About Company
Co-op Food is one of the UK’s leading convenience retailers, deeply embedded in communities across the nation. As a community-focused organisation, we pride ourselves on our ethical sourcing, commitment to local produce, and dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of our members and customers. Our mission extends beyond just providing quality products; we champion fairness, support local causes, and strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors. With a rich history and a forward-looking approach, Co-op Food offers a unique retail experience where values matter as much as value. Joining us means becoming part of a team that genuinely cares about people, planet, and profit, in that order.
Job Description
Are you an enthusiastic individual eager to kickstart your career in customer service within a supportive, community-focused environment? Co-op Food in Rothwell, Leeds, is excited to offer a unique Customer Service Intern – Paid Placement opportunity. This isn’t just a job; it’s a stepping stone designed to provide you with invaluable hands-on experience, professional development, and a deep understanding of customer relations within the vibrant retail sector. At Co-op, we believe in supporting our local communities and developing talent from within, and this placement is a testament to that commitment. We are dedicated to making a real difference, not just through our products but through the people we serve and employ.
During your paid placement, you will be an integral part of our Rothwell store team, learning the essential skills required to deliver exceptional customer experiences. You’ll be mentored by experienced colleagues who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping you grow. This role offers a dynamic learning environment where you’ll engage directly with our customers, understanding their needs, resolving queries, and ensuring their shopping experience is always positive and seamless. You’ll gain practical insights into the day-to-day retail operations, including efficient stock management, appealing merchandising techniques, and effective communication strategies that form the backbone of a successful community-centric business. This exposure will equip you with a holistic understanding of how a busy retail store functions and thrives.
We are looking for someone who is proactive, possesses a genuine can-do attitude, and is genuinely interested in making a positive impact on people’s daily lives. You’ll develop crucial transferable soft skills such as effective problem-solving, seamless teamwork, diligent time management, and crucial adaptability – all highly sought after in any professional field. This placement will provide a structured learning path, allowing you to observe best practices, assist in various operational tasks, and eventually confidently lead on diverse customer service interactions under the guidance of our experienced team. You’ll play a key role in fostering a friendly, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere in our store, becoming a familiar and trusted face within the Rothwell community. Our aim is for you to not only learn but to truly feel part of the Co-op family.
This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are just starting their professional journey, perhaps straight out of education, looking for an entry into the world of work, or considering a career change into retail and customer service. You don’t need prior extensive experience; what we value most is your potential, eagerness to learn, and commitment to upholding our Co-op values of fairness, openness, and caring for others. If you’re ready to learn, grow, and contribute to a business that genuinely cares about its customers and colleagues, then this Customer Service Intern – Paid Placement at Co-op Food is the perfect starting point for building a rewarding and impactful career.
Key Responsibilities
- Greet and assist customers with a friendly and positive attitude, ensuring a welcoming store environment.
- Learn and effectively operate till systems, processing transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Handle customer inquiries, resolve minor issues, and escalate complex concerns to supervisors as needed.
- Assist with stock replenishment, merchandising, and maintaining store cleanliness and presentation standards.
- Participate in team meetings and training sessions to enhance product knowledge and customer service skills.
- Provide feedback on customer interactions and store processes to contribute to continuous improvement.
- Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
Required Skills
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- A positive and enthusiastic attitude
- Strong willingness to learn and develop new skills
- Reliability and punctuality
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills
Preferred Qualifications
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths
- Prior experience in a customer-facing role (e.g., volunteer work, school projects)
- An interest in the retail sector and community engagement
- Basic computer literacy
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive paid placement wage
- Structured learning and development program
- Mentorship from experienced retail professionals
- Opportunity to gain valuable, transferable work experience
- Potential for future career opportunities within Co-op
- Employee discount on Co-op products
- A supportive and inclusive work environment
- Opportunity to contribute to a community-focused business
How to Apply
To embark on this exciting Customer Service Intern – Paid Placement journey with Co-op Food, please click on the application link below. We encourage you to submit your application promptly.