Customer Assistant

In Store

Store

Gyle

Location

Edinburgh, City Of Edinburgh

Contract type

Permanent

Position type

Full Time

Salary

£12.60 p/h

Closing date: 11th December 2025

How We Hire

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.

All the details

Working Pattern

Sunday 11:00-19:00

Wednesday 11:00-19:00

Thursday 13:00-21:00

Friday 11:00-19:00

Saturday 11:00-19:00

Due to operational requirements, all successful Candidates will be asked to work up to full time during the weeks commencing 14th and 21st December.

Under 18 disclaimer We can't consider applications from anyone under the age of 18. This is to comply with the relevant health and safety legislation and to keep our colleagues safe in the workplace.

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 focused 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

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.

Benefits
Wellbeing hub

Get access to resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.

Colleague Networks

We want you to feel supported, no matter what.

Gender Equality Network

Addressing gender-related challenges, raising awareness, and driving action to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Forces Community Network

Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.

Cancer Network

Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, addressing stigma, providing guidance and raising awareness to empower and assist colleagues affected by cancer.

LGBTQ+ Network

Proactively representing LGBTQ+ issues and opportunities to deliver a truly inclusive place to work and shop for our colleagues and customers.

Family & Carers Network

A support network for parents and carers, offering a space for colleagues to share experiences, exchange ideas, and access useful resources.

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.

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.

Menopause Network

Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.

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.

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