Sales Assistant and Active Travel Advisor
Hours of work - 22.5 hours per week over Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-6pm initially, with occasional weekend working.
Holiday entitlement - 5.6 weeks pro rata per annum (inclusive of public holidays)
Terms of contract - permanent (subject to 13 weeks probation and funding) with option to apply to join the co-op.
Accessibility - The workshop is up a flight of stairs with a handrail. The role will involve lifting and carrying bikes.
Application process - Please download our application pack at by 10am on Wednesday 27th November.
We will let you know if you have been selected for an interview by the end of 29th November. We will invite shortlisted candidates to meet the team between 2nd - 6th December, which will involve a 2 hour work trial plus interview, either over lunch (10.30-1.30) or over tea (2.30-5.30).
If you have any questions about the role or application process please contact us:
info@leedsbikemill.org or call us 07729895510
Job Description
We are looking for someone to join our team as a sales assistant and active travel advisor, who following induction would be primarily responsible for handling sales and enquiries. As the main public point of contact for our active travel hub, you would support visitors to find the information, equipment and support they need to travel actively, including signposting to relevant partner organisations and encouraging people to try out suitable courses, groups, etc. This will include contributing to the staffing of monthly weekend ‘Info sessions’.
An additional part of the role is being a trainee mechanic; some of your time will be spent developing your bike maintenance skills under the supervision of other team members, working towards becoming a fully qualified bicycle mechanic.
We deal with a range of enquiries - anything from commuters needing waterproof solutions for winter, to parents looking for their perfect first bike for family riding. We serve a diverse community and place importance on greeting everyone at our door in a non-judgemental and friendly manner.
Benefits of the role
We have found working at Leeds Bike Mill provides very varied, interesting and meaningful work in a friendly and supportive work environment. There are always opportunities to develop your skills - not just in bike maintenance, but workshop development, project management and all aspects of running a small business! We see our organisation as part of the bigger picture of improving sustainable transport in Leeds, up-skilling our community, and making cycling more accessible. Read more about our vision on our website.
Although this vacancy focuses on customer service initially, we would also invest in developing your bike mechanic skills, with the intention that at the end of your first year you would be skilled enough to join the team as a mechanic.
As a co-op, Leeds Bike Mill aims to support both our members (workers) and our community. We are guided by the co-operative values and principles and believe that having a say in how your work is organised has many benefits - from empowerment to job security. There is also a staff discount available to help you keep your own bike in good shape!
About You
We are looking for someone who shares our passion for sustainable transport, in particular cycling. Ideally you will have an appreciation of what it’s like to be a cyclist in Leeds, and have a basic understanding of different types of bikes, and an enthusiasm for making people’s cycling experience the best it can be. We ask that you are willing to learn, with a commitment to becoming a fully qualified bike mechanic. The role would suit someone who has great people skills, is patient and level-headed.
We are particularly keen to encourage applications from people who are under-represented in cycling, and who have experienced barriers to cycling themselves. The cycling industry remains very male-dominated, with women and people of marginalised genders occupying only a very small percentage of workshop or customer facing roles. We also know that people from minoritised racial and ethnic groups, disabled people and LGBTQ+ people are less likely to cycle, and are poorly represented in the industry. We are committed to providing a supportive and representative environment which encourages members of our community who are not ‘typical’ cyclists to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
Key tasks and responsibilities (training provided as necessary)
Representing the organisation with a friendly, inclusive and professional manner
Answering enquiries by email, on the phone, on our social media accounts and face to face
Advising visitors about bikes, accessories and security
Sales, including maintaining up-to-date website listings and POS system
Promoting the active travel hub activities to visitors and customers
Accurate record keeping, scheduling and cash handling
Carrying out minor bike repairs e.g. puncture repair for customers
Signposting clients to appropriate support e.g. courses, groups etc
Developing bike recycling skills and working towards becoming a fully qualified mechanic
Contributing to workshop and office housekeeping
Opportunity to take on other responsibilities and projects in addition to core workload
About us
Leeds Bike Mill is a community interest company and workers’ co-operative. We aim to provide a friendly, affordable service to our communities in Leeds, offering quality recycled bikes, parts and accessories, expert advice and bike maintenance training courses. We have recently received funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority to set up an Active Travel Hub, which will enable us to expand our services and support more people to gain the skills, confidence and equipment they need to make more active journeys.