At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch customer support and troubleshoot IT issues for our SPAR stores.
- Company: Join James Hall & Co. Ltd., a family-run business with over 150 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 20% staff discount, and 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Access to free parking, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real difference in customer service.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and IT support, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Based at our contemporary head office and distribution centre on the outskirts of Preston, James Hall & Co. Ltd. have been established for over 150 years proudly serving communities across the north of England as supplier and distributor to over 450 SPAR stores. We are proud to be one of the biggest employers in Lancashire with over 4000 colleagues who represent our core values of passion, enterprise, and family every single day.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 39 hours per week over 4 days, between the hours of 6:00am and 6:30pm and includes around 1 full weekend in 6 (6:00am to 4:30pm)
Location: Office based – James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR Distribution Centre, Bowland View, Preston, PR2 5QT
About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity to become part of our in‑house team of Customer Support & IT Advisors here at James Hall & Co. As a key member of our Customer Support Hub, you’ll handle a blend of customer service and IT‑related queries. You’ll ensure smooth operations by resolving customer issues, troubleshooting technical problems, and maintaining high service standards for our network of around 450 SPAR stores.
Here’s What You Can Expect to be Doing
- Providing first-line support for customer queries: Addressing a range of issues from general service enquiries to IT support, including till problems, software issues and network outages.
- Collaborating with IT specialists: Liaising with the wider IT department for complex technical issues and following escalation processes to ensure timely resolution.
- Communicating effectively: Engaging with customers and internal teams through email, Microsoft Teams, telephone and face‑to‑face interactions.
- Managing and documenting incidents: Accurately recording and overseeing incidents while coordinating with internal and third‑party teams for swift resolution.
- Contributing to excellent customer service: Upholding our company’s reputation through your commitment to quality service and technical proficiency.
- Taking personal responsibility: Proactively managing tasks, following through on commitments and seeking solutions independently rather than waiting for direction.
A Few Things About You
- Customer Service Excellence: A proven track record in delivering high-quality customer service, with the ability to manage customer expectations and resolve issues effectively.
- IT Support Experience: Strong understanding of troubleshooting hardware, software and network issues.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Both verbal and written, with the ability to explain technical issues clearly and effectively.
- Problem‑Solving Abilities: A proactive approach to addressing customer issues and a keen eye for detail.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and work effectively under pressure.
Why Join Us?
James Hall & Co. Ltd. has one simple vision: to still be in business in another 50 years! To make this vision possible we need the best talent to join us on our journey. We are a family company and believe that if we look after our people, they will look after us.
Benefits
- Loyalty Pay: Earn an additional £0.25 per hour over the financial year, with the hourly amount increasing the longer you stay.
- 20% Staff Discount: Enjoy 20% off your shopping in our company‑owned SPAR stores.
- Annual Leave: Start with 30 days of annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays. Entitlement increases with length of service.
- Health & Wellbeing: All colleagues can access our on‑site registered nurses and physiotherapist at Bowland View for confidential support. We also run a year‑round programme of health and wellbeing initiatives covering physical, mental and lifestyle topics.
- Company Sick Pay: We offer a Company Sick Pay scheme to support you during periods of ill health.
- Pension & Life Insurance: Enrolled into the Nest pension scheme. After two years of service, receive life insurance cover.
- Free On‑site Parking: All colleagues have access to free onsite parking.
- Learning & Development: Our in‑house team will support fully funded, accredited training and industry‑recognised qualifications.
- Grocery Aid Support: Access free, confidential 24/7 support through Grocery Aid – expert advice on mental health, financial concerns, legal issues and family support.
All information provided for applicants. Please consult our careers page for further details.
Customer Support & IT Advisor employer: James Hall
James Hall & Co. Ltd. is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-oriented work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees. With over 150 years of experience, we provide extensive benefits including competitive pay, generous annual leave, and access to health and wellbeing resources, all while fostering a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued. Join us at our modern Preston headquarters, where you can grow your career in a dynamic role as a Customer Support & IT Advisor, making a meaningful impact on our network of SPAR stores.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Support & IT Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research James Hall & Co. and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with customer queries and IT issues, being able to explain things clearly is key. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved issues. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re serious about joining our team at James Hall & Co. and are keen to contribute to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Support & IT Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Customer Support & IT Advisor role. Highlight your relevant experience in customer service and IT support, showing us how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, give examples of how you've successfully engaged with customers or resolved issues in the past. We want to see your ability to explain technical problems clearly!
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities:We love proactive problem solvers! Share specific instances where you've tackled challenges head-on, whether it's troubleshooting tech issues or managing customer expectations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our careers page! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on your journey with James Hall & Co.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Hall
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your customer service and IT support knowledge. Familiarise yourself with common issues like till problems and software glitches, as well as how to troubleshoot them. This will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be engaging with customers and internal teams, practice explaining technical issues in simple terms. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with both verbal and written communication. Clear communication is key!
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled customer issues in the past. Think about specific situations where you identified a problem, took initiative, and resolved it effectively. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to manage tasks independently.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
The role requires thriving in a fast-paced environment, so be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changes or challenges in previous jobs. Share stories that highlight your flexibility and ability to work under pressure, which will resonate well with the interviewers.
