Retail Assistants (Harrow)

University of Westminster Students' Union; Harrow; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Employability support and development programme

Team socials and staff parties

Job summary

The University of Westminster Students' Union is seeking a Retail Assistant for their Harrow Shop. This role involves customer service, maintaining shop presentation, and supporting shop operations while studying.

Students will enjoy flexible hours that accommodate their lecture schedules, ensuring that work does not interfere with their studies. Applicants must be current students at the University of Westminster.

Qualifications

• Must be a current student at the University of Westminster.
• Friendly and approachable with a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Greet, serve, and assist customers for a positive experience.
• Handle customer queries, complaints, and requests professionally.
• Maintain a clean and inviting shop floor.

Skills

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Ability to multitask

Education

Current student at the University of Westminster

Job description

Job title: Retail Assistant – Harrow Shop

Hours: 0 hours

Location: Harrow Campus

Contract: September 2026- July 2027

Important Information: Please only apply if you are going to be a student for the academic year commencing September 2026. You will only be able to hold one part-time staff role during the academic year so please do not apply for multiple roles. If we feel when you are interviewing/assessing, you will be suitable for another role we will flag this.

Job purpose:

As a Retail Assistant at the Harrow Shop, you will be the face of the store and a key point of contact for customers. Your role is to create a welcoming environment, deliver excellent customer service, and support the smooth day-to-day running of the shop.

You will work in a fast-paced environment, interacting with a wide range of customers. No prior experience is necessary, as full training will be provided. This role offers a great opportunity to develop customer service, teamwork, and retail skills alongside your studies.

The role is based at the Harrow Campus, and you may be required to work Monday-Friday (08:30 – 18:30), with occasional weekend shifts when needed.

Key responsibilities:

Key Operational Duties:

• Support the opening and closing of the shop when required, following established procedures to ensure the shop is prepared for trading and secured appropriately at the end of the day.

Customer Service & Shop Presentation:

• Greet, serve, and assist customers, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
• Handle customer queries, complaints, and requests professionally.
• Advise customers on offers, promotions, and best-selling products.
• Maintain a clean and inviting shop floor, ensuring shelves are well-stocked and visually appealing.
• Assist in creating promotional displays and merchandising stock effectively.
• Check, unload, sort, and replenish stock in an organised and methodical manner.
• Carry out manual handling tasks, including lifting and moving stock safely.
• Conduct stock checks, date rotation, and quality control to maintain fresh and well-organised inventory.
• Receive, verify, and store deliveries, ensuring correct stock levels.
• Ensure accurate stock holding and recording, reporting any shortages or discrepancies.

Operational Duties & Health & Safety:

• Process customer transactions on the EPOS system (till operations).
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, following scheduled cleaning tasks.
• Complete and submit relevant checklists, reports, and operational logs.
• Follow all health and safety policies, including safe lifting techniques and fire safety protocols.
• Report any issues, hazards, or maintenance concerns to the Team Leader or Manager.

Who would this role suit?

This role is ideal for students who enjoy working with people, are proactive, and are looking to gain hands‑on experience in a customer‑facing environment.

What is in it for me?

• Truly flexible working – you’ll never be asked to work over a lecture.
• Access to our employability support and development programme.
• Access to the employee assistance programme.
• Team socials and staff parties.
• Experience working in a varied and fast‑paced environment.
• A fun working environment and great culture – you get to work with your fellow students!

Key areas we are looking for

We would love to see how you resonate with the below, so remember to include examples in your application; do not worry if you do not have any work experience, think of any other setting, such as home, university etc.

How will this be assessed

A = Application

I = Interview

Qualifications & Expertise

Must be a current student at the University of Westminster.

Skills, knowledge & expertise

• Friendly, approachable, and able to provide efficient service to a high volume of customers.
• Able to communicate clearly and professionally with students, staff, and visitors.
• Comfortable managing multiple tasks such as serving customers, restocking shelves, and maintaining shop presentation.
• Able to follow operational procedures accurately, including stock rotation, deliveries, and inventory checks.
• Comfortable carrying out physical tasks such as unloading deliveries, lifting stock, replenishing shelves, and maintaining storage areas.
• Able to work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the shop runs smoothly.

Values & behaviours

• A demonstrable commitment to our organisation’s values.
• Positive and approachable attitude.
• Willingness to learn new tasks and adapt.