Premier Market Relationship Manager Review

My role is to support the Barclays Premier customers in North Cumbria. These are clients that have a min of £75k income or £100k of savings with the bank. My role is to act as their one point of call, should they need any support with their banking, as well as contacting them proactively about things they may be interested in. My role also has me involved with the local branch teams, support and coaching my colleagues within these branches about Premier and lending mainly.

I have learnt the importance of individuals. Previous to the start of this programme I would coach as a group, running presentations with all colleagues at the same time. However, following modules on this course I note that this method is floored. All my colleagues are different and so I need to connect with them on a personal level to make sure they get the most from any training session. Therefore, I now hold one on one sessions with all colleagues to support them as an individual.

In all honesty, I did not appreciate how much work was going to be involved. I studied a degree when I was 18 and knew a lot of work was entailed then, but as this was being ran alongside my day job I expected the work load to be a lot less. This was not the case and I have practically retaken a full degree alongside a full time job, which makes me feel very proud of what I have achieved. I have very much enjoyed the challenge, although I have not enjoyed it when getting close to deadlines!

I felt the vast majority of the programme was very well run. The lectures were given in plenty of time to be able to complete the work for due assignments and the vast majority of lecturers were great in supporting when any questions were asked over email following study blocks. However, my first tutor did not really give feedback with regards to the apprenticeship side of the portfolio, I did not know how far behind I was until level 6. Also, there was no real guidance on how to write a journal, which would have been helpful too.

Barclays have been fantastic. I have never had any problems with taking study days or being provided with travel to courses etc. Barclays have respected my study and backed me when I needed time away to write assignments. I have had constant communication from the apprenticeship team too, when I needed it.

Anglia Ruskin have been great. The tutors and lecturers that they employ have on the whole been very supportive, with just the odd problem. There was one occasion when a tutor did not answer my email with regards to a piece of work, but that could have been a simple oversight. My first tutor also did not provide enough feedback with regards to my portfolio but Anglia Ruskin stepped in and supported with this, making sure I was back in track.

Very much so. A big part of the study was about leading people as individuals, which I have taken to heart. Speaking with my colleagues individually has definitely seen an improvement in their knowledge and work as a team too. Being able to put theory in to practise and just added to the knowledge I gained.

As a local relationship manager I do attend networking events on a regular basis, as well as setting up my own events for my clients and key business introducers too. Barclays does look to offer further activities to get involved in, but they tend to be in major cities and do not find there way up to Cumbria.

Yes

I have worked at 3 banks in my life time - Barclays, Santander and Lloyds. Since joining Barclays, 7 years ago, I have never felt the need to look anywhere else (unlike when I was at the other 2 places of work). The mind-set is very different, it is about supporting the customer and not about what solutions we can provide them with, which is part of my values. If Barclays ever changed on this mentality, I would look to leave.

Do it!! But be prepared to work hard to gain rewards too. Barclays is very much an inclusive place to work, if you put in the effort you will be recognised for your contributions to the company. You will be part of a team and when one succeeds, the success is shared.