Trade Counter Assistant

Osprey Engineering Solutions; St Albans; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Osprey Engineering Solutions in St Albans is seeking a customer-focused sales assistant to work at the trade counter and support counter/warehouse duties. You will assist customers, identify needs for hydraulic hoses and related parts, and handle sales and stock processes.

Training will be provided for hydraulics products and basic hose assembly. A friendly team environment, with onsite duties and opportunities to grow within the business, is offered.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a trade counter, retail, or customer service role (essential).
• Interest in hydraulics, pneumatics, engineering, or automotive parts (desirable, training provided).
• Strong communication skills and a genuine willingness to help customers.
• Good numeracy skills for handling transactions and stock counts.
• Comfortable with manual handling and standing on counter/warehouse duties.
• Reliable, punctual, and a good team player.

Responsibilities

• Serve customers at the trade counter, in person and over the phone, providing friendly and knowledgeable service
• Identify customer requirements and recommend hydraulic hoses, fittings, adapters, oils, and consumables
• Process sales, cash and card transactions, and maintain accurate till/point-of-sale records
• Pick, prepare, and package orders for collection or dispatch
• Assist with basic hose assembly and crimping where required (training provided)
• Receive, check, and put away incoming stock deliveries
• Maintain stock levels on the shop floor, flagging low stock to the manager
• Keep counter, shop floor, and display areas clean, tidy, and well organised
• Handle customer queries, complaints, and returns professionally, escalating where needed
• Support wider warehouse/workshop colleagues during busy periods

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

Stock management

Communication

Team player

Tools

POS system

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Serve customers at the trade counter, in person and over the phone, providing friendly and knowledgeable service
• Identify customer requirements and recommend appropriate hydraulic hoses, fittings, adapters, oils, and consumables
• Process sales, cash and card transactions, and maintain accurate till/point-of-sale records
• Pick, prepare, and package orders for collection or dispatch
• Assist with basic hose assembly and crimping where required (training provided)
• Receive, check, and put away incoming stock deliveries
• Maintain stock levels on the shop floor, flagging low stock to the manager
• Keep the counter, shop floor, and display areas clean, tidy, and well organised
• Handle customer queries, complaints, and returns professionally, escalating where needed
• Support wider warehouse/workshop colleagues during busy periods

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in a trade counter, retail, or customer service role (essential)
• Interest in or experience with hydraulics, pneumatics, engineering, or automotive parts (desirable, not essential - full training given)
• Strong communication skills and a genuine willingness to help customers
• Good numeracy skills for handling transactions and stock counts
• Comfortable with manual handling and being on your feet for counter/warehouse duties
• Reliable, punctual, and a good team player
• Full UK driving licence (desirable, for local deliveries/collections)