At a Glance
- Tasks: Join M&S as a Customer Assistant, delivering five-star service and supporting our food section.
- Company: M&S, the UK's fastest growing retailer with a dynamic team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, including an unsocial hours premium, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with potential for increased hours leading up to Christmas.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of customer service during the festive season and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, resilient, and ready to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 10.8 - 13.2 £ per hour.
Work Pattern:
- Sunday - 06:00-10:00
- Wednesday - 06:00 - 10:00
- Saturday - 06:00 - 10:00
Due to operational requirements, successful candidates must be available to work increased hours during the lead-up to Christmas. Hours are expected to increase from 12-30 hours during the week commencing 13 December 2026 to 40 hours during the week commencing 20 December 2026. Candidates must be available to work between 20 and 24 December 2026, and on 26 and 27 December 2026.
These vacancies are primarily for early morning shifts between 6:00am and 10:00am. However, candidates may occasionally be required to start as early as 5:00am. In the two weeks leading up to Christmas, shifts may increase to cover hours between 6:00am and 2:30pm.
This job role involves working early mornings and this means we can’t consider applications from anyone under the age of 18. This is to comply with the relevant health and safety legislation and to keep our colleagues safe in the workplace.
Please note that the + £3.00 p/h unsocial premium is only added on any hours worked between 22:00-06:00.
Join M&S as a Customer Assistant in our Food section, where you'll be at the frontline of the UK's fastest growing retailer. We're not just looking for someone to fill shelves – we need down-to-earth colleagues who thrive under pressure, deliver five-star service at pace, and embrace the transformation we're driving.
We're seeking passionate individuals who not only take pride in their knowledge of M&S Food products but are also ready to roll their sleeves up and go again, day in and day out, meeting strong customer demand head-on.
You'll be a resilient and committed brand ambassador who's ready to raise the bar by confidently recommending and selling our newest food products to our customers. Through remarkable service you'll make sure our customers feel truly valued every time they shop with us.
At M&S, our customers don't wait. You'll thrive in a high-pressure environment, staying sharp, fast, and focused when the store is at its busiest. You'll go above and beyond, to serve, sell, fill and help drive growth in sales.
Being digitally confident is essential. You'll utilise our digital tools, such as the Sparks and our in-store devices, to enhance the customer experience and ensure they get the products they want when they need them.
Being a team player is crucial. You'll contribute to a positive, high-energy environment, where everyone works hard and supports each other in delivering a seamless customer experience.
Flexibility is also vital. You should be poised to work across various areas of the store, adapting to the changing demands of the retail environment. No two shifts will look the same - and you'll embrace the challenge.
This is a frontline role, not for the faint-hearted. But for those who are ready to roll up their sleeves, there's huge opportunity. Are you ready for it?
Christmas Customer Assistant - Food - Ashtead SF employer: M&S Careers
Joining M&S as a Christmas Customer Assistant in Stratford City means becoming part of a dynamic team that thrives on delivering exceptional service and style advice. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer training and development opportunities to help you excel in a fast-paced retail environment. Our inclusive work culture encourages collaboration and flexibility, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our transformation journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Christmas Customer Assistant - Food - Ashtead SF
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Christmas Customer Assistant - Food - Ashtead SF
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to M&S Careers:Don’t forget to personalise your application for M&S Careers! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at M&S Careers
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that M&S Careers offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at M&S Careers and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
