Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome customers, ensure safety, and support a positive shopping experience.
- Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a leader in retail innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values safety and customer service while making a difference.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a friendly personality are essential.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities to grow in a dynamic retail environment.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Work Pattern:
- Week 1: Sunday 10:00-16:30, Monday 08:00-16:00, Wednesday 08:00-16:00, Thursday 08:00-16:00, Friday 08:00-16:00
- Week 2: Monday 08:00-16:00, Tuesday 08:00-16:00, Wednesday 08:00-16:00, Friday 08:00-16:00, Saturday 08:00-16:00
Under 18 disclaimer: To comply with health and safety legislation and keep our colleagues safe in the workplace, colleagues in this role must be 18 years of age or older.
Key Accountabilities and Measures:
- Provide customers with a visible presence at the beginning of their shopping journey.
- Welcome customers to the store with a smile and by making eye contact, using a range of greeting techniques known to deter theft.
- Support other areas within the store as needed.
- Be knowledgeable of the store, support key marketing messages, latest products, and common customer questions.
- Assist customers in navigating the store and provide the right level of support.
- Thank customers for shopping when they exit.
- Deal calmly and empathetically with various retail circumstances, including confrontational situations.
- Respond to door alarms sincerely and resolve any issues the customer may have.
- Act as a visible deterrent against violence, anti-social behaviour, targeted theft, and criminal activity.
- Identify and monitor suspicious persons or activity and take appropriate actions to deter.
- Report all incidents through the M&S Incident reporting process.
- Engage with police and other security personnel to improve service to M&S.
- Apprehend external thieves only if necessary and in line with business policy.
- Report any incidents of known or suspected internal theft or malpractice.
Key Requirements:
- Confident with a friendly and natural personality.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage customers easily.
- Ability to remain focused on greeting customers and deterring suspicious activity.
- Natural empathy with M&S brand and values.
- Self-motivated and willing to suggest new approaches.
- Able to maintain high standards of appearance and uniform.
- No requirement to be licensed, but good observation skills are beneficial.
Key Relationships and Stakeholders:
- Store Management team
- Store Colleagues
- Operational Security Manager
- Regional teams (RLPMs/RCOMs)
- Store Detectives
- SOC
- Police
- Local Networks
M&S is committed to an active Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy, starting with our recruitment and selection process. We are happy to talk flexible working and invite candidates to share any requirements for reasonable adjustments during the application process.
Customer Assistant - Service & Safety Assistant - Cheltenham employer: Marks and Spencer
Contact Detail:
Marks and Spencer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Assistant - Service & Safety Assistant - Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the store inside out! Familiarise yourself with the layout, products, and services. This way, when you chat with customers, you can confidently guide them and show off your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your greeting skills! A warm smile and eye contact go a long way in making customers feel welcome. Try different ways to greet people and see what feels natural for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay alert and observant. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity while still being approachable. Balancing safety with customer service is key, so be ready to step in if needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team. Plus, we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are eager to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Assistant - Service & Safety Assistant - Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how you connect with our values.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention specific examples that relate to customer service and safety, as these are key for the Customer Assistant role.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Customer Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the store layout, key marketing messages, and common customer queries. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to engage with customers confidently.
✨Practice Your Greeting Techniques
Since welcoming customers is a big part of the role, practice different ways to greet them with a smile and eye contact. Think about how you can make customers feel valued right from the start. Role-playing with a friend can help you get comfortable with this.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is essential for this position. Prepare examples of how you've effectively engaged with customers in the past, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to remain calm and empathetic, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you would handle various scenarios, such as dealing with suspicious activity or a confrontational customer. Think through your responses and be prepared to explain your thought process. This will show that you can think on your feet and prioritise safety while maintaining a positive shopping environment.
