Retail Sales Assistant - Keyholder in Hailsham

6 hour contract.

We don’t just sell products. We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play. You sell the paint that turns someone into an artist. You provide the book that unleashes an inner author. You supply the games that help bring families together. You give someone the puzzle book that reconnects them with a late family member’s memory. The unseen possibilities are limitless, and it all starts with you.

As a Sales Assistant, you’re the face of our brand on the shop floor — a true brand ambassador. Every day, you create moments that make our customers smile. They love visiting our stores, and you are a big part of why. Your mission is to deliver exceptional service, spark brilliant conversations, and help customers with their shopping missions — whether it’s discovering new products they'll love, or finding the perfect gifts for someone else. By getting to know their interests or shopping mission, you’ll be ready to recommend things that surprise, delight, and inspire them. You’ll also play a key role in keeping the store well-stocked, tidy, safe, and welcoming. Alongside your teammates, you help create an environment where everything runs smoothly and everyone feels supported and included in the team.

In this role, every interaction, every conversation, and every thoughtful recommendation helps bring our brand purpose, values and behaviours to life.

Your Mission

• Deliver friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient service to every customer.
• Maintain excellent store standards, including merchandising, cleanliness, and stock replenishment.
• Operate tills accurately and handle transactions with care.
• Support with deliveries, stockroom organisation, and product availability.
• Follow all operational procedures, including health & safety and loss prevention.
• Work collaboratively with your team to meet store targets and KPIs.
• Stay informed about promotions, products, and services to help customers make informed choices.
• Be a brand ambassador—positive, professional, and passionate about what we do.

The role can be physically demanding and hard work — you'll need to be physically comfortable managing stairs and heavy stock, but your supportive team will be there to lend a helping hand!

Skills / Behaviours That Will Set You Apart

• A passion for delivering great customer service.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A team player with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible to work varied shifts.
• Comfortable using tills and handling cash.
• Previous experience in customer service or hospitality role.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Keyholder Responsibilities

If you’re over 18, with training and support, you’ll join us as a keyholder, giving you the chance to take on extra responsibility and build valuable experience. Our store teams can be small, so there will be times when you’re trusted to ‘hold keys’ and take on some management responsibilities when a manager isn’t in store. It’s a great opportunity to grow your confidence and develop the skills that will help you progress in your career.

Whenever you’re holding keys, you’ll receive an enhanced rate of pay to recognise these additional management responsibilities. It also gives you brilliant exposure to what it’s like to run a store - helping you build real examples and experiences you can use as you grow with us.

When you’re assigned keys, you’ll be responsible for:

• Opening and closing the store
• Cashing up
• Carrying out management responsibilities

When you turn 18, we’ll make sure you get the training and support to become a Keyholder to benefit from the development opportunities - and the enhanced pay that comes with the responsibility.

Our Purpose

To inspire reading, learning, creativity and play.

Our Values

We are Crafty — Smart with what we've got. We are Caring — Heart in every action. We are Can-do — Energy that gets it done.

Promoting Diversity, Inclusion, and Applying Reasonable Adjustments. At The Works, we are proud to have an inclusive culture where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. Our roles are open to all, including under-represented groups such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, carers & members of the LGBTQ+ community. We are open to discussions around working hours and flexible working. If you need reasonable adjustments for an interview you might attend with us, let us know in your application and we’ll be happy to help!