Business Development, Director Review

I manage a team of 7 individuals who look after a variety of operational and digital services and products, that support our broader Site Operations organisaitons. This includes Business Continuity Planning, Admin and Finance support, Sensor deployment and Service Management, as well as KPI and SLA tracking of our supplier service delivery.

Absolutely. The digital space is rapidly evolving, and we are fortunate enough to be in a position to deploy some of the leading capabilities that will help us to improve the way our services are delivered and how we operate as a function. The Digital and Solutions apprenticeship on the IT consultancy pathway has been fundamental to ensure I can talk the talk with our IT colleagues and communicate activities back with the business.

A number of the modules directly relate to systems and solutions we employ today - so the course has helped to inject new ideas and benchmark against other ways of approaching tasks - this is enjoyable as it feels relevant and familiar, and you can see a direct impact from the learning provided. Some other modules (e.g. coding) are new, which presents opportunities to do something different, interesting and challenging.

Generally, very well organised. There is a clear, holistic structure provided at the beginning of the course, and each module is well structured and easy to follow. The only feedback I would have is some modules provide a better walk through than others, i.e. in some coding modules, guidance around whether you are being asked/expected to code along or simply watch and listen would be useful - otherwise you can find yourself down a few rabbit holes that are not actually required and could better use the time.

I receive plenty of support from my employer - they are fully bought into the benefits of the programme (both functionally and on a personal level), however, the onus on finding and protecting suitable time is ultimately up to the individual, which can prove challenging at certain times throughout the year.

I receive plenty of support from my training provider. Whenever further guidance and/or training is required, or I have issues with health or conflicting demands, support has always been provided. Naturally, the quality of the mentors does vary from module to module.

It is undoubtedly beneficial and is pushing my level of knowledge and technical skills, that are 80%+ relevant to my day to day role. The ~20% of tasks that are not related are still beneficial and challenge the status quo.

There are lots. Personally, I am not as actively involved as I have been with AZ for 6+ years and these happen locally within our functional area.

Yes

The core business values are a good balance of performance and respect for the individuals - ie. you need to deliver, but generous flexibility on how to deliver provided (e.g. school pick ups).

Make sure you are applying for a role that resonates with you. A genuine passion and desire for the role is paramount - both at the interview stage and for ongoing success.