Customer Service Apprentice

Job Title: Customer Service Apprentice Location: Ridham Dock Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8 SR 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 apprenticeship Desirable: - 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 B2 B 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 qualification Benefits: - Life Insurance with access to GP24 - Commitment to wellbeing through Employee Assistance Programme - Company Events Please 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