Customer Service Apprentice

Job Title: Customer Service Apprentice

Location: Ridham Dock Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8SR

Salary: Salary in line with the government apprenticeship wage requirements

Job Type: Permanent, Full time

Working Hours: Monday to Friday

About Us:

Countrystyle is a member of the family-owned Heathcote Holdings Group of resource management companies and as a family run business our people and customers are at the heart of our growth and drive for passion for solution focused service.

About the role:

Countrystyle Recycling Ltd is looking to recruit a motivated and customer-focused individual to join our Commercial team as a Customer Service Apprentice. Working towards a nationally recognised Level 3 Customer Service Specialist qualification, the successful candidate will gain hands-on experience managing customer relationships, resolving queries and supporting continuous service improvement across our commercial operations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in customer service and commercial account management within the recycling and waste management sector.

Responsibilities:

Serve as a first point of contact for commercial customers, handling enquiries, requests and complaints via telephone, email and other communication channels.
Act a referral or escalation point for complex or technical customer queries, ensuring timely and professional resolution.
Build and maintain effective relationships with commercial customers, understanding their needs and managing expectations.
Gather and analyse customer feedback and data to support continuous service improvements.
Use the company's CRM system and digital tools to log, track and manage customer interactions accurately.
Apply knowledge of relevant legislation, regulation and company policy to all customer service delivery.
Support colleagues by sharing best practice, providing coaching and contributing to a positive team environment.
Liaise with internal departments (e.g Operations, Finance, Transport) to resolve customer issues end to end.
Contribute to the preparation of customer reports, service reviews and account management activities.
Undertake all learning and development activities required as part of the Level 3 Customer Service Specialist Apprenticeship.
Carry out any other reasonable duties as directed by the Line Manager.About you:

Essential:

Strong verbal and written communication skills
Good listening and questioning skills to understand customer needs
Ability to remain calm and professional when handling complaints or complex queries
Strong organisational and time management skills
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Some previous customer-facing experience (e.g. retail, hospitality or office-based)
Experience handling customer queries or complaints
GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or willingness to undertake Functional Skills as part of the apprenticeship)
Aged 16 or over and eligible to undertake an apprenticeshipDesirable:

Experience using CRM or customer management systems
Ability to analyse data and present findings clearly
Understanding of the waste management or recycling sector
Experience working in a B2B or commercial environment
Experience working within a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment
Experience with account management or contract-based customers
Any customer service or business administration qualificationBenefits:

Life Insurance with access to GP24
Commitment to wellbeing through Employee Assistance Programme
Company EventsPlease click the APPLY button to submit your CV for this role.

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Customer Service Apprentice, Customer Service, Customer Service Graduate, Customer Service Trainee may also be considered for this role
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed