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- Tasks: Welcome customers, ensure safety, and provide support throughout their shopping experience.
- Company: Join a leading retail brand focused on customer service and safety.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, team environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be the friendly face that makes shopping safe and enjoyable for everyone.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, with strong communication skills and a friendly personality.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on teamwork and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 £ per hour.
SCHEDULE
- Saturday: 11:00–20:00
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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 from the store.
- Support other areas within the store as needed (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 providing the right level of support.
- Thank customers for shopping with us when they exit.
- Deal calmly and empathetically with people in various retail circumstances, including confrontational situations.
- Respond to door alarms sincerely and apologetically, 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 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.
- Carry store radio and engage with police and other security personnel to improve service to M&S, which may include crime partnership meetings, agreed police meetings, shop watch schemes.
- 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.
WORK PATTERN
- Monday: 11:00–20:00
- Tuesday: 11:00–20:00
- Thursday: 11:00–20:00
- Friday: 11:00–20:00
- Saturday: 11:00–20:00
KEY SKILLS
- Confidence with an easily felt presence and friendly personality is essential.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage customers with ease.
- Ability to remain focused on 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
Customer Assistant - Service & Safety - Sixfields Northampton Simply Food employer: M&S
Contact Detail:
M&S Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Assistant - Service & Safety - Sixfields Northampton Simply Food
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the store inside out! Familiarise yourself with the layout, products, and key marketing messages. This way, when you chat with customers, you can confidently guide them and answer their questions like a pro.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your greeting techniques! A warm smile and eye contact go a long way in making customers feel welcome. Try different ways to engage with them, as this not only helps deter theft but also creates a friendly atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay alert and observant! Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity or individuals. If you notice something off, don’t hesitate to approach the situation calmly and empathetically – it’s all about keeping our customers safe.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to thank customers as they leave! A simple 'thank you for shopping with us' can make a huge difference in their experience. Plus, it reinforces our commitment to excellent service and encourages them to return.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Assistant - Service & Safety - Sixfields Northampton Simply Food
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your friendly and approachable side. Remember, this role is all about engaging with customers, so a warm tone can go a long way.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous experience in customer service or retail. We love seeing how you've dealt with customers in the past, especially in challenging situations. It shows us you’re ready to handle the responsibilities of the role!
Be Specific About Your Skills: Tailor your application to highlight skills that match the job description. If you’ve got strong communication skills or experience in maintaining safety standards, shout about it! We’re looking for those key attributes that will help you succeed as a Customer Assistant.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at M&S
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Customer Assistant at Simply Food. 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 support customers effectively.
✨Practice Your Greeting Techniques
Since welcoming customers is a big part of the role, practice your greeting techniques. Smile, make eye contact, and be confident in your approach. You might even want to role-play with a friend to get comfortable with different scenarios, including how to handle confrontational situations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is essential for this position. During the interview, highlight your ability to engage with customers and handle various retail circumstances. Share examples from past experiences where you've successfully dealt with challenging situations or provided excellent customer service.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Team Spirit
The role requires a natural empathy with the M&S brand and values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a safe and welcoming shopping environment. Emphasise your willingness to support colleagues and adapt to different areas within the store, showcasing your flexibility and team spirit.