Customer Service Advisor / Contact-Centre Advisor in Gateshead NE11 – Immediate Start
Join Staff Direct, a leading Gateshead recruitment agency, for an immediate temporary-to-permanent opportunity. Competitive weekly pay, flexible shift patterns, and a fast-track registration process await.
Job Description: Customer Service Advisor / Contact-Centre Advisor
Staff Direct is urgently recruiting for an experienced Customer Service Advisor / Contact-Centre Advisor to join a dynamic, fast-paced customer support team for a major retail client based in the Gateshead NE11 area. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone seeking an immediate start, ongoing work, and the potential to transition into a permanent position with a reputable employer.
Our client is a household name, renowned for excellent customer service. As their dedicated recruitment partner in the North East, we manage their urgent staffing needs. This role is perfect for proactive communicators who thrive in a target-driven environment. You’ll be the first point of contact, handling customer enquiries across multiple channels including phone, email, and live chat, ensuring every interaction adds value and builds brand loyalty. If you're looking for a role that offers variety, progression, and the stability of weekly pay through a trusted agency like Staff Direct, apply today.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
- Providing first-class customer service via inbound telephone calls, resolving queries related to orders, accounts, and product information efficiently and professionally.
- Managing email and live chat correspondence, ensuring all service level agreements (SLAs) are met and customer satisfaction is maintained.
- Accurately processing customer orders, returns, and exchanges using the company's internal CRM and order management systems.
- Identifying and escalating complex issues to the relevant team leaders or specialist departments to ensure swift resolution.
- Upselling and cross-selling relevant products and services where appropriate, contributing to team sales targets.
- Maintaining meticulous records of all customer interactions and following data protection (GDPR) guidelines at all times.
Essential Skills & Requirements
- Proven Experience: Minimum of 6 months experience in a customer-facing role, ideally within a contact centre, retail, or hospitality environment.
- Communication Excellence: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English, with a clear, confident, and empathetic telephone manner.
- Tech Savvy: Strong IT literacy and the ability to quickly learn new software systems, including CRM platforms and Microsoft Office.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: A natural aptitude for listening, understanding customer needs, and finding effective solutions under pressure.
- Reliability & Flexibility: A commitment to excellent attendance and the flexibility to work within rotating shift patterns, including some weekends.
Apply for This Role
Submit your application today for an immediate interview. Our Gateshead team will contact you within 24 hours.
Apply Online NowSalary & Benefits
- Competitive hourly rate of £11.50 - £13.50, paid weekly every Friday.
- 28 days paid holiday (pro-rata) including bank holidays.
- Clear temp-to-perm pathway for high performers after a qualifying period.
- Comprehensive training and ongoing support from both the client and your dedicated Staff Direct consultant.
- Modern, vibrant working environment with excellent staff facilities.
- Access to a wide range of other roles through Staff Direct, from Payroll Administrator positions to Labourer / General Operative jobs.
Why Choose Staff Direct as Your Recruitment Agency?
Local Expertise
We have an in-depth understanding of the Gateshead NE11 job market and strong relationships with top employers across the North East.
Speed & Efficiency
Our streamlined registration and vetting process means we can often place candidates in roles like this Customer Service Advisor position within 48 hours.
Ongoing Support
You’re not just a number. You get a dedicated consultant for continuous support, pay queries, and career advice throughout your assignment.
How to Apply & The Registration Process
Getting started with your new Customer Service Advisor role in Gateshead is simple and fast. Follow these four easy steps.
Apply Online or Call
Click 'Apply Now' on this page or call us directly on +44 (0)2036275550. Have your basic details and CV ready.
Screening Interview
A member of our Gateshead team will call you for a brief, friendly interview to discuss your experience and suitability for the role.
Fast-Track Registration
Complete our quick online registration and compliance checks. We guide you through every step, making it hassle-free.
Start Your Role
Once cleared, you'll be briefed on the client, receive your shift pattern, and can start your new position, often within days.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected] with the subject line"Gateshead Customer Service Advisor Application".
Frequently Asked Questions
We require a minimum of 6 months of customer-facing experience. This could be in retail, hospitality, a previous contact centre role, or even in a voluntary capacity. The key skills we look for are excellent communication, problem-solving, and a positive, resilient attitude. Full training on the client's specific systems and processes will be provided.
This is initially a temporary assignment, but our client frequently uses these placements as a temp-to-perm pipeline. For candidates who perform well, demonstrate reliability, and fit the company culture, there is a strong possibility of being offered a permanent contract after a qualifying period. We discuss this pathway in our guide on finding jobs through temp agencies.
The contact centre operates between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Sunday. You will work a rotating shift pattern of 37.5 hours per week, which will include some weekend days. Your specific pattern will be provided well in advance. Flexibility is a key requirement, but we and the client aim to be as accommodating as possible with advance notice.
