At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers via phone, email, and Live Chat with their waste service queries.
- Company: Join Panda, a leading resource recovery business focused on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Full training provided, supportive team environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role in a busy contact centre with a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping customers and improving their experience with essential services.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, customer-focused attitude, and a willingness to learn.
Department: Customer Contact Centre
Reports to: Contact Centre Manager
Location: Office based
Hours: Typically 08:30–17:00, 5 days per week. Saturday working may be required.
Role Overview
At Panda, we value waste. We are looking for a Customer Service Specialist to join our Customer Contact Centre team. This role is the first point of contact for customers who get in touch with Panda by phone, email and Live Chat. You will help customers with queries about their waste services, resolve issues, provide clear information and support customers in using our digital tools and services. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys helping people, solving problems and working in a busy, customer-focused environment. Full contact centre training will be provided, so previous contact centre experience is not essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Handle inbound customer contacts through Panda’s contact centre phone lines, email and Live Chat
- Provide accurate information and support customers with service-related queries
- Guide customers through Panda’s digital tools, online services and processes
- Manage customer complaints with empathy, ownership and professionalism
- Maintain and update customer account records accurately in line with company procedures
- Record actions taken and ensure customer information is kept up to date
- Identify opportunities to improve the customer experience and share feedback with the wider team
- Advocate for and educate customers on digital tools and self-service options
- Work in line with relevant waste, service and compliance requirements
- Support the wider contact centre team to deliver a professional, consistent and helpful service
About You
We are looking for someone who is confident speaking with customers, comfortable using systems and motivated by delivering great service. You will have:
- Excellent communication and active listening skills
- A strong customer focus and a genuine passion for helping people
- A calm, professional and positive approach
- Good problem-solving skills
- Confidence using digital systems and the ability to learn new technology
- Resilience and adaptability in a busy contact centre environment
- Good organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks
Desirable Experience
The following would be helpful, but is not essential:
- Experience in a customer service, contact centre or call handling role
- Experience using CRM or contact centre systems
- Ability to handle challenging calls with empathy and professionalism
- Experience supporting customers through digital tools or online processes
Training
Full contact centre training will be provided. We are open to candidates with the right attitude, communication skills and willingness to learn.
Why Join Panda?
This Customer Service Specialist role is a great opportunity to join a busy, supportive team where you will play an important part in helping customers and keeping essential waste services running smoothly. You will be part of a business focused on service, sustainability, safety and continuous improvement.
Join us on the journey. We are Panda. We value waste. We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve. At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together. We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward. We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make. And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing. Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Take the first step and join us on the journey.
Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
Customer Care Specialist in Salford employer: Panda
Panda is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and development, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and innovation thrive. As a Customer Care Specialist in our dynamic Customer Contact Centre, you will receive comprehensive training and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while contributing to sustainable waste management solutions. Join us in a role that not only values your contributions but also encourages personal growth and a commitment to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Care Specialist in Salford
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Panda. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Panda before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Care Specialist in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Panda:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Panda specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Panda!
How to prepare for a job interview at Panda
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.