At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve delicious coffee and provide top-notch customer service in a busy café.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a well-known brand with a rich heritage and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy employee discounts, paid leave, and support for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make customers' journeys better every day.
- Qualifications: Previous barista experience and confidence in cash handling are essential.
The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.
Posted Saturday, 29 August 2026 at 00:00
We are a busy Food to Go Marks and Spencer Cafe in the heart of The Christie Hospital, looking for an experienced Coffee Barista/Sales Assistant to join our team!
We are looking for someone who is confident in all things coffee and comfortable working in a fast paced environment- making multiple drinks, serving customers and keeping service running smoothly.
Previous barista experience and confidence using a till/ cash handling are essential.
Our Cafe can get extremely busy, so you'll need to work well under pressure, bring plenty of energy and take pride in delivering great coffee and excellent customer service.
Please note: previous barista/ coffee experience is essential for this role. If you don't have this experience, please look out for other postings!
As a Sales Assistant you’ll provide exceptional customer service and work independently or as part of a team to deliver our fantastic store standards.
We want you, our customers, and our colleagues to be proud to share their journey with us.
What being a Sales Assistant is all about
- Delivering an exceptional customer service to all our customers.
- Carrying out stock replenishment, ensuring all areas of the store remain tidy and inviting for our customers to shop.
- Meeting high standards of display and visual merchandising helping customers find what they're looking for easily.
- Being part of a team and supporting colleagues.
What our Stores would love to see
- A passion for customers having an exceptional experience in store.
- Confident in communicating within the team.
- Motivated to achieve fantastic results and standards.
- Adaptable to meet company requirements and goals.
How we reward our teams
We know you’ll work hard to make WHSmith a success and keep our customers happy, so as well as your salary, pension scheme, paid annual leave and employee discounts, we’ll reward you with a range of deals from retail partners that will help you save money and make memories, whether a delicious meal, an adventurous day out, or tickets to see the latest blockbuster.
Whatever the future brings, our Employee Assistance Programme will support you with help and guidance for your wellbeing whether physical, mental or financial.
About us
WHSmith has a remarkable heritage and we are growing particularly in our airports, hospitals, rail stations and motorway services.
Our aim is simple, to offer our products to everyone on any of life’s journeys.
Our In Motion brand, a leading digital accessories business, continues to grow and develop, offering an amazing customer experience with all the latest tech.
We have created great partnerships with the likes of M&S and Costa Coffee, ‘broaden our offering’ to our customers throughout the UK.
That’s why, as we continue our journey, our aim is simple: to make every one of life’s journeys better!
WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Main - Sales Assistant & Barista employer: WHSmith
WHSmith is an excellent employer, particularly for those seeking a rewarding role in the vibrant environment of an airport. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer competitive benefits including a pension scheme, paid annual leave, and exclusive discounts, all while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that encourages personal growth and teamwork. Join us to be part of a company that values your contributions and is dedicated to making every journey better for our customers and colleagues alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Main - Sales Assistant & Barista
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like WHSmith. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to WHSmith
Don't be shy about reaching out to WHSmith directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Main - Sales Assistant & Barista
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about WHSmith and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at WHSmith
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
