At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver excellent customer service in a busy university-run food supermarket.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading global university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days paid holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make a real impact on campus life.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience is a plus; training provided for all skill levels.
The predicted salary is between 24097 - 25203 £ per year.
Campus Services Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £24,097 to £25,203 Grade: 2 Part time, Permanent Closing date: 13th August 2026
2 positions available: 1x Part Time (880 annualised hours per year) 1x Part Time (660 annualised hours per year)
Our offer to you:
- People are at the heart of what we are and do.
- The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years.
- We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.
- We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector‑leading Birmingham Professional programme.
- Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University.
- You will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme.
Background Department Overview:
Campus Services (CS) employs over 1,000 staff and recorded turnover exceeding £65m in the last financial year. CS plays a key role in the quality of the student, staff and visitor experience, providing services across diverse areas such as the University’s sporting facilities, food and beverage, cleaning, conferencing, hotel operations, day nurseries, Portering, post, branded and own‑brand retail outlets, visitor services and attractions, student housing, transport, waste disposal and recycling.
Role Summary:
You will play a key frontline role in delivering an excellent customer experience within a busy university‑run food supermarket. You will support daily store operations, including till service, stock replenishment, product merchandising, and maintaining clean, safe, and well‑presented retail areas.
Main Duties:
- Customer Service: Greet and serve customers in a professional, responsive, courteous, and friendly manner, including answering queries and dealing with situations that arise.
- Stock Replenishment & Merchandising: Replenish stock across ambient, chilled, frozen, and fresh food areas following planograms and store standards.
- Compliance, Safety & Operational Standards: Follow all food safety, hygiene, and health & safety procedures.
- Teamwork & Communication: Actively seek opportunities to increase sales by upselling products and make recommendations as directed by your manager.
Operational Requirements:
Contracts are annualised and based on 35 hours per week (or pro rata), across a 7-day operation, inclusive of weekdays, weekends, regular bank holidays and closed days on a rota basis, including evening work activities.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience:
- Experience and knowledge of working in a busy, customer facing role.
- Positive communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong customer service skills with a positive, helpful attitude.
- Good organisational and time‑management skills.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and excellent service.
This role is concerned with providing a quality customer service in the provision of food and beverages.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength.
Sales Assistant - Campus Services - 107145 - Grade 2 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while enjoying the benefits of a flexible working arrangement. Located in a vibrant city, the university promotes a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Assistant - Campus Services - 107145 - Grade 2 in Birmingham
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
Retail is all about community, so don't underestimate the power of local connections. Pop into shops you're interested in, chat with staff, and ask if they have any openings. This personal touch could land you a part-time gig with ease!
✨Show Off Your Personality
Retail is a people business, and employers love genuine, enthusiastic candidates. When you're applying for part-time roles, showcase your customer service skills and personality during interviews. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share your love for the products!
✨Utilise College or University Resources
If you're a student, check out your university’s career services. They often have links with local retailers looking for part-time staff. It's a great way to find positions that work around your studies while also building your CV!
✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often sees a surge during peak seasons like Christmas or summer sales. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary part-time roles during these times. Many companies, including University of Birmingham, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Assistant - Campus Services - 107145 - Grade 2 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, we know that customer service is king! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got with face-to-face interactions. Include specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer—this shows potential employers like University of Birmingham that you're all about creating great shopping experiences.
Flexibility is Key!:For a part-time role, showcasing your availability is crucial. Make it clear in your application when you can work, especially if you have weekday and weekend flexibility. Retail can demand odd hours, so we want to see that you're ready to jump in when needed!
Forget the Fancy Formatting:While you want your CV to look good, in retail, clarity is more important than flashiness. Use simple formatting and bullet points to make your experiences stand out. Retail managers at University of Birmingham will appreciate a straightforward CV that’s easy to skim through.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:When applying for a part-time retail position, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about University of Birmingham and what you can bring to their team. Maybe you love their products or admire their customer service philosophy—let that passion come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at University of Birmingham, it’s super crucial to know their brand inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, customer service approach, and any current promotions. This way, you can engage genuinely in conversations and show that you’re already invested in their vibe.
✨Excellent Customer Scenarios
Prepare for customer service scenarios! Retail interviews often include role-play or situational questions. Think about how you'd handle different customer situations, from dealing with complaints to upselling products. We want to hear how you can keep your cool and keep the customer happy!
✨Tailoring Your Availability
Being part-time means flexibility is key! Be ready to discuss your availability honestly. Employers in retail love candidates who can adapt their schedules to peak hours. Show that you're keen to work evenings or weekends if it helps them out.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is essential in retail. Bring up experiences where you worked effectively in a team, whether it’s in previous jobs, school projects, or volunteering. We want to know how you can contribute to a positive team environment at University of Birmingham!
