At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve customers with a smile and keep the café running smoothly.
- Company: Join M&S, a brand that values individuality and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Perfect for those who thrive under pressure and love teamwork.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced café where your service makes a difference.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 £ per hour.
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.
Join our team in the M&S Café – the heart of our store and a place where customers come to recharge. This is a hands-on, high-pressure role for those who can handle pace, stay calm under pressure, and still deliver warm, five-star service.
You’ll be a brand ambassador, making great food and drink recommendations while ensuring the café operates smoothly, even during the busiest periods. Being digitally confident is essential. You’ll use our tools to take and fulfil orders fast, keeping customers moving and satisfied.
Efficiency and effectiveness are key aspects of your role. You’ll maintain impeccable food safety standards while juggling orders and queues. At M&S, our customers don’t wait. You’ll be fast and relentlessly focused on delivering quality under pressure while focusing on delivering five-star service.
Teamwork matters. You’ll support colleagues and contribute to a high-performance culture that meets customer needs – no matter how hectic it gets. Flexibility is also vital. You’ll adapt quickly, working where needed with pace. It’s intense but, for the right person, incredibly rewarding. Are you ready for it? Take Your Marks and apply today.
Purpose
To deliver a great shopping experience for our customers, we are looking for colleagues who put customers before tasks every time whilst championing and promoting our brilliant products. As the face of the business, you will be the voice of our customers helping us to continually improve.
Key Accountabilities
- Serve our customers efficiently, both on the shop floor and at service points
- Keep the store clean and tidy, ensuring that our shelves are always stocked with product
- Monitor and deliver on the daily sales targets, priorities, promotions and selling opportunities
- Proactively engage with customers to understand their needs, make recommendations and deliver remarkable service throughout their visit to store.
- Build expert product knowledge to sell and recommend our products and services
- We’ll give you the training to utilise all digital tools and communication channels to deliver for the customer every time
Key Capabilities
- High levels of customer service
- Committed to delivering excellent work with great attention to detail
- Open to and acts upon feedback, asking for this regularly
- Takes accountability for planning and managing own workload efficiently
- Strong communication skills
- Adaptable to changing situations
- Builds positive relationships by being a good listener
- Good level of digital capability
Everyone’s Welcome. 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.
Locations
Customer Assistant - Cafe - Hempstead Valley - Gillingham, Kent employer: Marks & Spencer
At M&S, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every individual is valued for their unique contributions. As a Customer Assistant in our Café at Hempstead Valley, you'll enjoy a dynamic environment that prioritises teamwork and exceptional customer service, with ample opportunities for personal growth and development. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that champions diversity and offers flexible working arrangements, ensuring you can thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Assistant - Cafe - Hempstead Valley - Gillingham, Kent
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Marks & Spencer. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Marks & Spencer
Don't be shy about reaching out to Marks & Spencer directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Assistant - Cafe - Hempstead Valley - Gillingham, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Marks & Spencer and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
