Commercial Manager Review

I work as part of a small team specialising in Public Sector Framework contract management. The job involves contract analysis, regular and ad-hoc report creation using a variety of Microsoft Office applications, as well as communication with the wider Vodafone legal, Finance and other operational teams. My role is also to ensure we meet our statutory obligations when operating on Public Sector Framework agreements.

We have had to develop better working remotely skills over the recent years, using Microsoft Teams for example has become the normal for collaboration. As part of the Data Scientist Apprentice programme, I have developed SQL and Python skills and have utilised them as far as is practically possible in my routine work tasks. I have also gained a greater understanding of how data at work is structured and how the data and insights team can assist me.

I have enjoyed learning new skills and developing myself in a new direction. As someone who already has a professional qualification and has not actively studied anything this new for some time, it was enjoyable to learn new things and collaborate with others, especially during the hackathon sessions. Learning and studying was a challenge along with the day job and family life.

As the course stated at the start of the pandemic we had to quickly switch to remote learning. I felt this worked well although some other students were not so keen to learn remotely. The programme was very well structured with a very good online resource in the from of the BUD platform. Workload was manageable and it was clear what the course and submission schedules looked like, so planning could be undertaken.

My Employer and line manager at the time were both excellent. I was given time to complete coursework, on average one day a week was spent on the course. My laptop build was configured with the correct software and and issues were resolved quickly. I am sure more support would have been given if requested.

The training provider has been excellent with high quality on-line content, plenty of additional content to explore, and access to a mentor as and when needed. The various hackathons were an intensive day of problem solving, collaboration and presentation. They were invariably a lot of fun with a lot of learning and valuable experience.

The skills and understanding will certainly help in my day to day role. Although I am not yet in a role where the skills are most suited, the knowledge gained is useful when requesting insight and data support, as I am better able to articulate my requirements. The area is one that is developing at pace within the company.

Vodafone has a number of social activities I could take part in if and when able. There are a number of societies, teams and clubs and the in-house social network (Workplace) allows access to all of these opportunities. Vodafone supports charitable activities and totally encourages employees to play their part. you can do as much or as little as you like!

Yes

Vodafone as a very large organisation offers its staff excellent opportunities for job mobility and development. Many people I have met have moved around roles over their time there to develop further, and all are very positive about the experience. not getting bored in a role is one of the keys to a successful career and Vodafone very much offers options to those that wish to seek and take them. Policies and benefits are also class leading for many reasons, paternity/maternity/adoption and bereavement, for example. The ability to work remotely is also very good and the options around home/office/hybrid working are very much class leading.

Preparation of a good quality CV is important. Consider what your strengths and weaknesses are and how you can make sure your skills match the requirements of the role being applied for. There are many opportunities advertised at any time and trying to make yourself stand out can be a challenge.