Customer Service Associate - Bakery | Retail | M&S | UAE

• What You Will Do Customer Service & Customer Experience • Deliver outstanding customer service by greeting and assisting customers in a friendly, professional, and engaging manner. • Provide expert advice on bakery products, ingredients, allergens, and serving suggestions. • Handle customer enquiries and resolve basic complaints promptly, escalating issues where appropriate. • Build strong customer relationships to encourage repeat business and customer loyalty. • Ensure every customer enjoys a positive shopping experience in line with M&S customer service standards. Bakery Operations & Food Preparation • Prepare, package, label, and replenish bakery products in accordance with company standards. • Ensure bakery displays remain fully stocked, fresh, and visually appealing throughout trading hours. • Monitor product quality, freshness, expiry dates, and shelf life. • Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) principles and minimize food waste through effective stock rotation. • Ensure all bakery products are presented according to M&S merchandising guidelines. Visual Merchandising & Store Standards • Maintain excellent merchandising standards within the Bakery department. • Ensure displays are attractive, well-organized, and fully replenished. • Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming shopping environment. • Support promotional displays and seasonal merchandising activities. Stock Management & Inventory • Receive deliveries and accurately check bakery stock. • Replenish products throughout the day to maximize product availability. • Assist with stock counts, inventory management, and waste reduction initiatives. • Report stock shortages and quality issues to the Department Manager. • Support effective inventory control and shrinkage management. Sales Support & Commercial Performance • Promote bakery products through upselling and cross-selling. • Recommend complementary food products to enhance customer purchases. • Stay updated on current promotions, seasonal products, and new product launches. • Contribute towards achieving department sales and customer service targets. Cash Register Operations • Operate the Point of Sale (POS) system accurately and efficiently. • Process cash, card, and digital payment transactions. • Follow company cash handling policies and procedures. • Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient checkout area. Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance • Follow all Food Safety, HACCP, Municipality, and Health & Safety regulations. • Maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the Bakery department. • Ensure food preparation equipment and work areas are cleaned and sanitized regularly. • Comply with all company food handling procedures and quality standards. • Required Skills to be Successful • Excellent customer service and communication skills. • Passion for Food Retail and delivering outstanding customer experiences. • Knowledge of bakery products and food presentation. • Strong selling, upselling, and cross-selling skills. • Understanding of food safety and hygiene practices. • Good attention to detail and organizational skills. • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced retail environment. • Cash handling and POS system experience. • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills. • Positive attitude with a customer-first mindset. What Qualifies You for the Role • High School Diploma or equivalent (Hospitality or Food-related qualification is an advantage). • 1–3 years' experience in a Bakery, Café, Food Retail, Supermarket, or Hospitality environment. • Previous experience in a customer-facing role within Food Retail or Bakery operations. • Knowledge of bakery products, food handling, and food safety practices. • Experience operating POS systems and handling cash transactions. • Ability to work flexible shifts, weekends, and public holidays. • Good verbal communication skills in English (Arabic is an advantage). • Friendly, energetic, and professional personality. • Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment while maintaining high operational standards.