Assistant Store Manager Review

I work as an Assistant Store Manager for one of the branches of our company. My day to day role involves overseeing the daily operations of the store, as well as managing the performance and development of a team varying in size from 15 to over 30 people at peak time. The store is in a busy travel location, which involves some extra duties compared to the main store, related to the safety of our customers and teams.

Even though the apprenticeship was largely based on what I am doing on the daily basis, it allowed me to develop some of my existing skills, as well as going more in depth in some aspects (for example, a better understanding of the work of the marketing team, as even if I am involved in communications with the marketing team, this not being my department, I had only a vague understanding of everything the marketing team covers). It was also a great opportunity to reach out to colleagues from other departments to understand more the essence of their role. I really enjoyed learning about different theories, which allowed me to analyse my own work, and ensure I adapt it.

I really enjoy the programme, and all the tools provided. I find my tutor very supportive and understanding, which makes studying a delight. The tools provided are varied, and allow to gain better understanding of certain aspects of my role and their importance. The only downside is not having enough support from my mentor on the company side. At my level it is often difficult to take the assigned time during my working hours to work on the apprenticeship, so all work ends up being done on my free time.

Te programme is very well structured, and strangely enough each module seemed to correspond with what was happening in the company at the time (at the time of the recruitment module, we were recruiting, stock management module fell right around the time of our stock-take). So this allowed to have real life examples for my assignments, and test out the theories I was learning about.

I can't say that I have received massive amounts of support from my employer, and often it was difficult to make understand how much mental space and work the apprenticeship requires. My mentor at work has undergone an apprenticeship as well in the past, so I was hoping they would be more supportive and have more contact with my tutor.

My training provider was an absolute star: very supportive, encouraging and understanding of certain challenges I was undergoing, allowing me at times to re-schedule the sessions, due to the needs of the business. They gave me valuable tools to work towards my qualifications. I must admit that because the signing up process took longer than expected, I wasn't entirely sure I still wanted to do the apprenticeship, but when I had my first meeting with Lauren, all my doubts vanished, as she is so bubbly and supportive!

I think my apprenticeship programme gave me some valuable tools allowing me to excel at my role. I got to learn more in depth about every aspect of my role, and had the chance to analyse my performance and apply in real time what I was learning. The new tools I have acquired are invaluable to me.

They are, but not really in my case, as I work for a satellite branch away from the flagship store, and our working hours are not allowing to organise much activities. On top of that, the Covid-19 pandemic meant that the only company wide events were cancelled. During the first lockdown, the management team I am part of worked on organizing some activities for our team over zoom, such as quizzes.

Yes

It is a great company to work for, rich with History. The products are well curated, and the teams are truly enthusiastic about what they are doing. Moreover, over the past couple of years, more effort has been undertaken to develop teams, and recognizing talent within the company, and allowing them to flourish.

I would advise them to apply if they are keen to learn, curious about food and history. I would advise them to be themselves, as we do have many different personalities within the company, and this is what makes us so special. I would advise to be result driven, and thrive to be the best versions of themselves in order to deliver the best service possible.