Manx Technology GroupSmart Island
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Foundation Retail Assistant

Part TimePermanentNot specifiedRetail
Posted 15 March 2026Closes 27 April 2026

Job Description

Apply for this role on www.boots.job with the Job Reference: 269506BR. As a Retail Assistant you will be a fundamental part of our Boots Opticians store team, being the first and last person that our customers interact with. Working on the shopfloor you will spend your time building great relationships with customers by listening and understanding their needs to find the right product or service for them. From greeting customers when they arrive in store, being part of the pre-screening activities of an eye-test through to helping our customers find the perfect eyewear solution for them – no two days will be the same. Your role within the team as a Retail Assistant will give you lots of opportunities to develop your knowledge through our industry leading ‘Step Into Optics’ training programme. This programme includes both workshop based learning and practical ‘on the job’ experience. You will also be involved in: Ordering, dispensing and collection of glasses and contact lenses. Supporting with eye-tests and pre-screening activities. Providing aftercare support through repairs and adjustments. Completing operational and administrative tasks associated with dispensing prescriptions. Maintaining shop floor standards. You will be based in store and report to store manager.

Automation Risk

Automation probabilityi55%
AI exposure (AIOE)i68%

This role contains a mix of routine tasks (greeting, order processing, admin) that are increasingly automatable, and augmented tasks (product selection, pre-screening) where AI tools can assist but not fully replace humans. However, key elements such as aftercare, repairs, and relationship-building require real-world presence and empathy, limiting full automation. Overall, there is significant exposure to AI augmentation, especially in customer interaction and administrative processes.

Task analysis

  • Greet customers and ascertain their needs upon entering the store.
  • Assist customers in selecting eyewear and optical products based on their preferences and prescriptions.
  • Support pre-screening activities for eye-tests, such as preparing equipment and guiding customers.
  • Order, dispense, and facilitate collection of glasses and contact lenses.
  • Provide aftercare support, including minor repairs and adjustments to eyewear.
  • Complete operational and administrative tasks related to dispensing prescriptions.
  • Maintain shop floor standards, including merchandising and cleanliness.
  • Build relationships with customers to encourage repeat business and positive experiences.

Automatable AI-assisted Human-only

Occupational Classification

✨ Bright Outlook🇬🇧 Not visa eligible
UK SOC2020: 7111Sales and Retail Assistants
O*NET: 41-2031.00 Retail Salespersons
AI analysis: 16 March 2026

UK Salary Benchmark

Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles · ONS ASHE 2024 annual earnings

scale £30k
UK sector median
£20,592
UK sector mean
£24,588
£0£8k£15k£23k

👤 For Candidates

AI & future-of-work guidance

🤖 Enhance with AI

  • Leverage AI chatbots for initial customer queries
  • Use digital tools for inventory and order tracking
  • Apply AI-assisted product recommendations for upselling

📈 Disruption outlook

15%1 yr
35%5 yrs
60%10 yrs

% risk of significant disruption

🎓 Learn now

📚 For full-time, part-time & evening courses on the Isle of Man, visit University College Isle of Man (UCM)

🏢 For Employers

Strategic hiring options & technology alternatives

🔄 Alternatives

💻 TechnologySelf-service kiosks

Automate order processing and payments

🤖 AI AgentVirtual customer assistant

Handle routine queries and product info

🔀 RestructureHybrid staffing model

Combine AI tools with human interaction

Recommendation

🔀 Hybrid approach

AI can augment routine tasks but human empathy remains essential

Microsoft Copilot & M365

Copilot for Excel

Streamline inventory and order tracking

Power Automate

Automate routine admin and dispensing tasks

Copilot for Teams

Enhance team communication and customer follow-up

Key Skills

Customer and Personal ServiceAdvancedActive ListeningAdvancedAttention to DetailIntermediateTeamworkIntermediateTime ManagementIntermediateAdministration and ManagementBeginnerSales and MarketingBeginnerService OrientationAdvancedQuality Control AnalysisBeginnerOptical DispensingBeginner

Knowledge Areas

Customer Relationship ManagementSales and Commercial SupportHealthcare OperationsReporting and DocumentationOffice AdministrationRetail OperationsConfidentiality and Data Protection

O*NET Competency Skills

PersuasionActive ListeningService OrientationSpeakingNegotiationSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingActive LearningCoordinationMonitoringReading ComprehensionTime ManagementWriting

Alternative Career Paths

Optical Dispenser90% match

Specializes in fitting and dispensing eyewear and contact lenses, with deeper technical and product knowledge.

Retail Supervisor80% match

Leads a retail team, overseeing store operations and customer service standards.

Healthcare Assistant65% match

Supports clinical staff in healthcare settings, focusing on patient care and administrative duties.

Customer Service Advisor75% match

Handles customer inquiries and support across various channels in retail or service industries.

Also Consider

🔥 Hot Technologies

In-demand tools for this occupation (O*NET)

Microsoft AccessGoogle DocsMicrosoft WordAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopApple macOSMicrosoft Windows

Work Activities

General work activities from O*NET

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  • Selling or Influencing Others
  • Getting Information
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  • Working with Computers
  • Handling and Moving Objects
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  • Processing Information

Anthropic Economic Index

Real-world AI adoption data from millions of Claude conversations · Dataset ↗

CC-BY Research

Observed Claude Usage

32%

of conversations

Classic Auto. Risk

92%

Frey & Osborne

Job Zone

2/5

Some prep

O*NET Median Salary

£19k

US ref. $24k · fx 0.79

Occupational family: Sales and Related

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