
- Free lunch at our on‑site canteen
- Friendly and supportive environment offering exceptional reward and recognition
Applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK. Sponsorship of employment is not offered for depot positions at this time.
Customer Service Co-ordinator | 12 Month FTC in Howden employer: Howdens
Join our dynamic Route to Market team in Howden, East Yorkshire, where we pride ourselves on fostering a friendly and supportive work environment. As a Customer Service Co-ordinator, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and free lunches, all while being part of a collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our depots across the UK and France. With opportunities for personal growth and recognition, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Co-ordinator | 12 Month FTC in Howden
✨Get Social with Customer Support Communities
Join customer support groups on platforms like Facebook or Reddit. They often share job openings or temp opportunities. Engaging with these communities can help you learn more about the specific skills and experiences employers are looking for, plus you'll meet folks who might know about openings at companies like Howdens.
✨Leverage Seasonal Hiring Trends
Since customer support roles can spike during busy seasons (think holidays and sales periods), keep an eye out for timelines when companies ramp up hiring. Make sure to apply early and stay active; sending a quick follow-up a week after applying can show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Flex Your Communication Skills
In customer support, communication is key! Prepare for hypothetical scenarios that test your problem-solving and customer interaction skills. Practising answers to common role-play questions can really help you shine in interviews—trust us, it makes a difference!
✨Make the Most of Job Boards
Use industry-specific job boards like Glassdoor or Indeed to find temporary roles. Don’t forget to set up alerts for customer support positions at companies like Howdens. The earlier you apply, the better your chances, so keep your finger on the pulse!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Co-ordinator | 12 Month FTC in Howden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Communication Skills:In customer support, top-notch communication is key. Make sure your CV showcases any previous experience where you’ve had to clearly convey information or resolve issues. If you’ve handled customer queries via email or chat, mention it! Let’s see those strong verbal and written skills shine through.
Showcase Problem-Solving Experience:Employers love to see how you've handled tricky situations. Include examples in your application where you’ve tackled customer concerns or had to think on your feet. It's all about proving you can keep cool under pressure and find solutions—something super important in a temporary customer support role!
Tailor Your Approach for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary gig, make sure your cover letter emphasises your flexibility and eagerness to dive right in. Mention that you're ready to hit the ground running and are adaptable to new tools or systems—this shows that you understand the urgency often needed in temporary positions.
Proof of Customer Satisfaction:If you’ve got any quantifiable achievements from past customer support roles, like improved customer satisfaction scores or successful project completions, make sure to include them. Numbers speak volumes! This not only shows your capability but also gives us a reason to believe you'll bring that same success to Howdens.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Master the Customer Interaction Game
In customer support, we need to showcase our people skills. Prepare for role-playing scenarios where you'll demonstrate how to handle difficult customers or resolve complaints. Think about the types of issues common in Howdens's industry and how you can respond empathetically and effectively!
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
For a temporary role, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the products or services Howdens offers. Brush up on key features, common issues, and FAQs. This knowledge will enable you to respond quickly and confidently to customer queries, showing you’re ready to jump in at a moment’s notice!
✨Flexibility is Key - Emphasise Your Adaptability!
Since this is a temporary role, we're looking to convey how quickly we can adapt to new systems or processes. Be ready to share examples of how you've quickly learned new tools or adjusted to changing environments in past roles. Show them you're the go-to person when the pressure's on!
✨Prepare for Quick Conversational Q&A
You might face a rapid-fire round of questions about customer service principles or how you'd handle specific situations. To ace this, think through different customer scenarios ahead of time, and practice your responses to ensure they're concise and impactful. The aim is to demonstrate your quick thinking and problem-solving skills!
