Jane

Store Management

I started with Tesco in September 2006 on the graduate programme, and had nine months in Manchester Metro where I was a Duty Manager which was fantastic. I then had the opportunity to get my own store as Store Manager in Ormskirk, which was absolutely brilliant. And recently I’ve just come out of the Store Management Programme, to go on the Personnel Programme with a view to becoming a Personnel Manager Group for Metros.

My expectations of the graduate programme were that it would be a fully structured programme for two years, for the Metro format. Out of that I’d either be a Store Manager at the end of it or a Personnel Manger Group. It really did; in fact, it really exceeded my expectations to be honest. It allowed me to progress as quickly as I wanted to, which was absolutely fantastic.

I think a career with Tesco you do get surprised by the various aspects, for example I’ve done pieces for the Guardian and other graduate websites which is something I never thought I’d be able to do. But with Tesco the doors are very much open for you, in whichever field that you’re in.

My biggest achievement with Tesco was really getting my own store after nine months, which was a massive, massive achievement I think. My Area Manager really took a chance on me and thankfully it paid off. When you tell your friends and family you’re working for Tesco – I think you get a very mixed reaction. With the people who actually know what I do in store- it’s a positive reaction. But people who don’t really know what I do it’s a bit, hmmmmm, it’s a supermarket – so I don’t think they really understand what’s involved and career opportunities are open to you. I think my next step in Tesco would be to get a good UK grounding and understanding of the UK business and then go on to an international level.