Profiles
"Over three years I've worked in a variety of business areas."
Charlie
Customer
Analysis
Programme
Claire
Store Director - Extra Format
BSc Economics and Sociology, Loughborough University
Joined Tesco 1996
After graduating I looked for a graduate programme that would give me the opportunity to face new challenges and experiences every day. The Tesco programme appealed because it offered the early responsibility and autonomy to make my own decisions that I was looking for.
I quickly moved into a Trading Manager position in one of our biggest shops and then managed five different stores. One of the challenges I faced was acting quickly when the electricity went off - the checkouts failed and the fridges and freezers switched off! Having to make the call on what to do next in such pressurised situations is what I thrived on.
The best thing about working with and managing such large store teams is seeing people develop. It's great to be able to spot talented people and help them towards a promotion or move onto another role. Giving people the confidence and skills they need to succeed is very rewarding.
After developing my own leadership skills in store, I moved to Head Office to head up the Resourcing Team for stores and distribution. This involved ensuring that our stores and distribution sites have the right people in the right roles, and that these people have the opportunity to further their careers with Tesco. This role broadened my skills and knowledge and also helped me understand the complexities of our stores from a different perspective.
Recently I was promoted to Stores Director. In this role I lead a group of stores and develop the capability of our Store Managers, oversee the performance of stores, meet Key Performance Indicators and drive standards to meet the needs of my customers. After several months in the role, I feel both challenged and rewarded, knowing my experience has really helped make a difference.
I now head up the Resourcing Team for stores and distribution. This involves ensuring that our stores and distribution sites have the right people in the right roles, and that these people have the opportunity to further their careers with Tesco. I moved into this role to broaden my skills and knowledge of our business - it's helped me understand the complexities of our stores from a different perspective.
As for the future - my main aim is to do the very best at whatever it is I'm doing. This should hopefully lead me up the corporate ladder to a director role. I think that as long as you're not scared of a bit of hard work, and you have the determination and will to succeed, you'll go far at Tesco.