Team Leader Review

My role is a team leader within Co-op food. On a day to day basis I am a duty manager on shifts, ensuring all daily tasks are completed. This includes stock work, managing staff, completing legal checks, and completing daily processes. Such as product coding, Gap, cash management and food safety checks. This a customer facing role so have constant interaction with the public, and providing excellent customer service for the community

While working at Co-op I have had many opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge. This includes regular internal courses completed on our store tablet, these courses vary from customer service skills, age related sales or how to use a new system put in place I was given the opportunity to take an alcohol license course, and take an exam to become a personal license holder. Started a level 3 management apprenticeship, and have regular development meetings with my store manager to boost my professional and personal skills.

I really enjoy the programme I am completing, as it is giving me new knowledge on business and retail that are vital to know to have a career in this sector. The knowledge I am learning I can put into my work, and help develop staff members which is strengthening my team. This really shows that Co-op really cares about their employees, and creating a positive future. The course has met my expectations, even though its been difficult to do through lockdown

From the beginning of my course we were given an induction to how the course is structured, and what we would be learning. Providing us regular dates to courses I need to attend, as well as extra courses I can do by choice. I have had support whenever I needed it from my tutor, who have provided me with training and resources to help with my work. Having regular meetings, to discuss my progress and what the next tasks and goals are. As well as a personal tutor I have been able to get help and support from different course directors, who can help with specific research

From the start of my course I have had the full support from my store manager, who has been my main mentor throughout. training and developing me with all the knowledge she has. If I get stuck on an assignment, my manager will look through it and guide me to the best place to get the information I need. Also my area manager and other store managers have been helpful, discussing different business area's so to help my understanding

My tutor is always there to support me, through email, phone call or meetings. I can get support with assignments, work life, personal life and mental health support. She has been able to guide me into the right direction to find a solution to any problems I have had. Which I am grateful for. always get treated with respect, appreciation and a positive attitude.

The qualification I am completing is based around retail and food retail, which is what I do on a day to day basis. So doing this has built my understanding and knowledge on all aspects building my confidence My understanding for law and legislations has helped me develop my team on the importance of doing certain tasks correctly, and what the consequences would be to them as well as the business. The courses on communication has really helped me with my confidence issues, and I can now communicate with different methods. Communication is key to building a strong team. I know so much more about my industry and the different aspects involved

Within Co-op there are always extra-curricular to get involved with. Events throughout the year, which you can attend virtually from home to conferences in London. Every month I attend remote networking to talk and discuss any topic with like minded people We often do fundraising to raise money for local communities, and for MIND. We try and get as many people involved as it really creates a community spirit.

Yes

The co-op is a company that really care's for its members, its community and its colleagues. They provide you with a number of opportunities to personally develop yourself and build a career that really matters. As a colleague at Co-op you will always have help and support no matter what you are going through, and will always do what's best for you. Also you get brilliant benefits, including staff discount and double discount weekends

Before applying to the co-op I would really research the business and the things that have been achieved, to really build your own knowledge and the positive things co-op represents. In an interview, always be yourself and show who you are and what you have to bring to the company. Discuss communities, charities and ways you like to give back to the community. Talk about experiences and opportunities you have had in the past, as well as what you want to have the opportunity to do.