At a Glance
- Tasks: Help pet parents find what they need and promote responsible pet ownership.
- Company: Join Jollyes, an award-winning UK pet retailer with a fun, supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, discounts, health support, and extra time off for special occasions.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great career progression opportunities, and a team that laughs together.
- Why this job: Combine your love for pets with a rewarding career in a vibrant retail environment.
- Qualifications: Friendly personality, customer service experience, and a passion for pets.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
Retail Sales Assistant – Jollyes Pets – Colchester
Retail Sales Assistant - Jollyes Pets - Colchester.
Love pets?
Love people?
Love a job where no two days are the same and the customers wag their tails at you?
Combine your passion for pets with a career that's full of fun, team spirit, and genuine customer care.
Help our pet parents find exactly what they need and some relevant extras, promote responsible pet ownership, keep our store looking paw-some, and build a grrrreat career into leadership or support roles, with a company that's growing fast., As a Sales Assistant, you'll be at the heart of the action - helping pet parents, supporting your teammates, and making every customer's visit to our store a great experience.
As with most retail roles, the working week involves being 'on your feet' and physically active
Responsibilities
- Offering genuinely friendly, helpful customer service (you'll meet some fabulous humans and animals!)
- Helping customers find what they need - and suggesting helpful extras that improve their pet's wellbeing
- Sharing advice to promote responsible pet ownership - we'll teach you what you need to know about different pets.
- Keeping the store tidy, stocked and looking its best
- Being part of a supportive, upbeat team that works (and laughs) together
- Up-selling suitable products to enhance customer experience (not to pressure anyone).
It's about suggesting the right treats, toys, food or accessories that genuinely help their pet live its best life.
- Will receive an induction to Jollyes with full training to build your confidence, product and pet care knowledge with a mix of manager led 'on the job' training and our online learning platform you can access to suit you.
Requirements
- Ability to interact with pets and people in a friendly manner.
- Fun, friendly personality.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, hands‑on retail environment and can achieve individual goals and team targets.
- Experience in a similar, customer facing environment and have a hands‑on approach.
- Must be able to offer the highest levels of customer service and be an ambassador for the Jollyes brand.
- High flexibility on availability: open to covering shifts during evenings and weekends and the 7‑day trading hours.
If you would require any reasonable adjustments for carrying out the role duties you can let us know on the application form.
Company & Culture
Jollyes are an award-winning UK pet retailer with over 100 stores and over 50 years of pet expertise between our paws.
Previous winners of the Retail Week award for 'Best Retailer' (under £250m t/o), and listed in the Sunday Times 'Best Places to Work', shortlisted for Happiest Place to Work, with excellent Trust Pilot reviews, you really can be sure you're joining a great brand and employer, trusted by our customers and our colleagues.
We are fully accredited as an age inclusive employer (Rest Less) and a proud member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition as well as supporting hundreds of local pet charities to make a difference in our communities.
We welcome applicants of all ages (16+) - because passion for pets knows no age limit!
- Salary & Benefits
- Pay rate of £8.43 - £12.71 per hour (aligned with government guidance)
- Financial Wellbeing Package (Stream): Access earnings early, plus savings tools and discounts.
- Retail Trust Membership: Counselling, wellbeing, and financial support.
- Colleague Discounts: Treats at 800+ retailers, plus 30% off Jollyes products and pet services.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: Online GP, mental health services, fitness programs, dental care, and cancer support.
- Workplace Pension: Legal & General scheme (EE 3%, ER 5%).
- Extra Time Off: Birthday, wedding, new pet days, plus buy/sell holiday options.
- Enhanced Family Leave: Maternity and paternity packages above statutory levels.
- Recognition & Rewards: Top Dog Award with extra day off and perks.
- Lifestyle Benefits: Cycle2Work scheme and discounted David Lloyd membership.
- Learning & Development for future progression into specialist or Key Holder roles, Management or Support roles - you really can have a great career with Jollyes!
- Pro rata for part time colleagues
- Working Hours & Contract
- Can commit to a part time, permanent position - 12 hours per week
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Sales Assistant employer: Jollyes The Pet People
Jollyes The Pet People is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where pet lovers can thrive. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to training and development opportunities that pave the way for advancement into leadership or specialist roles. Located in Stevenage, our busy store environment fosters teamwork and customer engagement, making every day rewarding and enjoyable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Assistant
✨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 Jollyes The Pet People, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Assistant
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 Jollyes The Pet People 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 Jollyes The Pet People 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 Jollyes The Pet People 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 Jollyes The Pet People
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Jollyes The Pet People, 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 Jollyes The Pet People!