Absolutely. As a full-service temporary staffing agency, we recruit for a huge variety of roles across the North East. Whether you're a skilled Payroll Administrator, a Phlebotomist seeking work in healthcare, or a Labourer / General Operative looking for construction work, registering with us gives you access to our entire network. Explore all our current vacancies on our All Jobs page.
Other Immediate Start Roles in Gateshead & Surrounding Areas
Staff Direct is currently filling multiple urgent positions across the region. Browse similar opportunities below.
| Job Title | Location | Pay Rate | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inbound Customer Service Advisor | Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 | £12.50 p/h | Apply |
| Contact Centre Team Leader | Gateshead NE10 | £14.50 p/h | Apply |
| Administrative Assistant (Office Based) | Washington NE38 | £12.50 p/h | Apply |
| Retail Customer Service Assistant | Metrocentre, Gateshead | £12.90 p/h | Apply |
| Healthcare Call Handler | Sunderland SR5 | £12.25 p/h | Apply |
Pay rates are indicative and subject to experience, shift pattern, and specific client requirements. For the most comprehensive list, visit our UK job opportunities portal.
Start Your New Role in Gateshead Next Week
Don't let this opportunity pass you by. This Customer Service Advisor / Contact-Centre Advisor role is interviewing now and will be filled quickly. Take the first step towards a rewarding position with weekly pay and career potential.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Staff Direct
Your trusted local recruitment and temporary staffing agency for Gateshead NE11 and the wider North East region. Connecting talented people with great businesses.
For employers, discover our efficient recruitment and staffing solutions.
Contact Details
Phone: +44 (0)2036275550
Email: [email protected]
Location: Serving Gateshead NE11 & Surrounding Areas
© Staff Direct. An equal-opportunities recruitment agency. All rights reserved.
Inside the Gateshead NE11 Contact Centre Environment
Many candidates ask what working in a modern customer service team really feels like. In this Gateshead NE11 contact centre, advisors typically work in a calm, well-organised floor plan where technology, teamwork, and customer care come together. The atmosphere is professional but supportive, with supervisors nearby, clear performance dashboards, and a culture that rewards patience, accuracy, and consistent service quality.
What the Working Environment Is Really Like
Advisors usually have a dedicated workstation with dual screens, a comfortable headset, and access to internal knowledge bases. Rather than simply reading scripts, you will be trained to understand the client’s products, policies, and customer journeys. This allows you to answer questions naturally, reduce repeat contacts, and create a smoother experience for every caller.
- Team collaboration: Advisors often sit in small pods, making it easy to ask questions, share updates, and learn from more experienced colleagues.
- Structured coaching: Regular one-to-one coaching helps you improve call quality, reduce handling time, and build confidence with complex enquiries.
- Performance visibility: You will usually have access to clear metrics such as customer satisfaction, first-contact resolution, adherence, and quality scores.
- Customer-centred problem solving: The best advisors are not just polite — they are proactive, curious, and able to guide customers to a practical solution quickly.
For someone who enjoys communication, routine, and measurable improvement, this environment can be highly satisfying. You will often have clear targets, regular feedback, and visible progress, which can make the role feel rewarding rather than repetitive.
Workload Expectations, Quality Standards, and Daily Support
A temporary contact-centre role is not just about answering calls. Employers look for advisors who can maintain quality while working to operational targets. For this Gateshead NE11 opportunity, you will be expected to balance speed, accuracy, empathy, and compliance across every customer interaction.
Average Handling Time
You will learn to resolve enquiries efficiently without rushing the customer. Good advisors know how to control the call, ask relevant questions, and avoid unnecessary hold time.
Customer Satisfaction
Clients often survey customers after interactions. This means tone, clarity, and follow-up matter just as much as technical accuracy.
First-Contact Resolution
The goal is to solve the customer’s issue during the first interaction wherever possible. Strong product knowledge and confident decision-making help you achieve this.
Quality Assurance
Calls and chats are often reviewed against clear criteria such as greeting, empathy, compliance, solution accuracy, and professional close.
How Staff Direct Helps You Prepare
Before your first shift, our team will make sure you understand what the client expects on a day-to-day basis. That includes explaining shift timings, dress code expectations, break arrangements, system access, and how to ask for help if you are unsure. We also provide practical advice on how to manage difficult customers, how to take notes efficiently, and how to keep your composure during busy periods.
If you have worked in retail, hospitality, administration, or healthcare, you may already have transferable skills that make this role easier to learn. Our consultants can help you present that experience in a way that appeals to the hiring manager, highlighting communication, resilience, multitasking, and attention to detail.
Our Candidate Promise
- • Clear information before you apply
- • Honest advice about shift patterns
- • Support with right-to-work checks
- • Regular contact after you start
Career Progression from This Contact-Centre Role
This position is not just a short-term job. For the right candidate, it can become a stepping stone into longer-term customer service, operations, leadership, or specialist support roles. Many clients in the North East use contact-centre placements as a way to identify dependable, coachable talent for future permanent vacancies.
Possible Next Steps After a Successful Assignment
Permanent Customer Advisor
After proving reliability and strong service quality, you may be offered a direct permanent contract with the client.
