Senior Propositions Manager Review

Senior Propositions Manager, Families Community Segment @ Barclays. My role includes being the segment lead for Community Families customers. My team are the voice of these customers and work closely with product and channel teams to ensure we optimise their experience for their customer needs. I graduated from the programme in 2014 and have several roles since then before taking on my new role earlier this year.

Over the course of the programme I was able to build a good level of understanding of how a corporate business operates and how it judges performance. This experience has lead me to have a promising career to date, a good network of contacts across the business as well as project and product experience

I enjoyed the ability to rotate into different areas of the business. I would have liked more opportunity to learn, in a formal sense, elements of product development and customer experience. I would say however that I graduated in 2014 so the programme has moved on a lot since then.

There are multiple recognition platforms across the Bank, each area's level of focus differs somewhat. In a previous team I felt hugely valued as there were opportunities for recognition. In my current role I would say I don't feel as valued because of the difference in focus, however I don't feel completely un-valued

Whilst I was on the programme it felt relatively unstructured. We had a large amount of autonomy to drive and develop a path that we wanted to.

We had a great initial introduction in the bank to learn more before we formally started our roles. Beyond that we attended the standard training offered by Barclays too get us ready for Branch based roles. Barclays does have a MyLearning platform where you can find training (accessed via many channels) however it is hard to find the time to 1) research training, 2) attend/complete them

On the programme we were allowed 0.5 days off per week to allow us to complete our study. I was able to agree with my manager to take a full day off every other week to help me maximise my study time which worked really well. Where support was needed from internal colleagues to complete assignments, I received great engagement and help in sourcing the right information.

In 2012 when I first started the programme the salary was much lower than it was today (£12k), and being based in London meant I struggled to cover the cost of living. However they have increased the salary now and it aligns to the right pay grade within the bank

This is completely dependent on which area of the business you work within so isn't consistent. Some teams run offsites to help plan activity and build strategy which helps build teams and can also include fun activities. Beyond that it depends on how social your immediate team is, and if 'fun at work' is sponsored by senior leadership

Yes

Overall it provides a great start by having a scheme to introduce people into their first step onto the career ladder. The attitude within the business is extremely supportive of new talent and developing skills.

Make sure you thoroughly research what's happening with the Bank, any new products and be aware of external factors e.g. competitors and legislation. On the day of any interview/assessment always ensure you've had a good nights sleep and eaten well to give you maximum energy, so you come across as your best self. Barclays is looking for good energy, creativity and challenging thinking. If successful, you must also be prepared to make your own path by networking and shadowing to maximise the amount of experience you can gain whilst on the programme.