Reposted 6 days ago

Customer Assistant - Christmas - Foods - Cannock

Marks & Spencer
Pay Estimated pay: £11.90-12.96 per hour

Location Cannock

The Breakroom Take

6.3

Rated 6.3 out of 10, based on 3,053 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

See all job reviews

  • Recommended by students
  • Respectful managers
  • Proper breaks

About Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer is a retailer. They sell clothing, homeware and food.

Job description from Marks & Spencer

All the details

Work Pattern

Thu 11.00-15.00

Fri 11.00-15.00

Sat 11.00-15.00

Sun 10.00-14.00

Purpose

To deliver a great shopping experience for our customers, we are looking for colleagues who put customers before tasks every time whilst championing and promoting our brilliant products. As the face of the business, you will be the voice of our customers helping us to continually improve.

Key Accountabilities 

  • Serve our customers efficiently, both on the shop floor and at service points 
  • Keep the store clean and tidy, ensuring that our shelves are always stocked with product
  • Monitor and deliver on the daily sales targets, priorities, promotions and selling opportunities 
  • Proactively engage with customers to understand their needs, make recommendations and deliver remarkable service throughout their visit to store.
  • Build expert product knowledge to sell and recommend our products and services 
  • We’ll give you the training to utilise all digital tools and communication channels to deliver for the customer every time


Key Capabilities 

  • High levels of customer service
  • Committed to delivering excellent work with great attention to detail 
  • Open to and acts upon feedback, asking for this regularly 
  • Takes accountability for planning and managing own workload efficiently
  • Strong communication skills
  • Adaptable to changing situations
  • Builds positive relationships by being a good listener
  • Good level of digital capability


Everyone’s Welcome

M&S is ready to push boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring digital era. That’s why we’re revolutionising how we work and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. There’s never been a better time to be part of our team. Marks & Spencer aims to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make an immediate impact.

We are committed to an active Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy, which starts with our recruitment and selection process, and we are happy to talk flexible working.

If you consider yourself to require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process, we invite you to share those requirements with us when completing your application. We will make every effort to ensure your needs are met to provide a fair and transparent process of assessment.

Job insights from Breakroom

Retail and sales assistants:

Sales assistants help customers and sell goods and services

What you’ll do as a retail and sales assistant:

  • Serve and advise customers
  • Take delivery of goods and stock
  • Arrange and display goods
  • Check for damaged or missing items
  • Handle customer payments, returns and refunds
  • Keep the store clean and tidy

Is it right for you?

This job may involve:

  • Dealing with customers
  • Standing
  • Wearing a uniform
  • Heavy lifting
  • Cleaning
  • Physical activities

Map

Cannock

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Good
  • Most people are paid a living wage

    Do Marks & Spencer pay customer assistants enough to live on?

    Most people are paid a living wage.

    How we know this

    82% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they live.

    Based on data from 99 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should be paid enough to live on.

    The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.

    The current rates are £12.00 per hour, and £13.15 per hour in London.

    Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.

  • Good
  • Most people are paid market rates

    Do Marks & Spencer pay customer assistants market rates?

    Most people are paid above average for their job.

    How we know this

    92% of people are paid above average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 102 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.

  • Good
  • Everyone is paid the same, whatever their age

    Do customer assistants at Marks & Spencer get paid the same regardless of age?

    Yes, people under the age of 21 get paid the same as those above 21.

    See what Marks & Spencer pays different age groups

    How we know this

    The average pay of under 21s is the same as those above 21.

    Based on data from 254 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get paid breaks

    Do customer assistants at Marks & Spencer get paid breaks?

    No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    96% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 100 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should have paid breaks.

    You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get sick pay

    Do Marks & Spencer pay customer assistants sick pay?

    Sometimes. Only some people get proper sick pay.

    How we know this

    67% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 78 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.

    At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.

    This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.

  • Good
  • Most people don’t do unpaid extra work

    Do customer assistants at Marks & Spencer do extra work that they don't get paid for?

    Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.

    How we know this

    69% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.

    Based on data from 97 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.

Hours and flexibility

    Needs improving
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts

    How much notice do customer assistants get of their shift pattern at Marks & Spencer?

    Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.

    How we know this

    • 24% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
    • 20% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
    • 23% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
    • 33% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.

    Based on data from 83 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.

    This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.

  • Good
  • Most people don’t worry about their hours

    Do customer assistants at Marks & Spencer worry about hours?

    Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    80% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 99 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.

    A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.

    This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get a choice of shifts

    Do customer assistants at Marks & Spencer get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    46% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 101 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to change shifts

    How easy is it for customer assistants at Marks & Spencer to change shifts?

    Some people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    58% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 67 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to book holiday

    How easy is it for customer assistants to book a holiday at Marks & Spencer?

    Some people find it hard to book holiday.

    How we know this

    45% of people report it’s hard to book holidays.

    Based on data from 85 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.

  • Okay
  • Shifts can get changed at short notice

    Do Marks & Spencer managers change customer assistants shifts at short notice?

    Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.

    How we know this

    41% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.

    Based on data from 92 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.

  • Okay
  • Some people find it hard to take sick leave

    How easy is it for customer assistants to take sick leave at Marks & Spencer?

    Some people find it hard to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    43% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.

    A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.

  • Good
  • Most students say it’s good

    Is customer assistants at Marks & Spencer job good for students?

    Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    How we know this

    79% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    Based on data from 102 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should allow you to fit work around important things in your life, like studying.