Team Leader or Supervisor
If you demonstrate leadership qualities, you could progress into coaching, scheduling, or floor supervision.
Specialist Support Roles
Strong performers may move into billing, complaints, retention, technical support, or quality assurance.
Office Administration
If you prefer backend work, this role can also lead to general office support, data entry, or payroll administration.
Skills You Will Build
Even if you stay in the role for only a few weeks, you will gain valuable experience that strengthens your CV across many sectors.
- Confident telephone etiquette
- CRM and order management system literacy
- Written professionalism for email and chat
- Time management under pressure
- Compliance and data protection awareness
- Commercial awareness through upselling
Case Study: From Temporary Contact Centre to Permanent Team Leader
A recent Staff Direct candidate applied for a temporary customer service role in the Gateshead area after working in retail. Although they had no formal contact-centre experience, they had strong communication skills, a calm telephone manner, and excellent attendance. After a fast-track registration process, they started within a few days and quickly adapted to the client’s systems.
During the first few weeks, they focused on three things: learning the product knowledge, improving first-contact resolution, and building trust with their team leader. They asked questions, accepted feedback, and consistently met quality targets. Because of their reliability and positive attitude, the client offered them a permanent position after the qualifying period.
A further six months later, they were promoted into a team leader role, where they now coach new advisors, monitor performance, and help manage daily workflow. This case study shows how a temporary role can become a serious career opportunity when you choose the right recruitment partner and the right employer.
How to Prepare for Your Interview
Because this role is urgent, candidates who prepare well often move quickly to the next stage. The interview is usually practical rather than overly formal. The main goal is to understand how you communicate, how you handle pressure, and whether you would fit into a customer-focused team.
Common Interview Questions
“Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.”
Focus on staying calm, listening carefully, acknowledging the issue, and finding a fair solution. Avoid blaming the customer.
“How do you manage your time when you have several tasks?”
Give a practical example from retail, hospitality, admin, or care work. Mention prioritisation, clear notes, and asking for help when needed.
“Why are you interested in this Gateshead role?”
Highlight the immediate start, weekly pay, local location, training, and the opportunity to build customer service experience.
“Are you comfortable working rotating shifts?”
Be honest. If you are flexible, explain why. If there are limitations, state them clearly so the consultant can advise you accurately.
Top Tips for Success
- Have your full work history ready, including short temporary roles.
- Prepare two examples of excellent service you have given.
- Mention any CRM, till, booking system, or email experience.
- Be ready to confirm your availability for an immediate start.
- Ask about training, shift patterns, and performance expectations.
Remember: Employers often hire for attitude and train for skills. If you are polite, reliable, and willing to learn, you can stand out quickly.
Practical Considerations for Working in Gateshead NE11
Commute, Convenience, and Daily Routine
Gateshead NE11 is well positioned for candidates living across the North East, including Gateshead, Newcastle, South Shields, Sunderland, and Washington. For many applicants, a temporary role with weekly pay is attractive because it offers financial stability while they search for their next step. The area is also convenient for candidates who want to balance work with family commitments, study, or part-time responsibilities.
If you are working rotating shifts, planning your commute in advance can make the role much easier to sustain. Early starts may require a different travel routine than late finishes, and weekend shifts can affect childcare or household arrangements. Our consultants can help you understand realistic shift expectations before you commit, so there are no surprises after you start.
Best Suited For
- • Candidates wanting immediate work
- • People seeking weekly pay
- • Applicants wanting local office-based roles
- • Those building customer service experience
Good to Know
- • Shifts may rotate across weekdays and weekends
- • On-site working is required
- • Training is provided
- • Attendance is closely monitored
Why This Role Is Worth Considering Right Now
Immediate Income
For candidates needing work quickly, weekly pay through a trusted agency can make a real difference. It offers more financial predictability than many casual or ad-hoc roles.
Low Barrier to Entry
You do not need a degree or years of contact-centre experience. If you have transferable skills and a strong attitude, you can still be a competitive applicant.
Employer Exposure
Working inside a well-known business gives you visibility with a major employer. Strong performance can lead to references, permanent offers, and future opportunities.
Training Included
You will not be expected to know everything on day one. Structured training helps you learn systems, policies, and customer service standards quickly.
CV Enhancement
Even a short assignment adds valuable experience. It shows future employers that you can handle communication, compliance, teamwork, and target-driven work.
Agency Support
Staff Direct remains involved after you start. If you have pay queries, scheduling questions, or need advice, you have a named point of contact.
Who This Role Is Ideal For
People who enjoy helping others — if you feel satisfied when a customer’s problem is solved, this role can be very rewarding.
Those who like clear expectations — contact-centre work often provides defined targets, regular feedback, and measurable performance.
Candidates ready to commit — reliability is one of the biggest factors in temporary-to-permanent success.
Ready to Move Fast?
This role is being interviewed urgently. If you are available now and want local contact-centre work with weekly pay, it is worth applying immediately.
Email [email protected] with your CV today.