Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide friendly service in a busy hospital café and shop.
- Company: Royal Voluntary Service supports NHS with cafes and shops, making a real community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days holiday, and a great pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a positive difference while developing skills in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for overtime and career progression.
Royal Voluntary Service has an opportunity available for a Retail Customer Assistantto join our team at Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, SR4 7TP.You will join us on a part-time, permanentbasis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of£12.43per hour (FTE £22,638per annum).
About theRetail Customer Assistantrole:
Royal Voluntary Service hospital cafes, shops and trolleys are part of the fabric of the NHS and a real asset in their own right. Staffed by employees and volunteers, we provide an outstanding range of beverages and healthy food choices. Our customers love the fact that the money they spend with us pays for volunteer action in hospitals and the community.
Working alongside a friendly team of employees and volunteers, you will participate in the day-to-day running of our busy retail Shop and Cafe, in Sunderland Royal Hospital.
In this role, you will be responsible for:
- Providing friendly, helpful and efficient service at all times
- Welcoming customers, informing them about specials or new products, answering questions and accepting orders and payments
- Operating the till and cashing up
- Maintaining a high level of cleanliness complying with Health and Safety and food hygiene standards and ensuring all areas of the site remain tidy
- Ensuring that all stock and displays are replenished regularly and ordering supplies if required
Hours: 16 hours per week
This is a permanent, part-time role working16 hours flexibly around a 7 day rota.
Our retail sites can be open on weekends and bank holidays.
There may also be opportunities for paid overtime in busy periods or to cover absence.
Benefits:
- Salary of £12.43per hour (FTE £22,638per annum)
- 26 days’ holiday (pro rata) plus paid statutory Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Ten weeks’ company sick pay following successful completion of probation
- A great pension scheme
- 2 x Salary Death in Service Benefit, subject to qualification
- Enhanced Family Leave schemes
- An employee benefits package that gives access to an exclusive rewards website to get discounts and cashback online
- A 24-hour doctor line, financial support with dental/optical and other therapies
- A free and confidential employee assistance programme with up to six face-to-face counselling sessions included
- Extensive online and on the job training to ensure you will succeed in your role
- Opportunities to discuss flexible working
- Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
- The chance to make a positive, lasting impact that changes lives, communities and society
What you\’ll bring as ourRetail Customer Assistant:
Working in a hospital requires a special kind of customer service. Your ability to communicate with a variety of people in a friendly and cheerful way will make a real difference to someone’s day. The key is to adapt your approach to each person to ensure their needs are met.
- Previous experience in a retail or cafe environment would be an advantage but training will be given – just make sure you have a positive attitude and can-do mindset along with a willingness to work and we’ll teach you the rest
- Knowledge of EPOS / till systems would be advantageous
- Having knowledge and experience in general administrative processes would be beneficial.
- An willingness to engage in training and ongoing professional development.
- The ability to deliver outstanding customer service
- Great communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills
- Familiarity with email and internet is required
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- A flexible approach towards working hours
- Enjoying working within a passionate team of employees and volunteers, as well as working on your own on occasions
Please read the role profile that accompanies this vacancy for full details of this great opportunity.
If you feel have the skills and experience to become ourRetail Customer Assistantplease click ‘apply’today, we’d love to hear from you!
The closing date for this role is 28 July 2025. However, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
At Royal Voluntary Service our goal is to welcome everyone and build inclusive and diverse teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work.To find out more about our commitment to EDI, visit our website.
Join Royal Voluntary Service and together we can change lives, change communities and change society.
Other organisations may call this role Retail Assistant, Shop Assistant, Café Assistant, Store Assistant, Retail Sales Assistant, or Customer Service Assistant.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Retail Customer Assistant employer: Royal Voluntary Service
Contact Detail:
Royal Voluntary Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Customer Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Voluntary Service and its mission. Understanding their commitment to community service and how your role as a Retail Customer Assistant contributes to this can help you connect with the team during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous customer service experience you have, especially in a retail or café environment. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've provided excellent service, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours. Since the role involves a 7-day rota, showing that you're open to working weekends and bank holidays can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt. The role requires ongoing training, so expressing enthusiasm for personal development and new skills will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Customer Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail or customer service. Emphasise any previous roles where you provided excellent customer service, especially in a café or shop environment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the Royal Voluntary Service. Mention your ability to communicate effectively with diverse customers and your willingness to learn and adapt.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as communication, organisation, and customer service. Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Voluntary Service
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a Retail Customer Assistant, your ability to provide friendly and efficient service is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully handled customer interactions in the past, especially in challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role involves working alongside a team of employees and volunteers. Be ready to discuss your experience in team settings and how you contribute positively to group dynamics.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Role
Read up on the responsibilities of the Retail Customer Assistant position. Understanding the day-to-day tasks, such as operating the till and maintaining cleanliness, will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Working in a hospital environment requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to different customer needs. Be prepared to share instances where you've successfully adjusted your approach to meet diverse customer expectations.
