At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team, ensure excellent customer service, and maintain store standards.
- Company: Join Appleby Westward, a leading SPAR wholesaler and retailer in the West of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 10% discount, 5.6 weeks holiday, and a company pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and opportunities for career progression await you!
- Why this job: Be at the heart of the community and grow your career in retail management.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail leadership, strong organisational skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Appleby Westward
Appleby Westward is the SPAR Wholesaler and Retailer covering the West of England. Our Retail Distribution Centre and Support Offices are based in Saltash, Cornwall, where we employ around 2,000 colleagues who support our wholesale distribution operations for both our independent retail estate and company-owned retail stores, as well as work within our SPAR network. Our SPAR retail stores are the leading convenience brand, operating in communities from Chichester in the east, to Land's End in the west, and to Bristol and Salisbury in the north. In addition to offering convenience goods, groceries, chilled foods, and food-to-go, we also provide essential local services at selected locations, including Post Office services, lottery, and online collection and delivery services. We have pride in serving our communities and strive to provide an efficient quality customer service for all our customers. We also play a big role in local charity and community support and are active in fundraising for local organisations and our main charity partner Marie Curie.
What can you expect from a career with us?
- 10% Discount on all in-store purchases – because you deserve to save while you shop!
- Time to Recharge: 5.6 weeks per year, calculated on a pro-rata basis, ensuring you have time to relax and unwind.
- Support When You Need It: Employee Assistance Programme: Access to Grocery Aid for support with any challenges you might face.
- Secure Your Future: Company Pension Scheme: Available after just 3 months of service, helping you plan for a secure future.
- Grow with Us: Career Progression Opportunities: From apprenticeships to tailored learning journeys, we’re committed to helping our store colleagues grow and potentially become Store Managers over time.
About Looe
The popular seaside resort of Looe is made up of East Looe and West Looe, located either side of the river. The two Looes are joined together by a bridge across the Looe River, and have subtly different characters. East Looe is home to the harbour and main shopping centre while West Looe is quieter but also has shops, restaurants and hotels. Looe has been a holiday resort for over 200 years. In 1879, the arrival of the railway sealed the deal: Looe was officially a holiday destination, but even before this Looe was an early adopter of wheeled bathing machines next to the Banjo Pier.
The Designate Team Leader Role
Our SPAR convenience stores are more than just a local shop, and we are proud to be at the heart of the community. As a Designate Team Leader (DTL) you’ll be a member of our management team, taking accountability when the Store Manager is out of the Store. You will be responsible for ensuring excellent customer service and store standards, by leading from the front.
The successful candidate must be flexible and able to cover holidays, absences, and periods when the Store Manager is away, as the role requires adaptability to business needs, including night shifts (with a typical week involving 1–2 early shifts and 1–2 evening shifts).
Do you have?
- Proven Team Leader/Supervisory experience within the retail industry;
- Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively;
- Excellent customer service and communication skills;
- Ability to build trusted relationships with colleagues and customers;
- Ability to work positively and lead a team to achieve results.
You will be responsible for:
- Supporting the recruitment, induction and training of new team members;
- Being a positive role model to the team;
- Ensuring the store is safe for colleagues and customers;
- Keeping the store well stocked and presented;
- Supporting the successful running of the store.
You will be required to comply with all legislative requirements as well as all Company policies and procedures; ensuring the team do the same. This will include health and safety, food handling and age restricted sales.
To Apply:
If you think you’ve got the skills desired for this role you should apply online, attaching a copy of your CV.
Designate Team Leader- SPAR West Looe employer: Spar
Appleby Westward is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With benefits such as a generous discount on in-store purchases, a comprehensive pension scheme, and ample career progression opportunities, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the picturesque seaside town of Looe, our team members enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere while contributing to local initiatives and providing essential services to residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designate Team Leader- SPAR West Looe
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Spar, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Spar!
We think you need these skills to ace Designate Team Leader- SPAR West Looe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Spar, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Spar and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Spar that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spar
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
