Space and Branch Planning Manager Review

by Matalan

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

As an integral part of the Trading Team I lead the Stock Placement & Branch Merchandising/ Space Planning Teams as part of the Central Planning support function across our key stakeholders - Trading Teams, Logistics, and Retail. Our objective is to drive optimisation of the customer offer, sales, availability, and profitability of all product areas, and play a part in delivering the Financial KPI’s. I ensure all parts of the team are focussed on actions to achieve optimal profitability throughout our products lifecycle, are commercially and accurately driven in line with critical dates.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I'm now 5 months into my apprenticeship, the best part so far have been the content of the live workshops, I've gleaned so much from some of the theoretical background and how that then impacts the approach or how you react in certain situations. Self Awareness and the role emotions play really resonated with me, being aware of how you react in challenging situations, the triggers has really helped me to change the way I react

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

love interaction on the live sessions, networking with other delegates to get a viewpoint on their challanges

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

online Bud system has a full suite of content for each topic, there is a knowledge overview which is great pre a session and supports essay writing. Also links to online podcasts etc, I have regular catch ups with my coach, who is a great support and gives me regular feedback

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My line manager is great, I also have quarterly catch ups with other apprentices across the business. They did a networking lunch with senior leaders for the launch which allowed a face to face with other Matalan employees doing the course. I block time out to make sure I can have dedicated time to my apprenticeship.

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

My coach puts in monthly catch ups with me and then me and my line manager. She is always available via email, also sets reminders on pre learning etc. As I said before the BUD system has a whole breadth of content that I can draw from

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Confidence is the biggest impact. Ability to use my new skills to apply in my day to day job role, but also coach my immediate team on some of the aspects of my learning

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Not really, although they are going to start a Yoga class

5/10

9a. Would you recommend Matalan to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Great people and knowledge and skills Ive learned along my career journey. Its so rewarding making a real difference - being empowered to have a view and take positive actions to grow sales and margin

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Matalan?

Be authentic, stay true to who you are and you'll go far