At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver style advice and five-star service in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join the inclusive team at M&S, a leader in fashion and home products.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, and access to wellbeing resources.
- Other info: Flexible hours and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values individuality and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Passion for fashion and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 10.8 - 13.2 £ per hour.
Location: Colchester, Essex
Contract type: Temporary
Position type: Part Time
Salary: £13.41 p/h
Closing date: 19th August 2026
Reference: 124606
Work Pattern:
- Sunday 13.00-17.00
- Monday 16.30-20.30
- Wednesday 16.30-20.30
- Friday 16.30-20.30
- Saturday 16.30-20.30
About The Role:
Join M&S as a Customer Assistant in our Fashion, Home & Beauty section, where you’ll play a vital frontline role in delivering style advice and five-star service. This isn’t just a retail job – it’s a role for people who love pace, want to work hard and play their part in delivering our transformation. We’re looking for passionate, fashion-forward individuals who are ready to drive sales, grow our share in the style space, and help customers discover our most on-trend and fashionable products. You'll be a resilient and confident brand ambassador who’s ready to serve our customers and sell our latest fashion items.
Responsibilities:
- You’ll be operating in a high-demand environment, rolling your sleeves up and getting stuck in, no matter how busy the day gets.
- Being digitally confident is essential. You'll utilise our digital tools, such as the Sparks App and in-store devices, to enhance the customer experience and accelerate the move to the new M&S.
- Efficiency and effectiveness are non-negotiable. You’ll keep standards sky-high while balancing speed and accuracy, even when the pressure is on.
- Being a team player is crucial. You'll contribute to a positive store environment where everyone moves with purpose and energy, supporting each other every step of the way.
- Flexibility is vital. Retail moves fast – and you’ll move faster. You’ll adapt to where you’re needed, when you’re needed, always ready to meet the next challenge head-on.
Benefits:
- Wellbeing hub: Get access to resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
- Giving back: Support your favourite charities by donating through your pay or even volunteering for them.
- Pay: Earn a competitive salary.
- Colleague discount: After completing your probation period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household. Please note only contracts of more than 12 weeks are eligible for this benefit.
- Time off: Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
- Life assurance: Get cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
- Workplace savings: We’ll help you save through our Pension Savings Plan, Share Buy and Sharesave schemes.
- My Choices: Save on everyday costs through discounts and offers and get access to great health benefits.
- Cycle to work: Bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work and save on tax and national insurance.
- Smart tech: Buy the latest technology with interest-free financing directly from your salary.
- Family friendly policy: Industry-leading maternity, paternity, adoption and neo-natal policies, providing support and flexibility for you and your family.
Work Environment and Culture:
Everyone is welcome at M&S. No exceptions. It’s your background, abilities and differences that make you, uniquely you. And when you’re part of M&S, that individuality has the potential to make waves. We want you to feel supported, no matter what.
Colleague Networks:
- Cancer Network: Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, addressing stigma, providing guidance and raising awareness to empower and assist colleagues affected by cancer.
- Family & Carers Network: A support network for parents and carers, offering a space for colleagues to share experiences, exchange ideas, and access useful resources.
- Gender Equality Network: Addressing gender-related challenges, raising awareness, and driving action to ensure equal opportunities for all.
- Forces Community Network: Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.
- Culture and Heritage Network: Raising awareness of various religions and cultures through events and comms, to educate others and better represent our M&S colleagues and customers.
- Health and Wellbeing Network: Providing a safe space for colleagues with all types of health conditions or disabilities and supporting with business initiatives to ensure our stores are truly accessible for our customers.
- LGBTQ+ Network: Proactively representing LGBTQ+ issues and opportunities to deliver a truly inclusive place to work and shop for our colleagues and customers.
- Menopause Network: Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.
Customer Assistant- Fashion Home & Beauty - Stane Park Colchester employer: Marks Spencer Store
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises customer-first service and employee development. As a Shift Lead in the Ulverston Foodhall, you will benefit from competitive pay, flexible shifts, and the opportunity to enhance your leadership skills within a renowned retail brand, all while working in a supportive environment that values teamwork and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Assistant- Fashion Home & Beauty - Stane Park Colchester
✨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 Marks Spencer Store, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Assistant- Fashion Home & Beauty - Stane Park Colchester
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 Marks Spencer Store 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 Marks Spencer Store 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 Marks Spencer Store 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 Marks Spencer Store
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Marks Spencer Store, 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 Marks Spencer Store!
