Sales Assistant

Rushden Lakes; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts on outdoor gear

Employee Assistance Programme

Extensive product training

Staff discounts 40-60%

Up to 33 days holiday

Yearly bonus up to £750

Job summary

Rushden Lakes is seeking a Sales Assistant (Customer Advisor) to help customers choose the right outdoor gear and enjoy expert guidance. You’ll work with friendly teammates in a store that values learning and hands-on training in gait analysis, boot fitting, and rucksack fitting.

We offer flexible hours on a zero-hour contract with rotas published 4 weeks in advance. You can grow with ongoing training, benefit from staff discounts, and participate in a supportive, nature-loving team environment.

Qualifications

• Friendly advice to customers and ability to understand needs.
• Willingness to learn gait analysis, boot fitting and rucksack fitting.
• Flexible to work weekend shifts and variable hours.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a standout shopping experience by understanding each customer's needs and helping them find the right outdoor gear.
• Take pride in the store's appearance and create a welcoming environment for every customer.
• Build product knowledge through expert training and hands-on experience to offer reliable advice.
• Learn and deliver specialist services like gait analysis, boot fitting and rucksack fitting with supported training.
• Help the store run smoothly by keeping shelves tidy and stockroom organised.
• Be part of a flexible team with rotas published 4 weeks in advance and regular availability.

Skills

Friendly customer service

Customer advisory

Weekend flexibility

Tools

Gait analysis training

Boot fitting

Rucksack fitting

Job description

Whether you're studying, parenting, or just looking for more balance, this role gives you the freedom to change your availability each week - all while being part of a team that helps people enjoy the outdoors.

If that sounds like the kind of flexibility you're after, you might be just who we're looking for.

We're hiring Sales Assistants to:

• Give friendly advice to customers
• Get full training on specialist services like boot fitting and gait analysis
• Enjoy 40 - 60% discount on top outdoor brands

Sound interesting? Read on to learn more.

About us

We believe life's better when it's lived outdoors. Whether it's hiking up hills, swimming in wild water, or just stepping away from the screen, being in nature helps us feel human again. But getting out there starts with having the right kit - and that's where you come in.

We're looking for a Sales Assistant - known in our team as a Customer Advisor - to help support all kinds of adventure. From experienced hikers to weekend walkers, you'll give friendly, helpful advice and make sure they find the gear that suits them.

We're part of the Cotswold Outdoor Group, which also includes Runners Need and Snow + Rock. Together, we offer trusted outdoor brands, expert advice, and a real commitment to protecting the planet.

Whether it's your first job or your next step, we've got great opportunities to learn, grow, and be part of something bigger.

What you'll be doing

As part of our store team you'll be working with friendly people who enjoy the outdoors, just like you. You'll help customers reconnect with nature by making sure they leave with the right kit, whatever the elements throw at them. Each day you can expect to:

• Deliver a standout shopping experience by understanding each customer's needs and helping them find the right outdoor gear
• Take pride in the store's appearance and work with your team to create a welcoming and inspiring environment for every customer
• Build trusted product knowledge through expert training and hands-on experience, so you can offer reliable advice
• Learn and deliver specialist services like gait analysis, boot fitting and rucksack fitting - we'll give you all the training you need to support every customer's journey
• Help the store run smoothly by keeping shelves tidy, products easy to see, and the stockroom neat and organised
• Be part of a flexible team, with weekend shifts included so we can help customers when they need us the most
• Take advantage of regular learning and development opportunities - whether you're starting out or aiming to progress, we're here to help you grow.

Although our zero-hour contracts provide flexibility to work varying hours each week, our rotas are published 4 weeks in advance and we ask that you confirm your availability in line with this. There is no commitment to work every week, but you will need to work regularly to remain an active colleague and be offered work.

What you'll get from us

• Starting salary of £12.71 per hour (£11.11 per hour if you're under 21)
• Support for your wellbeing with free, confidential help available any time through our Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and learning including expert sessions from top outdoor brands and our in-house development team to help you grow your skills and confidence
• 40 - 60% discount on our full range of outdoor clothing and gear
• Up to 33 days holiday (pro-rated based on your role and hours) with the option to buy more
• Yearly bonus of up to £750 (based on how many hours you work)
• Discounts on everyday essentials like shopping, dining, fitness and entertainment through our perks platform

Everyone's welcome

We welcome applications from all genders, backgrounds, and experiences. Diverse teams make us stronger, helping us learn, grow, and create a place where everyone belongs.

We want to hear your voice so encourage you to write your own application and use AI tools sparingly. We're looking for honesty, authenticity, and a real sense of who you are. Applications that feel generic or AI-generated may not stand out.