Customer Assistant -Service & Safety Assistant - Hereford

Marks and Spencer plc (UK); Hereford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retailer is seeking a proactive individual to join their team in Hereford. The role involves welcoming customers with warmth, providing assistance in the store, and acting as a deterrent against theft and anti-social behavior. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, be self-motivated, and maintain high standards of appearance. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to contribute to a safer shopping environment during the busy festive season.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Support for reasonable adjustments

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Friendly, natural personality.
• Ability to remain focused on greeting customers.

Responsibilities

• Welcome customers with a smile and deterring theft.
• Assist customers in navigating the store.
• Report incidents through the M&S Incident reporting process.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Confident presence

Ability to deter suspicious activity

Self-motivated

Good observation skills

Job description

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Overview

Due to operational requirements, successful candidates will be required to work up to full time during the weeks commencing 14th and 21st December. The role involves providing a visible presence at the beginning of customers’ shopping journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Confidently welcome customers to the store with a smile, making eye contact, and use a range of greeting techniques to deter theft.


• Assist customers in navigating the store, recognising when they need help and offering the right level of support.


• Thank customers for shopping with us when they exit.


• Deal calmly and empathetically with people in a variety of retail circumstances, including confrontational situations.


• Respond to door alarms in a sincere and apologetic manner, resolving any issues the customer may have.


• Act as a visible deterrent against violence, anti‑social behaviour, targeted theft, till snatches and criminal activity to support a safe shopping environment.


• Identify and monitor suspicious persons, activity or theft and take appropriate actions to deter.


• Ensure all incidents are reported through the M&S Incident reporting process, using the Hicom app or the Security Operations Centre, and notify the police where necessary.


• Ensure that persons served with a trespass notice do not re‑enter the site.


• Carry store radio and engage with police and other security personnel to improve service to M&S, including crime partnership meetings and shop‑watch schemes.


• Apprehend external thieves (only if necessary) in line with business policy and only if all components of theft are seen.


• Report any incidents of known or suspected internal theft or malpractice.


• Support key marketing messages, keep up to date with the latest products and respond to common questions such as store hours.


• Provide knowledge of the store and support other areas within the store, i.e. Foods, C&H, Operations.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.


• Confident presence and friendly, natural personality.


• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage customers with ease.


• Ability to remain focussed on greeting customers and deterring suspicious activity.


• Self‑motivated, willing to improvise and suggest new approaches.


• Ability to maintain high standards of appearance and uniform standards.


• No licence required, but good observation skills would be a benefit.

Additional Information

M&S is ready to push boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring digital era. We are an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. We offer exciting opportunities, flexible working and support reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of all applicants. #Christmas

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