Team Manager Review

I am currently a seconded manager, which means I'm a temporary manager until my training is complete. My role entails the running of a store from managing the team, meeting kpi's and making sure we are safe and legal. The role is not an easy role and it takes a lot of skill to make a successful store and a happy team.

I have learnt how to manage myself and also how important it is to plan your time and to make sure your team knows the plan. The most important thing I have learned is reflection, learning that making mistakes is okay as long as you learn from them. Also learning to make the team lead as much as I do.

The programme itself is good. I feel it would benefit a relatively new employee to the company. Some of it was very basic and I had to use my initiative to teach staff instead of myself. The major downside was not being told at the start what the end point assessment would be as some find presentations very daunting.

I think being chosen by the Coop to do the apprenticeship makes you feel instantly valued, and I have to say that everyone I mention to that I'm on the apprenticeship seem to instantly give me more respect. Coop have always treated there employees well and help us to develop ourselves for the business

I am on one of the first waves of the programme and quite honestly it started off a bit of a shambles, I was given an iPad and no tutor. I got the iPad home with no clue how to get on the modules. It has got much better since then and I have regular reviews, WebEx or face to face sessions although I am on my 5th coach

As much as I need, I haven't really had to use my coaches too much but they always say they are there if I need them. The face to face sessions are great and I get a lot of experience from them. The WebEx is ok and a good way to make sure I'm on the right track. All my coaches have been lovely if just had quite a few.

Again as much as I need. They always check that I am using my hours. My old manger that I had when I started this apprenticeship was brilliant and took the time to sit down with me and make sure I was on the right path. Since being promoted it has been a lot harder to manage my time but now I've settled I find it easier.

The iPad has definitely been a great help and without it I would definitely have struggled. With fuel and parking costa they have come out of my own pocket. It has never been explaines to me the way we could claim for these. My old manager put them through as petty cash the once for me but ever since I have had to pay.

There are lots of opportunities with Coop to work within your local community and you are given two paid days a year to help with this. I've had opportunities to work with some field managers and to also network with different stores and see how other managers do things. There are also the face to face sessions that we go to.

Yes

Coop has very good ethical values and won't do anything that breaks this. They will break a trend if it doesn't fall in with there beliefs and it matters to their communities. They have always looked after me as an employee and with a bit of pushing I have been able to progress myself through the ranks and I have hope that I could go further

If anyone wants to join make sure your not in it just for the money as the Coop is more than that. We are convenience and in every local community. We try to be more than a shop and part of the community. It's hard work but if you do it right the personal rewards are good. I would research Coop and see exactly what it is that makes us different to every other retailer.