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- Tasks: Welcome customers, ensure safety, and assist with store navigation.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer committed to inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic retail setting while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just bring your friendly personality and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Over 18s only; be part of a team that values diversity and inclusion.
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.
All the details:
- Work Pattern: Monday 14:00-18:00, Thursday 14:00-18:00, Friday 14:00-18:00, Saturday 08:00-12:00
- Over 18s only.
Key Accountabilities and Measures:
- Provide customers with a visible presence at the beginning of their shopping journey.
- Confidently welcome customers to the store with a smile and by making eye contact, using a range of greeting techniques known to deter theft from the store.
- Support other areas within the store (e.g. Foods, C&H, Operations).
- Be knowledgeable of the store, support key marketing messages, latest products and top questions (e.g. what time do you close?).
- Assist customers in navigating the store, recognising when a customer needs help and provide the right level of support.
- Thank customers for shopping with us when they exit.
- Deal calmly and empathetically with people in a variety of retail circumstances, including confrontational situations.
- Respond to door alarms in a sincere and apologetic manner, resolving any issues the customer may have.
- Be a visible deterrent against violence, anti-social behaviour, targeted theft, till snatches and criminal activity to support a safe shopping environment.
- Identify and monitor suspicious persons, activity or theft and take appropriate customer engaging actions as required to deter.
- Ensure all incidents are reported through the M&S Incident reporting process either through the Hicom app (on the Honey well) or into the Security Operations Centre, and to the police where necessary.
- Ensure that persons served with a trespass notice do not re-enter the site.
- Responsible for carrying store radio and engaging with police and other security personnel to improve service to M&S.
- Apprehend external thieves (only if necessary) in line with business policy and only if all components of theft are seen.
- Report any incidents of known or suspected internal theft or malpractice.
Key Skills:
- Being confident with an easily felt presence and friendly and natural personality is essential.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage customers with ease.
- Ability to remain focussed at greeting customers and deterring suspicious activity.
- Natural empathy with our M&S brand and values, including service behaviours.
- Self-motivated, willing to improvise and suggest or try new approaches.
- Able to maintain high standards of appearance and uniform standards.
- No requirement to be licensed, but good observation skills would be a benefit.
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 ready to push boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring digital era. That’s why we’re revolutionising how we work and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. There’s never been a better time to be part of our team. Marks & Spencer aims to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make an immediate impact.
We are committed to an active Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy, which starts with our recruitment and selection process, and we are happy to talk flexible working. If you consider yourself to require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process, we invite you to share those requirements with us when completing your application. We will make every effort to ensure your needs are met to provide a fair and transparent process of assessment.
Customer Assistant - Service and Safety Assistant - Rochdale - Rochdale, Greater Manchester employer: Marks & Spencer
Contact Detail:
Marks & Spencer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Assistant - Service and Safety Assistant - Rochdale - Rochdale, Greater Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with M&S's values and customer service approach. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity and customer satisfaction will help you align your responses during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your greeting techniques and how to engage customers effectively. Being confident and friendly is key, so consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your comfort level.
✨Tip Number 3
Research common retail security practices and how to handle confrontational situations. This knowledge will demonstrate your preparedness for the role and your ability to maintain a safe shopping environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former M&S employees if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Assistant - Service and Safety Assistant - Rochdale - Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Customer Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is essential for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to engage with customers effectively. Use clear and concise language throughout your application.
Emphasise Empathy and Customer Service: Highlight any previous experience where you dealt with customers, especially in challenging situations. Show how you can remain calm and empathetic, which is crucial for the role of a Service and Safety Assistant.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for this position. Include relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that relate directly to the job description provided by M&S.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a Customer Assistant, your ability to engage with customers is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully assisted customers in the past, highlighting your communication skills and friendly approach.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Calmness
The role requires dealing with various situations, including confrontational ones. Think of scenarios where you handled difficult customers or situations calmly and empathetically, and be ready to discuss them.
✨Know the Store Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with M&S's products, services, and key marketing messages. Being knowledgeable will not only help you answer questions but also show your enthusiasm for the brand during the interview.
✨Exhibit a Strong Presence
Confidence is key in this role. Practice maintaining eye contact and using positive body language when answering questions. This will reflect your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
