Customer Team Leader

CO-OP; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training and career development

30% discount on Co-op products

Flexible access to pay as you earn

Up to 10% pension contributions

36 days holiday

GP access and wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Wagestream

Employee wellbeing programmes

Job summary

Co-op in Eastbourne is seeking a Customer Team Leader to head a small store team and ensure smooth daily operations, including tills, stock, and customer service. You’ll play a hands-on role on the shop floor while living our community-focused values.

You'll lead with confidence, develop your team, and champion Co-op membership. This is a front-line role at a beloved community retailer with opportunities to grow into broader store management responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Passion for people and leadership.
• Ability to work flexibly and lead by example.
• Confidence to work in a store environment alone.
• Skills in retail, merchandising, or team management.

Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day running of the store by leading the team on your shift.
• Motivate, coach, and support your team to deliver great service and efficient operations.
• Work hands-on on the shop floor and tills, supporting daily operations and setting the pace for a team of Customer Team Members.
• Support store performance through merchandising, stock accuracy, and HR processes.
• Champion Co-op through community engagement and membership growth.

Skills

Leadership

Flexible working

Store environment confidence

Retail/merchandising

Job description

You must be aged 18+ to authorise age-related sales. This role may involve periods of independent working which we'll discuss with you at interview. We'll provide relevant safety technology, and the duration of lone working will be kept within agreed guidelines. Join us as a Customer Team Leader and take the next step toward managing your own store. As a Customer Team Leader, you'll lead a small team in a fast-paced Co-op store, helping to deliver essential services to your community. Depending on your store this could involve you working in our post office or bakery or supporting online services and our home delivery drivers. Whatever the day brings, you'll play a key role in making life easier for our customers. Why this job matters: You'll keep our shelves stocked and support sales, helping us offer even more choice and exciting new services to our customers. You'll be a familiar face in the community, getting to know your customers and helping us stay connected with local and national charities. Plus, you'll be a champion for Co-op membership, helping to drive the growth of our unique business.

What you'll do

• Own the day-to-day running of the store by leading the team on your shift
• Motivate, coach, and support your team to deliver great service and efficient operations
• Work hands-on on the shop floor and tills, supporting daily operations and setting the pace for a team of Customer Team Members
• Support store performance through merchandising, stock accuracy, and HR processes
• Champion Co-op through community engagement and membership growth, As a Customer Team Member at Co-op, you'll be part of a business that’s truly different. There’s lots to do in this role, with plenty to keep you busy during your shifts. From giving our customers a great in-store experience to preparing bakery products and promoting our membership offer, every day is different. If you're looking to kick-start your retail career, this opportunity could be perfect for you.

As a Customer Team Leader, you'll help maintain our high standards while supporting your store colleagues to be their best. You'll assist the Store Manager and make sure your store is always safe. You'll also take pride in keeping the store well-stocked and looking great, leading by example and doing the right thing. If you have a strong sense of community, commercial awareness, and leadership skills, our Store Manager opportunity might be what you're looking for. As a Store Manager at Co-op, you'll lead your team and make sure everyone works together to deliver a great in-store experience for our customers. While the role comes with its challenges, with exciting opportunities for growth, it's one of the most rewarding careers in retail. You'll lead a large team of Store Managers across around 20 stores. You'll inspire your team to deliver a great customer experience, drive sales, and contribute to their communities. The role is about more than managing stores - you'll help to bring our strategies to life through exciting projects and programmes. With plenty of support and the freedom to develop, this is a great opportunity to grow your career in retail.

Minimum criteria

• Passion for people and leadership
• The ability to work flexibly and lead by example
• Confidence to work in a store environment alone
• Skills in retail, merchandising, or team management (experience not essential)

At Co-op, we're owned by our members. And because we're owned by you, we can do right by you. So, when you join us, you're not just taking a job, you're joining a movement. We're an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we're powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you'll also receive:

Benefits

• Full training and career development resources
• 30% discount on Co-op products in store
• Flexible access to your pay as you earn it
• Up to 10% pension contributions
• 36 days of holiday (pro-rated, including bank holidays)
• 24/7 access to GP appointments, and colleague support programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Market-leading policies to help you though life's big moments, Holidays starting from 36 days holiday per year (includes bank holidays)
• 30% off Co-op branded products in our food stores
• Pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• Wagestream - a money management app that gives you access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Services to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing

Success profile

• Customer Focus
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• People Management

What you'll do as a Customer Team Leader (Food Retail at Co-op)

Our Food Retail teams are the face of Co-op. If you're welcoming, friendly, and helpful, you'll thrive here. The day is busy, but our colleagues work together to get things done and give our customers a great in-store experience. Whether you're a Customer Team Member, Customer Team Leader, or Store Manager, we'll reward you by supporting your financial, physical, and mental wellbeing, and give you the tools to own your development and your career. That's our promise to you.

Our Co-op culture

At Co-op you'll be welcomed and included, cared for inside and outside of work, and empowered by supportive leaders. We're all in this together and at Co-op, we always look out for each other. We'll do all we can to help you create a great work/life balance. If you experience abuse or harassment in the workplace, we'll support you. Your manager won't solve all your problems, but they'll understand and empower you.