Everyone is welcome at M&S. No exceptions. It’s your background, abilities and differences that make you, uniquely you. And when you’re part of M&S, that individuality has the potential to make waves.
About the role
This section tells you all you need to know about the position and its responsibilities, outlining everything we hope to see in a successful candidate.
Summary
Service and Safety Assistant
All the details
Below is the working pattern for this vacancy.
Wednesday 10:15-20:00 Thursday 10:15-20:00
Under 18 disclaimer
To comply with health and safety legislation and keep our colleagues safe in the workplace, colleagues in this role must be 18 years of age or older.
Key Accountabilities and Measures
Clearly identified to provide customers with a visible presence at the beginning of their shopping journey
Confidently welcome customers to the store with a smile and by making eye contact, and use a range of greeting techniques known to deter theft from the store
Flexible and trained to support other areas within the store i.e. Foods, C&H, Operations
Be knowledgeable of the store, support key marketing messages, latest products and top questions (e.g. what time do you close?)
Assist customers in navigating the store, recognising when a customer needs help and provide the right level of support
Thank our customers for shopping with us when they exit
Deal calmly and empathetically with people in a variety of retail circumstances, including confrontational situations
Respond to door alarms in a sincere and apologetic manner, resolving any issues the customer may have
Be a visible deterrent against violence, anti-social behaviour, targeted theft, till snatches and criminal activity to support a safe shopping environment.
Identify and monitor suspicious persons, activity or theft and take appropriate customer engaging actions as required to deter
Ensure all incidents are reported through the M&S Incident reporting process either through the Hicom app (on the Honey well) or into the Security Operations Centre, and to the police where necessary
Ensure that persons served with a trespass notice do not re-enter the site
Responsible for carrying store radio and engaging with police and other security personnel to improve service to M&S, this may include crime partnership meetings, agreed police meetings, shop watch schemes
Apprehend external thieves (only if necessary) in line with business policy and only if all components of theft are seen
Report any incidents of known or suspected internal theft or malpractice
Key Skills
Being confident with an easily felt presence and friendly and natural personality is essential
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage customers with ease
Ability to remain focussed at greeting customers and deterring suspicious activity
To have a natural empathy with our M&S brand and values, including service behaviours
To be self-motivated, willing to improvise and suggest or try new approaches
Able to maintain high standards of appearance and uniform standards
No requirement to be licensed, but good observation skills would be a benefit
Key Relationships and Stakeholders
Store Management team
Store Colleagues
Operational Security Manager
Regional teams (RLPMs/RCOMs)
Store Detectives
SOC
Police
Local Networks
Meet the Team
Our Support
Mentorship
It’s important to us that our new colleagues feel supported in their roles and can learn from each other. That’s why we offer mentorship through our buddy system.
Flexible working
We’re a 24/7 business and our working patterns adapt to our customers’ needs. Worklife is our flexible working policy that gives colleagues the option for part-time working, a 4-day compressed week, or to job share if it’s in the best interests of everyone.
The great joy of my life as a manager is that I can coach people and help them grow. I had some fantastic line managers myself: they believed in me and would sometimes nudge me out of my comfort zone to see what I could achieve. I hope I do the same for my team.
I started with M&S as a Customer Assistant at the age of 19, and ever since then, I’ve continued to progress. Now I’m the Deputy Store Manager for one of our Academy stores, managing over 200 people. What I like the most about my role is learning new things and sharing that knowledge with the team, so they can work to the best of their ability and be high achievers.
Get access to resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back
Support your favourite charities by donating through your pay or even volunteering for them.
Pay
Earn a competitive salary.
Colleague discount
After completing your probation period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
Please note only contracts of more than 12 weeks are eligible for this benefit.
Time off
Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
Life assurance
Get cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
Workplace savings
We’ll help you save through our Pension Savings Plan, Share Buy and Sharesave schemes.
My Choices
Save on everyday costs through discounts and offers and get access to great health benefits.
Cycle to work
Bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work and save on tax and national insurance.
Smart tech
Buy the latest technology with interest-free financing directly from your salary.
Wellbeing hub
Get access to resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back
Support your favourite charities by donating through your pay or even volunteering for them.
Pay
Earn a competitive salary.
Colleague discount
After completing your probation period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
Please note only contracts of more than 12 weeks are eligible for this benefit.
Time off
Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
Life assurance
Get cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
Workplace savings
We’ll help you save through our Pension Savings Plan, Share Buy and Sharesave schemes.
My Choices
Save on everyday costs through discounts and offers and get access to great health benefits.
Cycle to work
Bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work and save on tax and national insurance.
Smart tech
Buy the latest technology with interest-free financing directly from your salary.
Open to all members of the LGBTQ+ community and spectrum (and their allies), we promote equality, celebrate inclusivity and diversity, and encourage everyone to be themselves - whatever their sexual or gender identity.
Health and Wellbeing Network
Providing a safe space for colleagues with all types of health conditions or disabilities and supporting with business initiatives to ensure our stores are truly accessible for our customers.
Forces Community Network
Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.
Culture and Heritage Network
Raising awareness of various religions and cultures through events and comms, to educate others and better represent our M&S colleagues and customers.
The Cancer Network
This is a network driven by personal experiences, with the purpose of ensuring that anyone in the M&S family affected by Cancer feels supported and has access to the information they need.
The Gender Equality Network
This group is focused on helping to create a workplace where gender-related challenges are addressed. They raise awareness of common barriers faced and offer support. They also challenge the business to act and empower individuals to ensure that everyone has equal access to opportunities.
The Family & Carers Network
This group represents the different types of families that exist. We act as a support network and sounding board for ideas which help our colleagues as parents or carers. We also run an interactive blog, where you can write your own posts or hear about others' experiences.
Menopause Network
Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.
End of slider Colleague Networks carousel
How to Apply
Here’s what to expect at each stage of the application process. This can change depending on the role you’ve applied to. If you need any reasonable adjustments made at any stage, let us know and we can help.
Send us your application
Fill in our short application form and hit submit.
Online assessment
We’ll invite you to take part in an online assessment. This could be before or after your interview.
In-person assessment centre
We’ll invite you to an in-person assessment centre or an interview. This process may differ depending on the role you’ve applied to.
Decision
After we’ve decided, we’ll be in touch. If you’ve been successful, we’ll officially invite you to join the team and let you know the next steps.
Customer Assistant - Service and Safety - Wembley Outlet