Overview
Royal Voluntary Service has an opportunity for a Retail Customer Assistant at Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, SR4 7TP. This is a part-time, permanent role with a salary of £12.43 per hour (FTE £22,638 per annum).
About the Role
Royal Voluntary Service hospital cafes, shops and trolleys are part of the NHS and a real asset in their own right. Staffed by employees and volunteers, we provide beverages and healthy food choices. Our customers know that the money they spend helps fund volunteer action in hospitals and the community. You will work with a friendly team of employees and volunteers to participate in the day-to-day running of our busy retail sites at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
Responsibilities
* Providing friendly, helpful and efficient service at all times
* Welcoming customers, informing them about specials or new products, answering questions and accepting orders and payments
* Operating the till and cashing up
* Maintaining a high level of cleanliness in line with Health and Safety and food hygiene standards; ensuring all areas stay tidy
* Ensuring stock and displays are replenished regularly and ordering supplies if required
* Delivering hot and cold drinks (Café) and serving freshly made food such as cake, sandwiches and pastries (Café)
* Receiving deliveries, distributing, rotating stock, and assisting with regular stock checks
* Engaging with volunteers to support a great volunteer experience
Hours: 12 per week, flexibly across 7 days, comprising 2 x 6 hour shifts. Our retail sites are open on weekends and bank holidays. There may be opportunities for paid overtime during busy periods or to cover absence.
Requirements/What You’ll Bring
Working in a hospital requires a customer-focused approach. You should be able to communicate with a variety of people in a friendly and cheerful manner, adapting your approach to meet individual needs.
* Previous experience in retail or café environments is advantageous, but training will be provided; a positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential
* Ability to deliver outstanding customer service
* Excellent communication skills
* Strong organisational skills
* Familiarity with email and internet
* Flexible approach to working hours
* Team-oriented but able to work independently when required
* Proficient literacy and numeracy
* Knowledge of EPOS/till systems is advantageous
* Knowledge and experience of general administrative processes
* Willingness to undertake training and ongoing professional development
Job Responsibilities
This role ensures the effective operation of the retail outlet(s) with outstanding store standards and excellent customer service to maximise the shopping experience.
* Welcoming customers, informing them about specials or new products, answering questions and processing payments
* Preparing hot and cold drinks and serving café items
* Operating the till and handling cash reconciliation as required
* Receiving deliveries, maintaining and rotating stock, and supporting stock checks
* Engaging with volunteers to provide a great volunteer experience
* Maintaining a high level of cleanliness in line with Health and Safety and food hygiene standards
* This role may involve pushing loaded trolleys of stock for long distances
How You’ll be assessed
Delivers Objectives – Strives to meet expectations and deadlines with dependable, thorough work. Quality Orientation – Pays attention to detail and adheres to policy and standards. Team Working – Collaborates and supports others. Service Delivery Focus – Provides high-quality service and keeps people safe. Following Directions – Complies with standards and works cooperatively. Interpersonal Sensitivity – Builds respectful relationships. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion – Promotes inclusive practices in all interactions.
Benefits
This is what you’ll receive:
* Salary of £12.43 per hour (FTE £22,638 per annum)
* 26 days’ holiday (pro rata) plus paid statutory Bank Holidays (pro rata)
* Ten weeks’ company sick pay after probation
* Excellent pension scheme
* 2 x Salary Death in Service Benefit (subject to qualification)
* Enhanced Family Leave schemes
* Access to an exclusive rewards website for discounts and cashback
* 24-hour doctor line and financial support for dental/optical and other therapies
* Free and confidential employee assistance programme with up to six counselling sessions
* Extensive online and on-the-job training to support success
* Flexible working opportunities
* Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
* Impactful work that changes lives and communities
If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Retail Customer Assistant, please click ‘apply’ today. The closing date is 09 October 2025. We may close early if sufficient applications are received. We are committed to welcoming everyone and building inclusive and diverse teams.
For more on our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), visit our website. Other organisations may refer to this role as Retail Assistant, Shop Assistant, Café Assistant, Store Assistant, Retail Sales Assistant, or Customer Service Assistant.
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