    Life isn’t just about work. Good jobs make space for you to do well in both.

  • Okay
  • Only some parents say it’s good

    Is working as customer assistants at Marks & Spencer good if you have caring responsibilities?

    Only some parents and carer say this is a good place to work.

    How we know this

    34% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.

    Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2023 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.

Workplace

    Good
  • Most people feel treated with respect

    Do customer assistants at Marks & Spencer feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    74% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 88 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.

  • Good
  • Most people get proper breaks

    Do customer assistants at Marks & Spencer get proper breaks?

    Most people get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    84% of people report that they get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 90 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.

  • Okay
  • Some people are stressed

    Is it stressful for customer assistants to work at Marks & Spencer?

    Some people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    60% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 93 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.

    Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Okay
  • Only some people enjoy their job

    Do customer assistants at Marks & Spencer enjoy their jobs?

    Only some people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    41% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 78 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do customer assistants at Marks & Spencer recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    42% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 101 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job means enjoying the place where you work.

    The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.

    If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get enough training

    Do customer assistants get enough training when they start at Marks & Spencer?

    Some people did’t get enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    46% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 97 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.

    This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.

    It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get support to progress

    Are customer assistants given support to progress at Marks & Spencer?

    Only some people are given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 63% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.

    Based on data from 83 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.

    This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening

    Do customer assistants think Marks & Spencer head office understands what's happening where they work?

    Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    86% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 87 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.

    To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.

  • Good
  • Most people feel well informed by head office

    Do customer assistants feel well informed about how Marks & Spencer is doing?

    Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    69% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 95 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2024 and November 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.

    You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.

Find out more about working at Marks & Spencer

What Marks & Spencer employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    The hours fit in with my work/life balance.
    I learn new skills everyday.
    The job has variety so my shifts go quickly.
    Some staff are really helpful and supportive and a joy to be around.
    Uniform is provided.

    Worst thing

    Some staff are rude and obnoxious. Being moaned at for being early on my shift one day was an eye-opener. Bever heard anything so negative.
    Some staff members are always late on shift which means my shift finishes late and yet I must log out of my shift on time.
    I don't get paid for the times when this happens.
    Some staff are moody and there is a cliquey. The back stabbing is rife too. I'm fed up with it. I try and stay positive but some staff are so negative to be around.
    Training could have been a little longer. Learning on the job is helpful but there are so many aspects to the role. It gets so busy that Being shown new tasks is rushed while working and makes me feel stressed.
    Staff commented tasks in their own way. There's no consistency in training on the job. One staff member may show me one method and another says it's incorrect. It's a nightmare!

    5.5

    Marks & Spencer Customer assistant, October 2024

  • Best thing

    20% discount on everything.

    Worst thing

    Penalised for having mental health issues or long term health issues.
    Management are too young.
    Can often feel like you’re at a primary school.
    The expectations are beyond what you’re actually paid to do.

    1.2

    Marks & Spencer Customer assistant, August 2024

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    The social aspect, interacting with the public, going the extra mile to helpful & looking out for people

    Worst thing

    Lazy team workers, lack of drive in some, lateness & shoddy work, lack of pride in what they do.

    7.5

    Marks & Spencer Employee, August 2024

  • Best thing

    Staff discount of 20%, colleagues are friendly. Working in bakery lets you manage your own break times/lunch, and you work mostly uninterrupted by customers/other staff.

    Worst thing

    Sickness policy is quite strict and makes you feel bad/stressed about being unwell or needing time time off.

    7.6

    Marks & Spencer Bakery assistant, April 2024

  • Best thing

    The Business reputation itself, pay for students while in uni and activities

    Worst thing

    Waste being hard to do if not planned properly, because you’re given more work than some others at times and it’s difficult to complete within 2 hours.

    6.7

    Marks & Spencer Employee, December 2022

  • Best thing

    Some people are really lovely. There's a "family" feel. Starbucks on site.

    Worst thing

    There's too much focus on targets. People forced onto workstreams/teams they're not comfortable on. Not much in place to support advisors with stress/anxiety despite barking corporate wellbeing all the time.

    7.0

    Marks & Spencer Customer service manager, June 2022

  • Best thing

    Love my job role get to deal with different situations in store daily

    Worst thing

    It can at times be very stressful with a heavy work load and no support there is also no career to progress in my job roll

    7.5

    Marks & Spencer Employee, October 2021

  • Best thing

    The hours fit in with family life. Eg. Picking up the kids from school. Finishing at 12.30, it gives me time to do things at home.

    Worst thing

    Too many jobs to do and not given enough time to the point that a task rarely gets completed. Very poor communication from the managers.

    6.4

    Marks & Spencer Warehouse operative, July 2021

  • Best thing

    Learned everyday in a daily task.... Learned every single food that I have not encountered yet.. Mostly I enjoyed serving the costumer and helping them when they needed me the most. ❤️

    Worst thing

    People are very secretive and think keeping knowledge is powerful.

    7.1

    Marks & Spencer Customer assistant, May 2021

  • Best thing

    Freedom in bakery to a degree, can work and take breaks when I want rather than be told. Colleagues and managers in store. Unique team, when visitors come to cover shifts they are impressed by our team spirit

    Worst thing

    Not getting enough help at times feel like bakery is poor cousin to the main store sometimes. When customers are nasty, feel like we cannot defend ourselves and address their behaviour, just have to take it

    7.3

    Marks & Spencer Baker, March 2021

  • More reviews from Marks & Spencer employees

Similar jobs around Cannock